Update Toilet Seat
Soft-close seat prevents slamming. Quick-release makes cleaning easier.
Time Required
10-15 minutes
Cost
$25-80
Difficulty
Very Easy
Measure Before Buying
Toilet bowl shapes:
- • Round: About 16.5" from front to bolt holes. Common in small bathrooms.
- • Elongated: About 18.5" from front to bolt holes. More comfortable, more common.
Measure from the front of the bowl to the center of the mounting bolts to determine which shape you need.
Features Worth Getting
Soft-Close Hinges
No more slamming. The lid lowers slowly and quietly. This alone is worth the upgrade.
Quick-Release
Push a button to pop the seat off for deep cleaning. No more scrubbing around hinges.
Sturdy Construction
Look for solid wood or heavy plastic. Cheap seats flex and crack.
Comfortable Shape
Contoured seats are more comfortable than flat. Worth a few extra dollars.
Installation Steps
Remove old seat
Pop off bolt covers if present. Unscrew bolts from below or on top. May need pliers if rusted.
Clean mounting area
Scrub around bolt holes. This is your chance to clean spots you couldn't reach before.
Position new seat
Align bolt holes. Center the seat on the bowl.
Secure bolts
Insert bolts through holes, tighten nuts from below. Hand-tight plus quarter turn. Don't overtighten.
Test and adjust
Open and close seat. Adjust bolt position if seat is off-center or wobbles.
Pro Tips
- •Rusted bolts: Spray with WD-40 and wait 10 minutes. Use hacksaw if truly stuck.
- •Match the white: Toilet whites vary. Bring old seat or photo to match if concerned.
- •Plastic vs. wood: Plastic is lighter and won't crack. Wood is heavier and feels more solid.
- •Don't skimp: A $40-60 seat lasts years longer than a $15 one and feels much better.