Few things feel as simple as swapping a toilet seat — until you’re in the aisle at Woodie’s trying to remember if your pan is round or elongated. Measuring, hinge spacing, and shape choices can turn a quick job into a confusing trip. This guide walks you through what to measure, where to buy in Ireland, and how to install the seat yourself, so you can get back to more interesting projects in under 30 minutes.

4 related posts

Average toilet seat lifespan: 5–7 years for standard plastic seats · Typical plumber call-out fee in Ireland: €50–€100 · Soft-close seat price range: €20–€60 at Irish retailers · Average DIY replacement time: 15–30 minutes

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact plumber charge varies by region in Ireland; call-out fees range €50–€100 but job complexity can push higher (Screwfix Ireland (retailer guide))
  • Long-term durability of budget vs. premium seats depends on plastic quality and usage patterns – no standard test exists for the Irish market. (Screwfix Ireland (retailer guide))
3Timeline signal
  • Most toilet seats last 5–7 years before showing wear or cracks (Screwfix Ireland (retailer guide))
  • A DIY replacement takes 15–30 minutes from start to finish. (Screwfix Ireland (retailer guide))
4What’s next
Bottom line: Toilet seats are not universal. Buyers in Ireland must measure the bowl shape and hinge spacing before purchasing – or risk a return trip to the shop.
Key facts at a glance
Fact Value
Standard seat lifespan 5–7 years
Typical plumber call-out fee €50–€100
DIY replacement time 15–30 minutes
Soft-close seat cost €20–€60
Standard distance between mounting holes ~5.5 inches (14 cm) – always measure yours (Victorian Plumbing (UK bathroom retailer))
Round seat typical length ~16.5 inches (42 cm)
Elongated seat typical length ~18.5 inches (47 cm)
Woodie’s click & collect Available, often ready in 1 hour (Woodie’s (Irish DIY chain))

Do all toilet seats fit any toilet?

No. The shape and size of your toilet pan determine which seat will fit. Toilets come in two main shapes: round and elongated. A seat designed for a round pan will leave a gap on an elongated bowl, and an elongated seat will overhang a round one.

Standard vs. non-standard toilet shapes

Why round and elongated seats differ

The hinge-to-front distance is the key. A round seat’s shorter length means the hinge brackets sit closer to the front. Elongated seats need more room. Even if hinge spacing matches, the shape mismatch can cause instability or cosmetic gaps.

The implication: shape and hinge spacing are inseparable; you can’t swap round for elongated even if the bolts line up.

How do I know which toilet seat will fit my toilet?

You need three measurements: length from mounting holes to front edge, width at the widest point, and the distance between the centres of the two fixing holes. The last measurement is the most commonly overlooked.

Measure your toilet bowl correctly

Use a rigid tape measure. Place it at the centre of the two mounting holes and extend it to the front edge of the bowl. Write down that number. Then measure the width at the widest part. Repeat twice to be sure. A paper tracing method can also help – place cardboard over the bowl, press down to mark the outline, then cut and test-fit in the shop (Mexen Ireland (bathroom accessory brand)).

Check hinge spacing (2-inch vs 3-inch)

The “2-inch” or “3-inch” refers to the diameter of the fixing holes, not the distance between them. Most Irish toilets have a centre-to-centre distance of about 5.5 inches (140 mm), but some are 160 mm. Measure both the hole diameter and the span (Screwfix Ireland (retailer guide)).

What this means: a seat that fits the hole diameter but misses the centre-to-centre distance still won’t mount correctly.

The trap

Assuming “standard” fit can cost you €20–€60 on the wrong seat. Always physically measure – even if you think you know your toilet brand.

Do Dunnes sell toilet seats?

Yes, Dunnes Stores offers a soft-close toilet seat in classic white both online and in-store. The product listing describes it as providing “silent closing every time” and is priced around €15–€30 (Dunnes Stores (Irish department store)).

Dunnes Stores toilet seat range

  • One main style currently listed: a white soft-close seat.
  • Available for click & collect or home delivery.
  • Limited colour options – stick with white for the broadest fit.

Dunnes doesn’t publish a wide range online, but in-store stock may include additional models.

The pattern: for a quick grab-and-go, Dunnes works; for more variety, Woodie’s or IKEA offer better selection.

Can I replace a toilet seat myself?

Yes – it’s one of the easiest DIY jobs. With a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench, you can swap a seat in under half an hour (Victorian Plumbing (UK bathroom retailer)).

Tools you need

  • Phillips or flathead screwdriver (most common fittings)
  • Adjustable wrench or spanner for stubborn nuts
  • Cleaning cloth (to wipe the pan before fitting the new seat)

Step-by-step toilet seat replacement

  1. Unscrew the plastic or metal nuts underneath the back of the bowl. If they’re stuck, use the adjustable wrench.
  2. Lift the old seat off. Clean the mounting area thoroughly.
  3. Position the new seat’s hinges over the mounting holes. Align the brackets.
  4. Tighten the screws evenly – alternate sides to keep the seat level.
  5. If you have a soft-close seat, attach the lid according to the mechanism instructions; usually it clips on after the base is secure.

Most seats include the necessary hardware. If the bolts are too short or too long, a standard toilet bolt kit from Woodie’s or Screwfix costs less than €5 (Screwfix Ireland (retailer – click & collect in 1 min)).

The upshot

For Irish homeowners, DIY replacement saves the €50–€100 call-out fee. The hardest part is measuring correctly – the actual installation is 15 minutes of simple tightening.

How much do plumbers charge to fit a new toilet?

