1. Measure the Toilet Seat
2. Choose a New Seat
3. Remove the Old Lid
4. Attatch the New Seat
Toilet Seat Features

Bathroom renovations can be stressful and often times expensive. Here's a quick and easy way to upgrade your space without spending a ton of time or money. Read on to learn how to measure a toilet seat and how to replace a toilet seat in four simple steps.

1. Measure the Toilet Seat

Measure the distance between the bolts at the back of the toilet, where the seat attaches to the bowl. The standard measurement is 5 1/2 in. Measure the width of the bowl from its widest point and the length from the tank to the front edge of the bowl. Round bowls typically have a length of about 16 1/2 in. and elongated bowls average 18 – 18 1/2 in.

2. Choose a New Seat

Depending on who uses your bathroom the most — kids, guests, or yourself — consider the type toilet seat to suit your audience and personal style. Opt for a plastic or soft-close seat for kids' bathrooms or branch out with a unique polyresin design.

3. Remove the Old Lid

Remove the bolt covers that secure the seat to the back of the bowl. Loosen the nuts from the bolts by turning counterclockwise, and remove the nuts and washers. Lift the old seat and its hinges from the toilet and set aside to be disposed.

Tip!

If the old toilet seat bolts are stubborn, you may need to loosen them with a spray of penetrating oil and tools.

4. Attach the New Seat

Align the new seat hinges over the bolt holes of the seat. Position the seat along the rim of the bowl before screwing in place. Feed the bolts through the holes in each hinge of the toilet bowl, with the head of the bolt on top. Attach the nuts to the other end of the bolts and tighten clockwise, first by hand, and then with a wrench to ensure that it's secure. If your new hardware includes a pair of washers, put them on the bolts before the nuts. Lastly, snap over the hinge's plastic covers. Open and close the lid and jiggle the seat to be sure it's on tightly.

Tip!

Use a level to confirm that the seat is even.

Toilet Seat Features

Whether you're just trying to replace an old cracked seat or looking to give your bathroom an added luxury, explore different kinds of toilet seats with useful features to really elevate your space.

After replacing your toilet seat, continue your bathroom renovation and update the rest of your set up with sleek new handles or hinges, or even a whole new toilet.