We invite you to consider a couple of seat options recommended by manufacturers, and also pay attention to a wooden toilet seat. An item such as a toilet seat should be convenient and comfortable, and also be consistent in design with the uniform style of the room.
It is worth taking into account the fact that the service life of such an item must be long, and therefore the material of manufacture implies operation and a high level of strength for at least 5 years.
Quite stringent conditions are imposed on the material used to make the seat - in addition to durability and strength. Under no circumstances should it be scratched, cracked, or lose its beautiful appearance.
Toilet Seat Materials
Wooden seat
The convenience and reliability of the design depend on what material the seat is made of. The main structural materials can be identified.
The most common lids are made of plastic (PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene). Advantages: low price, ease of maintenance, ease of assembly, universal use, light weight. Disadvantages: rigidity, low mechanical strength, susceptibility to scratches.
A modern material for seats is duroplast: its characteristics are close to ceramics, but it is based on plastic. It has increased mechanical strength, has antibacterial additives, and is chemically resistant to different environments.
Warm homemade seats
Summer residents are usually skilled people.
They love to create various household items with their own hands. Why not make a warm seat for a country outdoor toilet? One of the most common options here are seats trimmed with animal fur. In villages, rabbit skins are most often used for this. To make a warm seat, you need to take an ordinary plastic seat, which is unpleasant to use in winter, and tightly cover it with rabbit skin. In recent years, peat outdoor toilets have become very popular among domestic summer residents. They allow you not only to conveniently cope with small and large needs, but also to produce compost, which is successfully used to increase the fertility of garden plants. For some models of such toilets, special seats have been created that allow liquid and solid waste from the human body to be collected separately.
How are such devices constructed? There is a special funnel attached to it at the bottom of the seat. A special corrugated tube leads from it to a container for collecting urine. Solid waste is collected in another container. These seats are designed for use in outdoor toilet buildings. Therefore, the seats themselves are made of polypropylene, making them quite comfortable to use even in the cold season.
Thus, today there is a significant selection of means and devices for comfortable use of a country toilet in any season. If you carefully monitor the cleanliness of the toilet seat, as well as other interior elements, you can achieve a high level of comfort in using a toilet located on the street. In addition, there is now a huge amount of household chemicals that make it possible to get rid of unpleasant odors in such buildings, as well as keep them in an acceptable sanitary and hygienic condition.
The toilet seat is an important element of the plumbing fixture, providing comfort and aesthetic perception of the entire structure. Historically, this item has evolved from a simple wooden stand to a multifunctional electronic device, which is associated with different capabilities and needs of people.
Nowadays, toilet seats come in different designs, shapes and designs. Choosing it became a big problem due to the huge assortment. In this regard, the choice of this element should be approached seriously and thoroughly.
Selection criteria in case of replacement
If it so happens that the question of replacing the toilet seat has arisen, it is necessary to match the existing plumbing. It is recommended to take measurements of the plumbing fixture in terms of dimensions and shape. You should also clarify the location of the mounting holes under the seat.
The width size is measured at the points of greatest “run-up” of the structure. The length dimension is taken from the edge of the front part of the curb to the point of the center line passing between the centers of the holes intended for attaching the toilet seat.
Standard dimensions of plumbing fixtures for different designs. Based on these parameters, a toilet seat is selected in case of a new installation to replace the old toilet seat. If you know these dimensions, choosing a seat of a suitable configuration is easy.
Often, toilet owners who have had to change the toilet seat prefer to choose more advanced models instead of the standard design. This choice is explained by their desire for novelty.
Meanwhile, new products “with heating”, “with backlighting”, “with motion sensors” in practice turn into even bigger problems. A serious manufacturer of plumbing fixtures is not yet in a hurry to offer such an “exclusive” to the buyer. Such proposals usually come from Chinese companies.
How to do it yourself
Finished products do not always suit the shape, height or weight of the user. A homemade toilet is a simple and inexpensive option that will allow you to get a design that meets the owners’ requirements. If a person has some experience working with wood or iron, then the procedure will not be laborious.
