What are toilets made of?

Modern toilets are constructed from a variety of materials, including ceramics, plastic and stainless steel. The most common material used to make toilets is porcelain.

Despite advances in plumbing piping, the actual style and materials used to manufacture toilets has remained mostly unchanged in the industrial age. Porcelain is sanitary, waterproof and easy to clean. It is a heavy material so the toilet stays in place when in use. The toilet's shape is created through the heating and reshaping of clay, followed by a glazing process that makes the toilet resistant to absorbing water. The toilet bowl's design encourages the swirling action needed to easily remove waste.