Choosing a toilet seat is one of the major decisions you will make when designing your bathroom. It not only needs to be durable and comfortable, but it should also complement the rest of the room on a visual level.
A wooden toilet seat is a traditional option that is perfect for an old-fashioned bathroom or any home where you want to create a warm or rustic mood. With multiple wood materials to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start looking.
To help you find your ideal model, we have reviewed five of the best wooden toilet seats that are currently available. We chose these models for their type of wood, shape, ease of installation, and extra features such as slow-close lids.
- Enameled wood
- Simple four-step installation
- Various classic colors
- Slow close lid
- Holds up to 440 pounds
- Adjustable length
- Bamboo material
- Luxurious appearance
- Nickel hinges
- Natural wooden appearance
- Brass hardware
- Matching accessories available
- Warm brown color
- Reputable brand
- Wood veneer
The Best Wooden Toilet Seats of 2024
Wooden toilet seats are no longer as widespread as plastic seats but you will still have plenty of options to choose from. To help you find the best wooden toilet seats you can buy today, we looked closely at their shape, material, how easily they are installed, and extra features such as a slow-close lid.
Bemis Toilet Seat with Easy Clean
Most User-Friendly Wooden Toilet Seat
If you want to perform the installation yourself, this Bemis toilet seat makes the process very simple. It is also durable, stylish, and easy to clean, as it is made of tough enameled wood.
The enamel finish protects it against moisture and prevents mold and mildew from getting into the wood and staining it. This avoids the most common problem with standard wooden seats.
This seat is available in multiple classic finishes, including cotton, silver, and ice gray. It is designed to fit rounded toilet bowls and has a slight inward incline that makes it more comfortable to sit on.
What We Like
Enameled Wood
This seat is made of wood and coated with a layer of enamel, significantly increasing its lifespan and durability (1). The outer layer shields it against moisture, preventing the formation of mold and mildew.
This also greatly reduces the risk of chips and scratches. Enamel provides a smooth, glossy finish that makes your seat much quicker and easier to clean.
User-Friendly
This seat doesn’t follow a standard installation process but it is very straightforward:
- Tighten: Fix the bolts both above and below the dedicated holes.
- Unlock the hinges: Turn the attached hinges to the left.
- Place the seat: Position the seat over the bolts and move it into place.
- Lock the seat: Turn the hinges clockwise to secure it.
The package includes two bolts and two knots. If you have a standard screwdriver, you will have everything you need to install your new toilet seat.
Various Colors
This seat is available in a variety of classic colors to ensure it will complement the majority of modern bathrooms. You can choose from almond, cotton, silver, ice grey, and many others. The hinges will match the finish of the seat for a uniform appearance.
What We Don't Like
Plastic Hinges
The hinges and bolts are made of plastic. Although this means they are rust-resistant, they are also considerably less durable than their metal counterparts.
Use Mild Detergents
Some reviewers have accidentally damaged the surface of their toilet seat by using abrasive cleaning products. Only use soap and mild detergents, as these will remove dirt and bacteria very effectively.
Product Specs
| Bowl Shape | Round |
| Hinge Material | Plastic |
| Seat Material | Enameled wood |
| Color | Various |
| Dimensions | 16.09 x 14.04 x 2 inches |
Our Ratings
Sanilo Round Slow Close Toilet Seats
Most Fashionable Wooden Toilet Seat
This Sanilo toilet seat will add a very individual touch to your bathroom, with a huge variety of different designs to choose from. It is intended for rounded toilet bowls and includes all the fittings you need to install it.
In addition to its obvious visual appeal, this seat is also tough and durable. Thanks to its molded wood body and sturdy hinges, it is suitable for people weighing up to 440 pounds, which is very impressive for a standard seat.
It has a slow-close lid, which is much rarer in a wooden toilet seat than in plastic seats. This is also an even more important feature here, as wooden lids are heavier and can do more damage to your toilet seat or bowl.
What We Like
Slow Close
This is one of the few wooden toilet seats we have seen that features a slow-close lid. If a heavy seat slams onto your toilet bowl, the impact can chip the bowl’s surface, eventually causing cracks. The soft-close feature ensures that the seat closes slowly and gently, so you won’t have to worry about it damaging your toilet.
Creative Designs
If you’re looking for a unique and “wow” design, one that can make your guests smile, this seat might pique your interest. With 38 different models available, one should fit your taste and your toilet style. Choose between classic, modern, gothic, cute, or scenery designs.