From an old chair
To create a toilet seat for a country toilet, use a durable, old chair, possibly with a high back. The structure should not swing, so tighten the bolts or tighten them with steel corners for reliability. A part with soft upholstery is not useful, and instead of a seat, a piece of thick plywood is screwed on. A circle or oval is cut out in the center.
Original design Source tr.pinterest.com
The legs are sheathed around the perimeter with panels (lining, plastic). The toilet seat is installed above the cesspool. The structure is fixed to the floor of the country toilet using metal corners, ensuring the reliability and safety of the user. A seat from a regular toilet is mounted on top.
Problems when replacing a seat
Some problems when replacing a toilet seat or lid may occur on plumbing fixtures that have served the owners for several years. Removing fasteners on an old toilet seat is especially difficult if metal bolts and nuts that are susceptible to corrosion were used.
The high level of humidity in the toilet area is created by the water present in the flush cistern. This is the main reason for the appearance of rust and oxides on threads.
In this condition, it is extremely difficult to unscrew the nuts from the mounting bolts, and sometimes impossible using traditional methods. We have to resort to radical measures.
Metal fastenings of toilet plumbing fixtures, which do not have protection against oxides and corrosion, tend to “boil”. In such cases, only non-standard approaches help to unscrew the nuts
So, if the thread of a bolt or stud is damaged by corrosion and twisting the nut is not possible even with a wrench, the problem can still be solved.
Why do the following:
- Use an electric drill.
- Place a drill bit with a diameter slightly smaller than the wall thickness of the nut into the drill chuck.
- Carefully drill the nut from its bottom edge to the top.
- Insert a suitable metal rod into the hole.
- Try to “break” the nut using the pumping forces of the rod.
Sometimes a similar situation occurs on plastic fittings. It happens that during installation (during cleaning) the threaded part of the stud is accidentally damaged. A defect in the plastic thread will also prevent the seat mount from being removed in the usual way.
If you cannot twist the nuts using a tool, you can cut them off with a sharp thin knife, after heating the knife blade to the melting temperature of the plastic (120-130º C).
Part of the fastening fittings for seats with covers is made of brass and bronze. This metal does not corrode, but has the ability to quickly oxidize in the presence of moisture. The oxides, in turn, form “growths” on the threads, which over time become comparable in hardness to the same metal.
It helps to unscrew such connections by pre-wetting them (and holding them for a while) with machine oil. Apply lubricant to the connection easily and conveniently with a plastic disposable syringe.
Wooden lids: more “against” than “for”
Wooden toilet seats have been used since the middle of the last century. Just a couple of decades ago, in the toilet of a communal apartment, you could see a row of wooden seats hanging on nails on the wall. Rubber pads were glued to the bottom of each for convenient use: thanks to them, the seat lay firmly and did not slip on the toilet. Today their appearance will seem terrible to many. And then they didn’t know anyone else, everyone was happy with these - strong, reliable, durable and affordable. They were without lids.
In fact, GOST 15062-83, according to which toilet seat covers are manufactured, has not been canceled. According to the standard, only birch plywood can be used as a material for wooden toilet seats. And they were produced without lids.
Consumers are now more often offered seats with covers. But they are mostly imported. But a foreign manufacturer has no business with GOST. Manufacturers are often guided by specifications - technical conditions that are agreed upon with the wholesale customer (dimensions, type, strength, etc.).
Nowadays, wooden seats with covers are in fashion. Although modern research convinces of the harmfulness of these:
- The varnish that is used to cover wood is toxic. Possible skin dermatitis;
- microbes and fungi grow in wood, a humid environment contributes to this;
- wood absorbs phenol and formaldehyde, which are found in many cleaning products. And then the seat turns into a source of substances harmful to humans.
Step-by-step instruction
In order to change the lid on the toilet according to all the rules, you need to adhere to the following action plan:
The first step is to remove the old lid from the toilet. You may need a special tool for this. Plastic bolts can simply be cut with a sharp knife, while brass bolts can be easily unscrewed. If the cover is secured with steel bolts, then they will need to be cut with a grinder. In this case, it is recommended to cover the floor with some kind of rag, in this case there will be no very sharp metal filings under your feet while working. Take the new lid along with the seat and, placing it against the toilet, check whether they have the correct shape and size
Then pay attention to the correspondence of the placement of the bolts and the holes intended for them on the cover. If everything fits, all that remains is to install the bolts, having previously aligned the fastening locations.
