Share How to Fit a Toilet Seat - Bathroom DIY Inspiration
Replacing a toilet seat is one of those basic DIY jobs that can make a real difference to the look of your bathroom or downstairs loo. Whether your toilet seat is broken, worn out, outdated or simply no longer suits your style, this guide will walk you through the process of removing the current seat and fitting a new one. We’ll also explore how this basic home improvement could inspire other bathroom or WC accessory upgrades.
Topics:
- When to Replace Your Toilet Seat
- Are All Toilet Seat Fittings the Same?
- Tools Required to Replace a Toilet Seat
- How to Remove the Old Toilet Seat
- Measuring for a New Toilet Seat
- How to Fit a New Toilet Seat
- Choosing the Right Toilet Seat: Colours & Designs
- The Perfect Time to Update Bathroom Accessories
When to Replace Your Toilet Seat
Over time, an old toilet seat can become cracked, stained or work loose, making it uncomfortable or unsanitary. There are several signs that it’s time to replace your toilet seat.
Cracks or damage are a clear indicator, as they can harbour bacteria, making cleaning difficult.
Stains that won’t budge are another common issue, especially on older toilet seats that have seen years of use.
If your toilet seat wobbles or feels unstable, even after tightening the bolts, it’s time to get a new one.
And if your bathroom decor has evolved and your current toilet seat no longer matches, replacing it is an easy and affordable way to harmonise the space.
Are All Toilet Seat Fittings the Same?
No. Seat fittings can vary. Most toilet seats use bolts and nuts to secure them in place, but some designs may have quick-release mechanisms or specialty fittings. Check the type of fittings on your current toilet seat and replace like for like.
While most toilet seats are designed to fit standard toilets, there are variations in toilet size and shape. Toilet bowls generally come in three main shapes – rounded, elongated and square. Round bowls are typically 16.5 (420mm) inches long, while elongated bowls measure around 18.5 inches (470mm). Square toilets generally fall within the same size range.
Tools Required to Replace a Toilet Seat
Replacing a toilet seat is a simple DIY job that requires just a few common household tools.
To remove your old toilet seat and fit the new one, you’ll need an adjustable wrench or pliers, a screwdriver (either flathead or Phillips, depending on the bolt heads), a tape measure and of course, your new toilet seat, which should come with all the necessary fittings.
It’s also a good idea to have some cleaning supplies on hand to thoroughly clean the area after removing the old toilet seat.
How to Remove the Old Toilet Seat
Removing a toilet seat is a straightforward process. Simply follow these steps.
Access Bolts
Locate the two bolts at the back of the seat, near the hinge. These bolts are usually covered by plastic caps. Flip the caps up to reveal the bolt heads. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to help lift the plastic caps.
Remove Bolts
While holding the bolt in place with your screwdriver, use a wrench or pliers to loosen and remove the nuts holding the seat in place. If the nuts are rusty or stuck, applying a light oil such as WD40 can help loosen them. Once the nuts are removed, lift the old toilet seat away from the bowl.
Clean the Area
Once the seat is removed, thoroughly clean and disinfect the top edge of the toilet bowl and back where the bolt holes are.
Measuring for a New Toilet Seat
Before buying a new seat you should take some measurements to ensure it’s a perfect fit. Start by measuring the length of your toilet bowl, or the old seat, from the centre of the mounting holes to the front edge.
Next, measure the width of the bowl or old seat at its widest point. Take note of the distance between the mounting holes, as this can vary slightly between seat designs.
How to Fit Your New Toilet Seat
Fitting a new toilet seat is just as easy as removing the old one by following these steps.
Position
Position the new toilet seat over the mounting holes on the toilet bowl. Ensure the hinges are aligned correctly and that the seat is centred.
Fix Bolts
Insert the new bolts through the holes and secure them with the provided nuts. Use your wrench or pliers to tighten them, but be careful not to overtighten as this could crack the seat or porcelain.
Apply Caps
If your new toilet seat includes bolt caps, snap them into place to hide the bolt heads for a more decorative and unified look.
Test
Finally, test your newly fitted toilet seat. Ensure it's fixed securely and the seat and lid can move freely. If there's any movement in the seat, double check the bolts are fixed correctly and that there is nothing obstructing it.
Choosing the Right Toilet Seat: Colours and Designs
When looking for a new toilet seat, you’ll find a wide range of colours, materials and designs to choose from.
White and plain coloured toilet seats offer classic appeal, with the colour traditionally matching a bathroom’s decor.
For a warmer, more natural look, consider a wooden toilet seat, in oak or pine. Lighter woods tend to have a more contemporary look while darker woods have a more traditional vibe.
If you want to make a bolder statement, consider a toilet seat in more striking colours like navy, black or even metallic finishes.
Patterned or textured toilet seats, such as those with a marble effect or geometric design, can add a unique touch to your bathroom. Or maybe a design that reflects your sense of humour.
Choose a soft close toilet seat to prevent the seat and lid from slamming closed.
The Perfect Time to Update Bathroom Accessories
Replacing your toilet seat is a great opportunity to refresh other bathroom or WC accessories for a more cohesive look. For example, consider updating your toilet brush and holder to match your new toilet seat. Toilet roll holder and towel rings or bars in coordinating finishes can add both functionality and visual appeal. Even small details like robe hooks can add to the unified decor when they’re chosen to complement your new toilet seat.
These easy DIY touches are often available in matched accessory sets for convenience. And fitting a new shower curtain can make a significant difference to the feel of your bathroom.
By updating these elements together, you can create a harmonious bathroom space without doing a fuller renovation. This approach is not only cost-effective but also allows you to gradually transform your bathroom over time.
Final Thoughts
As we've seen, replacing a toilet seat is a straightforward job. And taking the opportunity to upgrade your bathroom or WC accessories to give it a fresh new look is an easy DIY project.
You can find a range of toilet seats, bathroom accessories including hardware, showers, taps and a huge range of home improvement products at Hiatt Hardware.