The average person will spend thousands of hours on the toilet in their lifetime. While we started out on smaller commodes, as adults, sometimes we need something sturdier.
You won’t have an issue finding a toilet that can support over 500 pounds, but the seat is a different story.
When you need the best toilet seat for a heavy person, the top choice comes from Big John. While we love the Big John 3W, the company has an excellent lineup of durable bariatric toilet seats.
Sitting on the toilet shouldn’t be an uncomfortable experience regardless of your girth, so you’ll find several styles on our list.
These seats are suitable for folks with larger frames, whether you are of average height or duck, to get through doorways.
5 Best Heavy-Duty Toilet Seats Reviewed
Toilet seats are one thing many people don’t think about unless it’s uncomfortable or needs to be replaced. If you have a large frame or need a bariatric toilet seat, it’s the first thing you consider.
With that in mind, we found five durable seats designed for people between 400 to 1,200 pounds.
1. Big John 3W Open Front Bariatric Toilet Seat
PROS
- 1,200-pound weight capacity
- Large rubber bumpers
- 2.5-inch rise
- Heavy-duty hinges
CONS
- Price tag
Some companies have a line of durable toilet seats, but Big John specializes in them. Our top choice from the company and the best toilet seat for a heavy person is the 3W – a seat designed for almost any toilet.
This toilet seat is made from high-impact injection-molded ABS. It’s strong and will outlast other toilet seats by years, but it can also deal with a lot of weight.
It has a load capacity of 1,200 pounds, which is more than most commodes can handle.
You’ll need a heavy-duty toilet for this seat, but the open front design works well with both round and elongated bowls.
The seat will remain in place during transfers thanks to stainless steel hinges and a set of synthetic rubber bumpers.
You can find these sturdy toilet seats in commercial buildings, hospitals, and homes around the globe. Homeowners found them easy to mount and loved the durable hinge system and large bumpers.
The only potential negative for some folks is the price, which is steep but well worth it.
2. Bemis Paramount Heavy Duty Toilet Seat
PROS
- 1,000-pound weight capacity
- Solid stainless steel hinges
- STA-TITE fastening system
- Universal size
CONS
- Smaller bumpers
Whether you’re trying to potty train a child or want a stylish heated seat for your commode, Bemis has you covered. That includes toilet seats engineered for folks with larger frames like the Bemis Paramount.
This toilet has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds bringing it in right behind Big John for the top spot. It’s not quite as large but designed to work with “all” round or elongated toilet bowls.
That’s a bonus, and so is the company’s STA-TITE fastening system.
That system will keep the lid wiggle free, and the plastic is guaranteed to resist chips and stains. Non-corrosive stainless steel hinges and pintles hold the Paramount in place while adding additional strength.
If the Big John is a little too large for your needs or too pricey, this Bemis toilet seat is the next best choice.
It has a far more palatable price tag and is one of the most durable toilet seats manufactured today.
3. Big John 6W Oversized Universal Toilet Seat with Cover
PROS
- 800-pound capacity
- Universal size
- Oversized bumpers
- 2.5-inch rise
CONS
- Plastic hinges
If you weren’t impressed by the style or price of our top choice, this Big John toilet seat might be more suitable to your needs.
This oversized seat provides the same quality the company is known for, but with several important changes.
A few extra pounds may not have an impact on regular toilet seats, but it can with bariatric ones. Whereas the Big John 3W has a rating of 1,000 pounds, the 6W has the same general design and a weight limit of 800.
That helps bring the cost down but comes with a drawback. The company used high-impact ABS hinges instead of stainless steel on this model.
That could be a turn-off for some, although the large bumpers are still present on the Big John 6W.
The universal design of this seat makes it perfect for both round and elongated toilets. Aside from the plastic hinges, it’s just as impressive as the company’s top model, but at almost half the price.
Just keep the closed front design in mind, along with the weight limit.
4. HARO Advanced Toilet Seat
PROS
- 550-pound weight limit
- Slow-closing seat
- Scratch-resistant
- FastFix mounting system
CONS
- Plastic hinges
It’s nice to have a toilet seat that matches the overall weight limit of a toilet at 1,000 pounds. That’s overkill for some homeowners, however, which is where sturdy toilet seats like the HARO Advanced come into play.
One disadvantage of the best toilet seats for heavy people is that the seats are heavy. Despite its heft, HARO designed this seat with a slow closing lid.
Slams are a thing of the past, and it’s capable of holding people that weigh up to 550 pounds.
Another perk of this tough toilet seat is the scratch-resistant surface, which can add another few years to the toilet seat lid.
When it is time to pick up a replacement, you’ll be pleased to know that the HARO Advanced is 100% recyclable.
This toilet seat is another durable model built to last and available in four variants depending on your needs. It has a weight limit suitable for many heavy homeowners and is easy to install.
While we like the block hinge system, it’s no substitute for stainless steel.
5. Bath Royale Executive Replacement Toilet Seat
PROS
- 400-pound weight limit
- Stainless steel hardware
- Multiple colors and sizes
- Slow-close seat
CONS
- Nothing
You’ll quickly notice two things that stand out when browsing for a heavy-duty toilet seat. They come with a premium price tag and don’t provide much in the way of style.
Bath Royale took a different approach with the Executive toilet seat, which is affordable and a bit more stylish than the rest of our picks.
This slow-close toilet only requires a light touch with a design that prevents chips, fading, or peeling. The durable polypropylene seat will outlast a standard seat and holds more weight.
Both the round and elongated versions of the Executive toilet seat have a rating of 400 pounds.