A plumber’s call-out fee in Ireland typically runs €50–€100, and replacing just a seat (not the whole pan) costs about €20–€40 extra for labour. Full toilet replacement – including removing the old pan, fitting a new one, and connecting plumbing – ranges from €150 to €350 depending on the work.

Plumber call-out vs. full installation costs in Ireland

  • Call-out only: €50–€100 (Screwfix Ireland (retailer guide))
  • Seat replacement: usually €20–€40 added to call-out
  • Full toilet replacement: €150–€350 (varies by region and complexity)
  • Emergency call-out (evenings/weekends): often double the standard rate.

For a simple seat swap, calling a plumber costs more than the seat itself. Given the DIY time is under 30 minutes, the savings are clear.

The catch: the variation in regional pricing means you could pay €50 in one town and €100 in the next – always ask for a fixed quote upfront.

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • All toilet seats are not universal; shape and hinge spacing must match.
  • Dunnes Stores and Woodie’s sell toilet seats in Ireland.
  • DIY replacement is feasible with basic tools.
  • Soft-close seats are widely available in Ireland (€20–€60).

What’s unclear

  • Exact plumber charge varies by region and job complexity – no standardised Irish pricing.
  • Long-term durability of budget vs. premium seats depends on material and usage, no independent test data for the Irish market.
  • The exact fit of a “universal” seat across different Irish toilet brands (e.g., Ideal Standard, Roca) may still need trial and error.

“Measure the length from the fixing holes to the front edge of the bowl, note the shape, and check the distance between the mounting centres – it’s the step that most people skip.”

– Screwfix Ireland (retailer guide)

“Installation usually requires just a screwdriver and a wrench – no specialist tools needed.”

– Victorian Plumbing (UK bathroom retailer)

Specifications: Round vs. Elongated vs. Soft-Close

Four dimensions, one key difference: length. Here’s how the most common seat types compare for Irish buyers.

Feature Round seat Elongated seat Soft-close (example: Tema Wrap Over)
Length (fixing holes to front) ~42 cm (16.5 in) ~47 cm (18.5 in) 451 mm (from Woodie’s listing)
Width at widest ~36–38 cm ~36–38 cm 373 mm
Hinge spacing (centre-to-centre) ~14 cm (5.5 in) ~14 cm (5.5 in) 14 cm (standard)
Mounting hole diameter 2 in or 3 in 2 in or 3 in 2 in
Soft-close mechanism Aftermarket possible Aftermarket possible Integrated
Typical price in Ireland €10–€25 €15–€30 €30–€45
Source Victorian Plumbing (UK bathroom retailer) Victorian Plumbing (UK bathroom retailer) Woodie’s (Irish DIY chain – product listing)

The catch: soft-close seats add weight and may not fit very shallow pans. Always check the depth behind the hinge.

Where to buy a toilet seat in Ireland (Cork included)

Irish shoppers have several reliable options. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main retailers, with Cork-specific availability.

  • Dunnes Stores – online and in-store (including Cork city). Soft-close white seat ~€20.
  • Woodie’s – 10+ stores in Munster; online with click & collect. Range includes Bemis and Tema brands (Woodie’s (Irish DIY chain)).
  • Home Store & More – limited range, mainly budget plastic seats.
  • IKEA Dublin – only physical location in Ballymun, but delivers to Cork. Their seats are well-priced (€15–€40) and include soft-close options.
  • Screwfix Ireland – click & collect in as little as 1 minute; good for measurement guides and basic seats (Screwfix Ireland (retailer – click & collect in 1 min)).
  • Big Bathroom Shop Ireland – online only, free delivery over €50, soft-close seats from €25 (Big Bathroom Shop Ireland (online retailer)).

The trade-off: IKEA and Woodie’s offer the best combination of price and warranty, while Dunnes is handiest for a quick in-store buy.

Related reading: Double bed sizes in Ireland (cm and inches guide) · Fire extinguisher guide for Ireland (types and standards)

Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com, mexen.ie, facebook.com, deluxebathrooms.ie, youtube.com

For those considering a D-shaped model, our D-shaped toilet seat guide covers sizes and soft-close options available in the UK.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should you replace a toilet seat?

Every 5–7 years for standard plastic seats. Replace sooner if you notice cracks, stains, or wobbling.

Do Woodies sell toilet seats?

Yes – they have a wide range in-store and online, including soft-close and standard seats from brands like Bemis and Tema (Woodie’s (Irish DIY chain)).

How do I tell if my toilet is 2 inch or 3 inch?

Measure the diameter of the mounting holes. 2-inch holes are ~5 cm, 3-inch are ~7.6 cm. A ruler or tape measure is all you need.

What tools do I need to replace a toilet seat?

A screwdriver (Phillips or flathead) and an adjustable wrench. That’s it. Most seats come with the necessary fixing bolts.

Can I install a soft-close seat on any toilet?

As long as the hinge spacing and shape match, yes. Soft-close seats use the same mounting holes. Measure first to avoid return trips.

Where can I buy a toilet seat in Cork?

Dunnes Stores (city centre and Douglas), Woodie’s (Mahon Point, Little Island), Home Store & More (Blackpool), and online from Screwfix or Big Bathroom Shop with delivery to Cork.

Are toilet seats at IKEA good quality?

IKEA seats are well-priced and include soft-close options, but you’ll need to visit Dublin or order online. Delivery to other counties is available for a fee.

The bottom line for anyone replacing a toilet seat in Ireland: measure twice, buy once, and spend the saved plumber fee on a better seat. The 15 minutes of DIY work will pay for itself every time the lid closes silently.