A few important rules:
- When installing the seat, it must be moved forward as much as possible.
- If the bolts are fastened tightly enough, the installed cover will not move at all. Otherwise, if it moves in different directions as soon as you sit on it, this may not only cause the lid or toilet to break, but you may also get injured.
- When all work is completed, sit on the seat and evaluate how securely it is fixed.
Wooden seat
This seat is easy to clean, does not absorb odors and looks great. All you need to do is measure the dimensions of the toilet, correctly cut the seat out of wood and then carefully process it so as not to get a splinter. The cover and the seat itself are fastened with hinges.
Important! When making a saddle, you need to be extremely careful so as not to get a splinter or get injured.
How calm is it?
A toilet seat cover for children is a special device that is similar to a standard high chair, but only slightly smaller. As a rule, manufacturers offer products of this look in bright colors and with attractive designs.
In this way, you can attract the child’s attention, which will speed up the process of getting used to the adult toilet.
It is very important that the baby’s first “acquaintance” with this subject is comfortable. To do this, you should choose a pad with a soft surface that will be warm and pleasant to the body.
The child will definitely like this option, unlike nondescript cold plastic. Some people use disposable toilet seat covers, but they are quite expensive and are mostly used in public places.
Read also our article How to adjust a toilet seat for children and adults.
Children's toilet seat covers are not only comfortable, but also safer than a regular high chair. They are recommended by experts for this wine and have received a lot of positive feedback from parents and children themselves.
Such a device is easily installed on the toilet and can be removed instantly. There is no need to perform complex manipulations to make the toilet accessible to an adult. The pads are a universal device that is perfect for boys and girls. It can be used by children from 1.5 years old. It is advisable that the child master the potty first. This will make it easier for him to get used to the adult toilet.
What else should you pay attention to when choosing?
If the bathtub or toilet has a specific interior, then special attention should be paid to the design of the toilet seat and it should be selected taking into account the design of the room.
For a family with small children, a lid with pictures is perfect. A standard toilet, whose design does not differ in any special features, can be equipped with a monochromatic design. Not a bad option if you take a product with a wood pattern.
Particular attention should be paid to the resistance of materials to different types of cleaning agents. The seat is most often subjected to treatment, unlike other elements of the bathroom or toilet, and for cleaning, strong products containing chlorine, acids and other active substances are most often used. The seat should have a simple shape for easier maintenance.
A good toilet seat should meet the following characteristics:
- safety;
- convenience;
- quality;
- durability;
- external design;
- proportionality;
- functionality, in this case the set of capabilities should be determined by the needs of future users.
Particular attention should be paid to checking the external surface of the product. Its structure should be even and smooth. At the same time, there should be no cracks, chips, plastic deposits or splinters on it.
Seat fastener
Choosing the right quality seat is only half the task. You also need to secure it, for which you will need seat fasteners. Although at first glance this may seem like a trifle, it is they who will make the operation of the seats reliable and durable.
The mounting kit includes:
- a brass or plastic screw designed to secure the sleeve. The price of the latter will always be lower, but its reliability will also be lower;
- nut - most often plastic or nylon for easier tightening. Sometimes it is made of stainless steel;
- decorative cap (not always used).
The photo shows plastic screws and a nut for attaching the seat to the toilet
Fasteners for toilet seats are made from different materials. The most popular are systems made of stainless steel; this material is intended for long-term use.
Installation is quick and easy; there are special holes on the toilet for this purpose. Most often, only the strength of your hands is enough; sometimes you can tighten the nut with a wrench.
How to choose a toilet lid
Before you replace the seat, you must select the correct cover shape.
Currently, their range is huge, so you should pay attention not to the fact that it is soft, very expensive or, for example, in the form of an aquarium, but that it is exactly the same size as the previous one.