High Quality
This seat is durable enough to be used for many years. Made of molded wood, it is held together by sturdy plastic hinges. The seat is tested to be safe for users weighing up to 440 pounds.
Easy to Install
Everything you need to install the seat is included in the package. The installation process is simple and the seat’s length can be adjusted to between 15.3 and 17.1 inches. Detailed instructions are included to walk you through installing the seat.
What We Don't Like
Poor Quality Hinges
Some reviewers were disappointed by the quality of the plastic hinges. There are reports of them being difficult to tighten, while others have even had their hinges break within a year of buying the seat.
Smaller Than Expected
The hole in the seat is smaller than many users expect. This seems to be a bigger issue for women than for men.
Product Specs
| Bowl Shape | Round |
| Hinge Material | Plastic with metal bolts |
| Seat Material | Molded wood |
| Color | 38 colors and patterns |
| Dimensions | 17.3 x 14.5 x 2 inches |
Our Ratings
Topseat Native Impression Round Toilet Seat
Most Durable Wooden Toilet Seat
This high-quality bamboo seat from Topseat has been made to last. At a 16.5-inch length, it is designed to fit the majority of rounded toilet bowls.
Available in stylish brown bamboo finishes, this seat is an excellent option to achieve a timeless feel in your bathroom without it looking outdated.
It includes everything needed for easy installation — nuts, bolts, and washers. High-quality nickel hinges are also included to ensure a tight and durable fit.
What We Like
Bamboo Material
Since the mid-2000s, bamboo has grown in popularity as a bathroom material. Although it belongs to the grass family, it is usually used in place of wood (2). Hard and durable, bamboo grows far more quickly than trees, making it a very renewable material.
Luxurious Look
Available in shades ranging from medium to dark brown, this seat adds a touch of luxury without looking ostentatious. The nickel hinges are equally suitable for rustic or traditional bathrooms.
The bamboo also combines well with light oak shades, making it a great option if you have wooden bathroom furniture.
High Quality
In addition to its high-quality bamboo material, this seat is held together by nickel hinges, which are sturdy and can resist corrosion and rust (3).
Users praise the overall quality of the product and you should be able to use it for many years. However, if you do encounter any issues, Topseat protects this seat with a three-year warranty.
What We Don't Like
Could Be More Comfortable
Although this model has rounded edges, some reviewers feel its flat surface could be more comfortable. Comments mention numb legs after sitting on the toilet for a while, but this could be an issue with circulation rather than the seat.
Product Specs
| Bowl Shape | Round |
| Hinge Material | Nickel |
| Seat Material | Bamboo |
| Color | Brown — from light to dark shades |
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 14 x 2 inches |
Our Ratings
Design House Honey Oak Finish
Most Traditional Wooden Toilet Seat
This oak toilet seat from Design House will help you achieve a traditional country house style in your bathroom. The rounded shape should fit any toilet bowl that measures 16.9 x 14.6 inches.
Reviewers praise how easy this seat is to install as only one tool is needed to secure it in place. All the necessary equipment and hardware are included in your purchase.
The seat has a smooth, glossy surface, which prevents it from absorbing water and makes it easy to wipe clean with everyday cleaning products.
What We Like
Natural Style
This toilet seat’s traditional wooden appearance gives it a timeless feel. Its vertical lines contribute to the natural, high-end look. The beautiful honey oak finish looks warm and makes it a great match for wooden bathroom furniture.
Durable Material
Your purchase includes high-quality brass hardware that is made to last. The durable copper and zinc alloy hinges are strong and also rust and corrosion-resistant (4).
The oak material is the main reason for the seat’s longevity. Oak is typically very durable and resistant (5). If you do notice any issues with the material or craftsmanship, the manufacturer provides a 12-month warranty.
Matching Accessories
Design House offers an entire bathroom accessory range to create a uniform look throughout. In addition to this toilet seat, you can also buy a paper towel holder, toilet paper holder, toilet ring, and hanging hooks.
What We Don't Like
Toilet Cover Splits
Some customers have reported issues with the oak in this seat splitting. It is best to handle the seat carefully to prevent this. On a positive note, Design House apparently replaces the seat if it is still under warranty, so you should have plenty of time to find out whether your seat is defective.