The weight limit is perfect for large individuals that want something solid and stable. A series of four slip-resistant bumpers ensure that. They provide additional stability for the seat and lid, which is great if you often sit on closed toilet seats.
There are better options if you need a toilet seat for heavy people over 400 pounds, although the Executive is the best choice for homeowners in this weight range.
It provides an excellent value for the price and utilizes stainless steel mounting bases as well.
How To Find the Best Heavy Duty Toilet Seat
Toilet seats are a dime a dozen. That’s a fact, as you can find thousands of seats made from wood, plastic, or even metal. Heavy-duty toilet seats are in a different category, however.
Sometimes called bariatric toilet seats, these unique seats and lids are engineered for people with larger frames. While the term itself refers to obesity, a heavy-duty toilet seat fits a wide variety of uses.
A durable oversized toilet seat is a must, whether you’re tall with a large frame or have a weight issue that requires something more stable.
If you’re shopping for a toilet seat replacement, comfort is probably the first thing to come to mind. That’s no different with bariatric or durable seats, although other areas are far more important.
Weight Capacity
Homeowners searching for the best durable or oversized toilet seat for a heavy person may be in for a rude surprise. 90% of toilet seat manufacturers do not provide a weight range for their toilet seats.
High-quality floor-mounted commodes generally have a weight limit of around 800 to 1,000 pounds.
That’s just for the bowl – not the seat. We found that only a handful of companies actually produce toilet seats rated above 500 pounds.
Most seats are in the 300-pound range, so you’ll need to stick to a few select toilet brands. You also have to think about how the new seat will attach to the toilet bowl.
Toilet Seat Hinges
Have you ever had an issue with a wobbly toilet seat that feels like it will pop loose when you sit on the commode?
That’s the most common problem with toilet seats and something that sends many homeowners in search of a replacement. Transferring your weight to and from the bowl is why this occurs. It can also happen if you sit on the seat with it closed or occasionally use it as a step stool.
The heavier a person is, the greater the chance for the toilet seat to become loose and begin to wiggle.
After deciding on a suitable weight range, the first thing you should do is look at the mounting hardware. Plastic is the most common material used and cheapest. Stainless steel hinges are the best option for a heavy-duty toilet seat but raise the price.
Toilet Seat Bumpers
There aren’t many parts to a toilet seat, but the bumpers get overlooked. They are small, found on every seat, and extremely important if you’re overweight or simply want a stable toilet seat.
Toilet seat bumpers or feet are found on the bottom of the seat and lid. They put a small gap between the bowl and seat, protecting both from damage over time. Toilet seats with hard plastic bumpers are loud when slammed, while rubber bumpers provide a softer touch.
The best toilet seat for heavy people should have rubber bumpers – the larger, the better. Rubber bumpers provide “grip” and will help keep the seat from wiggling when transferring to or from the commode.
Toilet Seat Installation
It’s safe to say that a toilet seat is not hard to install. It’s something many homeowners have done before, even if they are attached in various ways.With heavy-duty toilet seats, you need to consider the shape of the bowl beforehand.
The design of some oversized toilet seats allows it to work with both elongated and round toilet bowls. These large models can extend past the bowl itself. In this case, you’ll want to consider any nearby cabinets or objects that may impede installation.
If you’re just looking for a durable seat that’s not oversized, you need to match it to the bowl of your toilet. Round or standard seats are classics and best for saving space.
Alternatively, an elongated bowl provides 2 inches of extra clearance. You’ll commonly find these bowls on chair height toilets, including those designed for heavier people.
Wood or Plastic Toilet Seat?
What a toilet seat is made from is another area of confusion for consumers looking for a durable toilet seat. That means you’ll need to decide between plastic toilet seats or a heavy-duty one that has a wooden core.
A cheap plastic toilet seat can support people over 200 pounds with ease. They are easy to clean but will crack or chip. Budget oversized toilet seats can also be harder to clean.
Injection-molded toilet seats made from ABS plastic are more durable. While they carry a hefty price tag, you won’t have to worry about damage from a slammed lid or even scratches with premium models.
By comparison, wood is more durable and provides a unique look in your bathroom. They are less likely to break from abuse but are not as sanitary. Wood will degrade over time and can trap moisture if not properly sealed.
Simply put, if you want the best toilet seat for a heavy person, buy one made from plastic. Wood may look elegant but isn’t popular in bariatric toilet seats for a reason.
Our Verdict
There aren’t many options with durable toilet seats for people weighing over 500 pounds. While every option on our list is a great choice, it’s hard to argue with your top pick.
The Big John 3W meets all our criteria, and the company specializes in bariatric seats and mobility products.
If you’re interested in a new toilet that’s guaranteed to withstand weights up to 1,000 pounds, check out our list of the best heavy-duty toilets!
FAQ
Can you make a standard toilet seat more stable or durable?
You can buy rubber bumpers to add to the seat for more grip and stability. There is no way to make the toilet seat stronger, however.
Are open or closed front toilets better for heavier people?
This can be a matter of preference, but open-front toilets are ideal for women as there’s more room to wipe. It could be an advantage if you are overweight or have a large frame as well.
What is the toilet seat with the highest weight capacity?
Big John currently produces toilet seats with the highest load capacity for residential and commercial usage.
Is an oversized toilet seat harder to install?
While they are heavier than a traditional seat, they are just as easy to attach and remove.
How much weight can a toilet bowl support?
American Standard, KOHLER, and a handful of other toilet brands have commodes rated for up to 1,000 pounds. It will vary by manufacturer and style, but a floor-mounted toilet will handle more weight than a wall-hung toilet bowl.