- The seat must match the dimensions of the toilet rim
. Otherwise, the latter may be wide, and you buy a narrow model, then dirt will begin to accumulate. In addition, the seat itself will become unstable.
Removing the old seat and installing a new one
Let's consider the simplest option:
- Look under the toilet where you should see 2 screws with nuts.
- If they are plastic, unscrew them yourself, otherwise you may need wrenches.
Installation of a seat with microlift
There is no need to worry in advance about the unclear name of this product. The installation method does not change from loud words. You also need to install the lid in 2 holes on the toilet, which is still considered the most optimal option for attaching it.
After removing the old lid, put special rubber rings on the new fastener for a softer fit to the toilet, and secure it from below with nuts.
Unlike the previous option, sometimes they require some adjustment. This usually concerns the tightness of the seat to the toilet.
This is necessary in order not to damage the expensive product during operation. To do this, make adjustments using adjusting cups that are screwed onto the mounting bolt. You should get a tight and even fit of the seat over the entire surface of the plumbing fixture.
- For inexpensive seats, plastic screws are usually used.
When twisting them, do not overdo it. In addition, if the nuts are tightened too tightly, the stability of the seat may be impaired. If this happens, loosen one or two nuts.
- If the seat is combined with a cover, do not rush to tighten it completely until the cover is inserted
. There are times when it’s not clear the first time, and the instructions don’t really explain anything. Otherwise, the cover will not be installed smoothly or will not be able to be secured at all. Therefore, you will have to unscrew everything again. - The principle of installing the seat is approximately the same for everyone; they may differ only in nuances.
Disadvantages and advantages
The toilet lid with a microlift has become quite famous today, because this design has many good qualities:
- the microlift mechanism makes it possible to lower the toilet lid carefully and smoothly, and therefore the decorative coating will remain without scratches and the lid will not break;
- the service life of a seat with a microlift becomes much longer;
- the microlift mechanism works quietly, which is considered especially important at night when everyone is sleeping;
- The microlift design can work automatically: when you enter a plumbing unit, the toilet lid rises on its own; when you leave the room, it goes down. But only expensive models equipped with motion meters or thermal meters play this role;
- installation of this mechanism is considered very simple and quick.
A seat with a microlift also has certain disadvantages:
- the smoothness of the design prevents the lid from quickly closing when this kind of need arises;
- if physical force is used to close the toilet lid, the mechanism may fail;
- the structure is quite difficult to reconstruct or repair;
- if the mechanism is dismantled, then parts and internal connections can be damaged;
- When assembling, you should memorize the instructions exactly.
Exclusive toilet seats
Plumbing fixtures for the toilet, equipped with electronics, have not been surprising for a long time. Recently, toilets have also come close to the electronic fraternity. Regulators for drainage, water intake, disinfection, filtration - these functions become integral parts of bidets and urinals.
Some of these functions are also used on toilet seats. So, heated seats are quickly gaining popularity.
The installation of the electric model is basically the same as the standard version. The only addition is cable laying and installation of an electrical outlet.
The toilet is from the group of “exclusive” products. In addition to the usual functions, the device is equipped with an additional feature - a seat heating system. Installation of such plumbing requires an additional supply of electrical communications.
The design of models with illuminated bowls is not entirely clear - what benefit do they bring to the toilet visitor? However, these solutions remain relevant due to the stability of their demand in the market.
The installation of a backlit seat must include the installation of an electrical network in the toilet area. At the same time, there are models of seat covers, where the backlight lamps are powered by batteries.
The batteries are built directly inside the seat structure. You cannot do without installing electrical communications in the case of using toilets with a motion control function.
Brief overview of manufacturers
The variety of products on the Russian market is explained by the presence of a large number of foreign manufacturers, since there are quite a few well-known and proven domestic brands. Among Russian companies producing toilet accessories, we can highlight such brands as:
- SANITA LUXE;
- Santek;
- Keramin;
- IDDIS.
