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Toilet seat sizes can be surprisingly confusing. I learned this through my own home improvement experiences, and now I'm sharing my personal experience of choosing the right toilet seat.
This straight forward guide will cut through the confusion for you providing clear information to help you find the perfect fit.
The Myth of “One Size Fits All”
First, let’s debunk a common misconception about universal standards for toilet seat sizes. While many toilets in the UK share similar dimensions, there are not enough variations to make it essential to measure your existing toilet seat before buying a new replacement.
In the UK, toilet seats typically come in two shapes:
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Round (or D-shaped): Compact, ideal for smaller bathrooms.
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Oval/Elongated: Longer front-to-back, offering extra comfort.
It is important to note here that, while these shapes are most common, there are less standard designs and shapes such as square, or uniquely shaped seats often found in high end and modern bathrooms.
Key Measurements to Know
Knowing how to measure a toilet seat for replacement is paramount when ordering the one for you. Here is how you can measure the toilet seat.
Step 1. Determine The Shape
You must know the shape of the toilet seat if you are unsure about it, we suggest conducting a coin test. It can be performed by placing a coin ( 10p) at the edge of the bowl. If it rolls forward, your toilet is likely oval-shaped. If it stays put, it’s probably a round shape.
Step 2. Measure The Length
To measure, start from the front edge of the toilet bowl and go to the bolts at the back. For round seats, this is generally about 400mm, 40cm (16 inches), while oval seats are typically around 450mm, 45cm (18 inches).
*Use a flexible measuring tape for accurate measurement.
Step 3. Measure The Width
Measure the widest part of the seat, which is usually about 350mm, 35cm (14 inches).
*For square or D-shaped toilet seats, you will need to pay closer attention to corners.
Step 4. Fixing Hole Spacing
This refers to the distance between the centers of the two bolt holes located at the back of the seat. In most UK toilets, this distance is 150mm,15cm (5.5 inches), but it's always a good idea to double-check.
Toilet Types Matters
The toilet seat size may differ depending on the toilet type you have. The most common close coupled toilet has its bowl directly attached to the cistern turning it into a single unit. The toilet seats for close coupled toilets are easier to install or replace. A Back to wall toilet with a WC unit is a type that has a concealed cistern either in WC unit or wall, and may require specific brackets or fitting to install a seat. Wall-mounted toilets fit on the wall with no connection to the floor offering ultimate style and space saving. They need a toilet seat that is compatible with wall fittings.
Toilet Seat Material Considerations
Material is an important consideration when it comes to making a choice for toilet seats.
|
Material |
Description |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Plastic |
Available in a variety of colours, plastic toilet seats are affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean. |
Budget-friendly, low maintenance, easy to clean. |
Less durable, may feel less sturdy. |
|
Duraplast |
Perfect for high-traffic bathrooms, duraplasty toilet seats are highly durable and long-lasting compared to plastic material. |
Stronger and more durable than plastic, ideal for frequent use. |
Limited design and color options. |
|
Resin |
A stylish and durable option, resin toilet seats are available in various colors and are resistant to scratches. |
Aesthetic appeal, scratch-resistant, long-lasting. |
Slightly more expensive than plastic. |
|
Thermoplastic |
Often recommended for high-use settings where durability is paramount, thermoplastic toilet seats are strong and resistant to chemical impacts. |
Highly durable, impact-resistant, withstands chemical exposure. |
Can be more expensive than standard plastic. |
|
Synthetic Resin |
A premium and hygienic option with excellent durability. It is also highly durable, scratch-resistant, and considered to have antibacterial properties. |
Antibacterial properties, extremely durable, resistant to scratches. |
Higher cost compared to other materials. |
|
Wood |
Wooden toilet seats give your toilet a natural touch. It is elegant to look at but may be susceptible to warping or cracking over time. |
Warm, natural look, stylish and classic. |
Requires maintenance, prone to warping or cracking over time. |
|
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) |
An alternative to natural wood toilet seats, MDF is an affordable choice if you prefer a natural look. It’s available in a variety of finishes and can be a suitable choice for bathrooms with good ventilation. |
Cost-effective, offers a wood-like appearance, available in different finishes. |
Needs good ventilation, less moisture-resistant than solid wood. |
Toilet Seat Features
Modern toilet seats come with various features such as soft close hinges that prevent the seats from slamming making the use of toilets a noise free experience. Another feature that some toilet seats have is release hinges making it easier to remove the seat and refit after cleaning. Anti-bacterial coating might be another feature that you may be interested in especially if you prefer higher level hygiene.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
You must avoid the following mistakes when installing or replacing a toilet seat.
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There is no one size fits all in toilet seats. Therefore, always measure, even if buying the same brand.
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A round seat on an oval bowl (or vice versa) will overhang or leave gaps.
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If replacing hinges, ensure new bolts are the right length for your toilet.
What If the Seat Doesn’t Fit
In some cases, your toilet seat may not fit perfectly despite the best efforts. In such case, you must
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Consider returning and replacing the products. Always check the return and replacement policy before buying a toilet seat.
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Some seats come with slotted hinges to accommodate slight size variations.
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Consult a plumber if you still have no idea why it does not fit or need help identifying the correct size.
Ending Thoughts
While UK toilet seats aren’t strictly “standard,” finding the right fit is straightforward with careful measuring. Whether you’re after a budget plastic seat or a sleek soft-close upgrade, a little prep goes a long way in helping you choose the right fit for your bathroom.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Are all UK toilet seats the same size?
No, all toilet seats in the UK are not the same size but follow common sizing trends. Toilet seats come in a variety of shapes round or oval and fixing hole spacing. Therefore, you should always measure your existing seat before buying a replacement toilet seat.
What is the standard toilet seat size in the UK?
Generally, a standard toilet seat size in the UK is as follows. You should measure the existing toilet seat to confirm the size before ordering. Standard round toilet seats in the UK are usually 400mm front to back, Oval toilet seats are 450mm front to back, while the width from widest point is usually 350mm. Fixing hole spacing is typically 150mm from center to center.
How do I know if my toilet seat is round or oval?
You can know the toilet seat shape by looking at it. Alternatively, conduct a coin test by placing a 10p coin on the front edge of the bowl. If it rolls forward, it’s oval; if it stays, it’s round.
How do I know which toilet seat will fit my toilet?
Firstly, determine the toilet seat. Find out what is the shape of toilet seat, oval, round or any other? Then, measure the toilet seat from the mounting holes to the front of the bowl to get the length of the toilet. Similarly, measure the width from the midpoint from right to left for the width. Buy the toilet seat based on these measurements and shape requirements.
Can I replace a toilet seat myself?
Replacing a toilet seat is an ideal DIY job. You can easily replace a toilet seat even if you don’t have much experience dealing with plumbing tasks. Most toilet seats simply require a screwdriver for fitting.
Can I use a European toilet seat in the UK?
No, most European seats usually have 100mm fixing hole spacing. Therefore, it may not be a perfect fit for UK toilets that have (150mm standard) . So, always measure first before ordering or deciding about the toilet seat size.