Lack of Instructions
This toilet seat isn’t very complicated to install but some users still feel it should include more detailed instructions on how to assemble it correctly.
Product Specs
| Bowl Shape | Round |
| Hinge Material | Brass |
| Seat Material | Oak |
| Color | Golden |
| Dimensions | 14.6 x 16.9 x 2.25 inches |
Our Ratings
Mayfair Elongated Toilet Seat in Walnut
Best Elongated Wooden Toilet Seat
The Mayfair toilet seat from Bemis has a deep, rich finish that makes it an excellent match for dark, bold wooden bathroom furniture or accessories. Dark wood is less popular than light wood in bathrooms but it is a great way of making the room feel more modern while still using natural materials.
This seat is specifically designed to fit elongated toilets, so it is ideal if you have a larger toilet bowl. It has chrome hinges and features two bumpers that will protect both the seat and the toilet bowl when the seat is lowered.
What We Like
Warm Color
Although it is also available in a lighter oak color, the darker walnut finish will add some warmth to your bathroom. It will look great whether it is matched with dark bathroom furniture or used to create some contrast in an otherwise light room.
Trusted Brand
Bemis Manufacturing is a respected, family-owned company with more than a century of experience in making toilet seats. Mayfair — a Bemis subsidiary — was launched in the 1950s. The company offers a 12-month warranty on this seat.
Veneer Wood
Rather than a solid piece of wood, this seat is made of wood veneer. Solid wood can look great but it is also heavy and less sustainable (6).
This wood veneer is made by gluing together thin layers of wood, making it lighter while also increasing its strength in comparison to a solid piece.
Available in Various Designs
This toilet seat is available either elongated or rounded, so you should be able to find an option to fit all toilets. Still, measure your toilet bowl carefully to ensure you choose the correct size.
What We Don't Like
Textured Surface
Some users criticized the seat’s textured surface. They found that it traps dirt quickly and is more difficult to clean perfectly than a smooth surface would be.
Product Specs
| Bowl Shape | Elongated and rounded |
| Hinge Material | Chrome |
| Seat Material | Veneer |
| Color | Walnut, natural oak |
| Dimensions | 18.53 x 14.13 x 2.16 inches |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Bowl Shape | Hinge Material | Seat Material | Color | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bemis Toilet Seat | User-Friendly | Round | Plastic | Enameled wood | Various | 16.09 x 14.04 x 2″ |
| Sanilo Slow Close Toilet Seats | Fashionable | Round | Plastic with metal bolts | Molded wood | 38 colors and patterns | 17.3 x 14.5 x 2″ |
| Topseat Native Impression Toilet | Durable | Round | Nickel | Bamboo | Brown shades | 16.5 x 14 x 2″ |
| Design House Honey Oak Finish | Traditional | Round | Brass | Oak | Golden | 14.6 x 16.9 x 2.25″ |
| Mayfair Elongated Toilet Seat | Elongated | Elongated & rounded | Chrome | Veneer | Walnut, natural oak | 18.53 x 14.13 x 2.16″ |
Why Choose a Wooden Toilet Seat?
Plastic and wood are the most popular toilet seat materials. Of the two, plastic is lighter and cheaper, but wood has several advantages of its own:
- Eco-friendly: A wooden toilet seat is far more environmentally-friendly than plastic. Wood is a natural, renewable material and some seats can even be recycled.
- Sturdier: High-quality wooden seats will be able to hold more weight than all but the strongest plastic seats.
- Affordable: Although low-quality plastic seats are cheap, there is far less difference between wooden seats and high-quality plastic pieces.
- Style: Wooden seats are a timeless choice. They bring a touch of natural luxury and warmth (visual and physical) to your bathroom.
- Doesn’t get cold: Unlike plastic seats, a wooden seat will not become unpleasantly cold during the winter months.
Finding the Best Wooden Toilet Seats
Toilet seats might seem like relatively simple things but there are still some key things to consider to help you find the right one for your bathroom.
- Shape: Toilets usually have a similar overall shape but they are sorted into two broad categories: rounded or elongated. Seats are designed for one of these types specifically, so it is important to ensure you choose the appropriate shape if you want it to fit your toilet properly.
- Type of wood: Seats are often made of bamboo, oak, or wood veneer. While oak is the strongest of these, bamboo is also popular thanks to its unique appearance and color. Wood veneer combines several kinds of wood and is a more economical option.
