When shopping for a toilet, in addition to focusing on function and design, the material of the toilet lid is also very critical. After all, the toilet lid is the part that directly touches the body. Common toilet cover materials include urea-formaldehyde resin, PP board, ABS, acrylic and PVC, and some other special materials. Toilet covers made of different materials differ in performance and price, and we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various materials in detail to help you make a wise choice.
Urea-Formaldehyde Resin Seat
The urea-formaldehyde seat, made from urea-formaldehyde resin (also known as UF resin), is produced by grinding the raw material into powder and then molding it under high temperature and pressure. The surface is smooth with a porcelain-like feel, and due to the powder-based production, it can be shaped freely.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
The advantages of urea-formaldehyde toilet seats include a variety of shapes, a bright and smooth appearance, hardness, scratch resistance, affordability, easy cleaning, and certain flexibility. However, its drawbacks include water absorption, poor water resistance and electrical performance, and limited heat resistance.
Price:
Urea-formaldehyde seats are generally high-end products, with prices typically ranging from $20 到 $70 USD.
Polypropylene Toilet Seat
PP Toilet Seat (Polypropylene Seat) is made from polypropylene sheet, a semi-crystalline material that is easy to process. Similar to PVC, PP toilet seats have a smooth, flat surface with uniform thickness, making it a widely used material for toilet seats.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
The advantages of PP toilet seats include lightweight, moisture resistance, good acid and alkali corrosion resistance, heat resistance, non-toxic, and odorless properties, as well as being affordable. However, the disadvantages are that the material is relatively soft, prone to wear, can yellow over time, and has poor aging resistance, typically degrading significantly within two to three years.
Price：
PP toilet seats are cost-effective, with prices generally around $15 and $40 USD
Polyvinyl Chloride Toilet Seat
PVC Toilet Seat (Polyvinyl Chloride Toilet Seat) is made from PVC, a widely used plastic. The PVC toilet seat is an improved version of basic plastic, incorporating stabilizers, lubricants, processing aids, colorants, impact modifiers, and other additives during manufacturing.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
The advantages of PVC toilet seats include high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, good dyeability, and the ability to transfer various patterns and colors. They are also affordable. However, the drawbacks include insufficient hardness, susceptibility to cracking, poor scratch resistance, and environmental concerns.
Price:
PVC toilet seats are considered to be of lower quality in terms of material, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $30 USD.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Toilet Seat
ABS Toilet Seat is made from a polymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. It is a high-strength, tough, thermoplastic material that is easy to process and mold. As a material for toilet seats, ABS resin offers excellent overall performance, ease of processing, and stable dimensions in the final product.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
The advantages of ABS toilet seats include moderate strength, wear resistance, good corrosion resistance, high gloss, good electrical insulation properties, and environmental friendliness. However, its drawbacks include weaker scratch resistance and susceptibility to deformation under high temperatures.
Price:
ABS toilet seats are reasonably priced, typically ranging from $15 to $40 USD.
Acrylic Toilet Seat
Acrylic Toilet Seat is one of the most commonly used types in the market. Acrylic toilet seats are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable. Due to the radiation level of acrylic being similar to that of the human skeletal system, it is considered environmentally friendly.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
The advantages of acrylic toilet seats include vibrant colors, excellent gloss, moisture and acid resistance, long lifespan, and easy cleaning and maintenance. However, they have lower hardness, poor extensibility, and are prone to breakage, cracking, or deformation. Over time, they may also turn white or yellow.
Price:
Acrylic toilet seats are typically priced around $20 to $60 USD.
More toilet seat materials
Bamboo and Wooden Toilet Seats
Toilet seats made from wood or bamboo are relatively rare. These materials are warm, insulating, skin-friendly, and natural, but they are more difficult to clean and maintain. They typically undergo special processing treatments to improve durability and water resistance. Due to the craftsmanship involved, these toilet seats tend to be more expensive and are commonly used in high-end toilet models.
Stainless Steel Toilet Seats
Stainless steel is durable, tough, and resistant to breakage, making it ideal for environments that require high durability, such as trains, airplanes, public restrooms, or prisons. However, stainless steel toilet seats are less common and more expensive. From both a practical and aesthetic perspective, they are not typically suitable for residential use.
Space Aluminum Toilet Seats
Space aluminum is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum-magnesium alloy that has been specially treated through high-temperature oxidation. It is known for its rust resistance, color retention, environmental friendliness, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Space aluminum toilet seats are commonly found in household kitchen and bathroom accessories.
Other Materials
Other materials used for toilet seats include ASA plastic, copper, alloys, and more.
