If you have an oval shaped toilet bowl, it’s likely that you will need an elongated toilet seat to fit it. It should be fairly obvious whether your toilet is round or elongated — but if you need to check, all you have to do is measure the bowl from back to front, starting at the area where the toilet seat hinge bolts are normally attached. If your toilet measures about 18 1/2 inches, it’s an elongated model. Round toilets normally measure about 16 1/2 inches from back to front.

Having established that the elongated size is right for you, you have a variety of choices in terms of materials and finishes. The main choice in replacement toilet seats is usually between wood or plastic. To a certain extent, this is an aesthetic choice that comes down to personal preference. Many people like the warmer sensation of wood against the skin, and feel that the elegance of the grain and the rich color of the finish complement their bathroom design.

But wood isn’t always the first choice of material for toilet seats, especially when it’s important to match the color of existing plumbing fixtures. Many people choose white fittings for their bathroom — and while it’s possible to get a wooden toilet seat that’s painted white, it’s more likely that you’ll find a wider range of choices in plastic seats. Many bathroom suites come in colors other than white, of course, and you’ll find a plastic toilet seat to match almost any shade.

Modern seats are built to withstand long, regular use and a range of normal weights — so there’s not much difference to worry about whether a wooden or plastic seat will be stronger. Wood seats are normally manufactured from a composite that gives added durability, and most producers have a range of premium plastic seats that also offer good resistance. Some people reported that plastic tends to scratch more easily than wood. Maybe that’s just because the scratches show more easily on plastic — but nevertheless, it’s probably a good idea not to use abrasive cleaning materials on any kind of toilet seat for fear of damaging the finish.

Elongated toilet seats of all kinds are available from companies such as Bemis, American Standard or Kohler that have custom features for special needs or preferences. Raised toilet seats can be very helpful for those with impaired mobility or people who are recovering from surgery or an illness, and you can also find models incorporating arms and other features for the disabled. Another feature that’s useful for families with young children is a seat with a built-in potty to aid with toddler toilet training. Customers may also be interested in options such as a heated seat or a padded surface for greater comfort.

Worried about your toilet seat slamming shut? Check out the slow closing hinge that’s available on some models — and for easy maintenance, look for those seats with a quick release mechanism that lets you clean around the hinge area without having to dig dirt out of crevices.

Whatever your preference or requirements, you’ll find an elongated seat to fit your needs.