- Quality: Toilet seats are made to last but their hinges are usually less durable. Check the hinge material to ensure your new seat will last as long as possible.
- Easy installation: Most toilet seats have standard fittings but some models have a more complicated installation process. Read customer reviews to get a sense of real-world experiences with installing a product.
- Slow-close: Accidentally slamming a toilet lid is a reliable way to wake your housemates in the middle of the night. More importantly, it can damage the seat, its hinges, or even your bowl. A slow-close feature will prevent the lid from slamming, protecting your toilet.
How to Clean a Wooden Toilet Seat
Each toilet seat might include specific recommendations for which cleaners can be used without damaging it. Generally, it is best to use mild, non-abrasive cleaning products. An everyday detergent or dish soap mixed with water will usually be sufficient to remove any marks or stains without tarnishing the seat’s finish. If you want a natural solution, you can mix baking soda and white vinegar to create a very natural cleaner.
FAQs
Can You Paint a Wood Toilet Seat?
Depending on the finish, it is possible to paint a wooden toilet seat as long as you use the appropriate paint. It is best to use latex paint rather than enamel or spray paint, as the latter paints don’t bond as well with wooden surfaces.
Make sure you clean and sand the surface of the toilet seat before painting it to ensure you achieve a smooth, even coat.
Finally, allow plenty of time for your paint job to dry completely before you use the seat. It is best to leave it overnight or even longer, depending on the humidity levels in your bathroom.
How Long Do Wooden Toilet Seats Last?
Wood is a beautiful, natural, and durable material, but many wooden toilet seats are used for less than five years. Sometimes, this is due to the wood splitting or breaking, but it is often because mold, mildew, and other stains have found their way into the wood, ruining its appearance.
However, some wooden seats can last much longer if they are given the proper maintenance to prevent damage or stains. In most cases, this is a simple case of not using abrasive cleaning products that can remove the protective surface and allow water into the seat.
The longevity of your wooden toilet seat will depend on factors including the type of wood, how well it has been maintained, and whether or not it has been exposed to moisture or humidity.
How Do You Fix a Cracked Wooden Toilet Seat?
If you notice a crack forming in your wooden toilet seat, it is important to address the problem quickly before it gets worse. Depending on the severity of the crack and where it is located, there are several possible methods for dealing with it.
For minor surface cracks, some simple DIY should fix the problem. You can use a small amount of super glue or wood filler to repair the crack.
Larger cracks that extend into the underlying wood might require a more complicated repair process. This typically involves sanding down the affected area and applying one or more layers of wood sealant to ensure that moisture can’t seep into the seat and cause further damage. Epoxy is very helpful when trying to fix a cracked toilet seat.
How Do You Get Urine Smell Out of a Wooden Toilet Seat?
Urine smell is one of the biggest problems that affect a wooden toilet seat and one of the main reasons that it will eventually need to be replaced. One way to remove the urine smell from a wooden toilet seat is to spray the affected area with a commercial urine odor neutralizer, designed to break down the chemical compounds that cause bad smells.
You can also try using an enzymatic stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water to remove the scent. The most effective way to avoid urine odor coming from a wooden toilet seat is to clean it regularly and thoroughly, preventing liquids from being absorbed by the seat.
What Is the Difference Between Wood and Molded Wood Toilet Seats?
Wooden toilet seats are usually crafted from a solid piece of wood that has been cut into a ring shape, whereas molded wood seats are generally made from a combination of resin and wooden flour that is used to form a seat.
Wooden toilet seats often feature dense grain patterns that can be used to match your bathroom’s existing décor or as part of a renovation project.
In contrast, molded wood provides a more uniform appearance, with muted colors that can work well in contemporary or traditional bathrooms.
In terms of cost, molded wood toilet seats are often slightly cheaper than their solid wooden counterparts.
What Is the Best Toilet Seat Material: Wood or Plastic?
Wooden toilet seats offer a classic, functional design that combines well with any bathroom decor, particularly if you want a rustic or traditional style. They are strong and sturdy and can last much longer than a low-quality plastic seat if properly maintained.
Plastic toilet seats are more lightweight and affordable than their wooden counterparts, as well as being very easy to wipe clean as long as they are of decent quality. If you choose a high-quality plastic seat, there isn’t much difference between the two in practical terms, so it is largely a matter of personal preference.