Seat cover Sanita Luxe CLASSIC white thermoplastic. The cost of a set with a toilet is 5,750 rubles. A model with a microlift costs 150 rubles. more expensive than without it
Real high-quality products are presented to the Russian market by well-known foreign brands:
- Geberit (Switzerland);
- Cersanit (Poland);
- Laufen (Switzerland);
- Roca (Spain);
- Ifo (Sweden);
- IDO (Finland);
- Jacob Delafon (France);
- Villeroy & Boch (France);
- Vitra (Türkiye);
- Jika (Czech Republic).
The Laufen company is focused on producing luxury sanitary ware and accessories, and is also concerned about the problem of water conservation, so the products surprise with both their perfect design and technicality. The assortment includes many designer models for floor-standing and wall-hung toilets.
Model in pink color Laufen Mimo for a wall-hung toilet with a micro-lift, the color of the fittings is chrome, there is the possibility of quick dismantling. The lid is treated with an antibacterial coating. Cost – 8,600 rubles.
The Geberit company aims to produce the most comfortable products and every year surprises with new modern models with electronic support. Of course, the cost of seat covers is quite high and reaches 160 thousand rubles, but there are models for 25-30 thousand rubles.
Geberit bidet lid from the AquaClean collection with automatic rinsing, heating, infrared sensor, spray setting, hairdryer and remote control. Cost – 159 thousand rubles.
The Spanish company Roca specializes in the production of mid-level plumbing fixtures, but from high-quality materials. The assortment is varied - from inexpensive models for 3-5 thousand rubles. to electronically controlled seats for 50 thousand rubles.
Roca America seat cover in cherry wood-look Thermodure. Microlift, metal fastenings, convenient quick removal system. Cost – 11,500 rubles.
If you want to purchase an inexpensive and safe model, pay attention to the products of the Czech brand Jika. The cost of most models is 1.5 thousand
rub. – 5 thousand rubles. Products of a classic type, environmentally friendly, easy to use.
The Jika Vega seat cover is white in a modern style, with an antibacterial coating, without a microlift. Material: duroplast, chrome-plated fasteners. Cost – 2,300 rubles.
Some useful tips for choosing:
As you can see, the choice is quite large and largely depends on financial capabilities. If funds allow, you can purchase more comfortable models with additional options, but there are also convenient, inexpensive models in a classic style with a microlift. When purchasing, do not forget about the size, quality of the material and the suitability of the style of the product to the environment.
From time to time you still have to change the toilet seat along with the lid. The process is actually simple and easy to do yourself. Even if you have never done this, the work will not be difficult.
Today our task comes down to telling you in clear language how to properly remove the old seat, what needs to be unscrewed and where, and then showing with your fingers how to assemble and screw on the new one.
“Varm” - insulated, heated toilet cabin
The “Varm” model is a high-quality cabin from EcoMaster, which has no analogues on the Russian market. The toilet is completely suitable for year-round use. The plastic from which the cabin is made can withstand temperatures from +60 °C to -60 °C.
We tested the VARM dry toilet for two years at temperatures below -20 °C. A comfortable above-zero temperature was maintained inside!
In comparison with previous options, the insulated dry closet “VARM” is the optimal solution.
Advantages of the plastic toilet "VARM":
- The entire cabin, including the roof, panels and door, is made of two-layer rotomolded plastic. This guarantees high reliability and durability of the cabin.
- Double panels insulated with polystyrene, a double-layer roof and a door maintain positive temperature in the cabin, protect against cold and drafts.
- A double insulated tray made of OSB and wood will provide additional protection from cold and snow.
- Inside the cabin, our company installs a full package of electrical equipment, an LED flashlight, 2 automatic switches and a 1000 W heat convector.
- Despite the double insulated design, the toilet cabin remains mobile. Its weight does not exceed 100 kg, which means you can easily move it without the services of a loader.
And now the best part. The price of the “VARM” model is 38,000 rubles.
Conclusions: the best solution is the “VARM” toilet cabin. It is cheaper and lighter than sandwich panels. "VARM" is more effective than independent insulation. The thermal convector heats the air to the desired temperature, and the double design maintains warmth and comfort. And high-quality and reliable plastic makes the cabin almost indestructible.
