✅ Pros
- High-quality wood
- Appealing look
- Expandable with an exhaust system
- Available in different sizes
❌ Cons
- Expensive price
- No separate toilet seat ring
- Inadequate odor seal
- Very high price for the exhaust system
The Verdict
High-quality wood, if you're prepared to build it yourself
The Trelino Timber series has three different models: Timber S, Timber M, and Timber L.
The Trelino Timber series has three different models: Timber S, Timber M, and Timber L. We chose the Timber S kit, as we were particularly interested in the assembly and workmanship. The S type is especially intended for mobile use, for example in vans or boats, although it's also the heaviest of the three models.
The medium size, Timber M, is aimed at users who want to use the toilet both mobile and stationary. The Timber L model, in turn, is primarily designed for permanent installation in tiny houses or vacation homes. Here's a brief overview of the models:
| Spec | Timber S | Timber M | Timber L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 33.1 cm (13.0 in) | 37.5 cm (14.8 in) | 47.5 cm (18.7 in) |
| Width | 32.0 cm (12.6 in) | 31.0 cm (12.2 in) | 32.0 cm (12.6 in) |
| Depth | 40.2 cm (15.8 in) | 39.1 cm (15.4 in) | 39.1 cm (15.4 in) |
| Urine volume | 4.5 L (1.2 gal) | 5 L (1.3 gal) | 10 L (2.6 gal) |
| Solids volume | 5.5 L (1.5 gal) | 6 L (1.6 gal) | 10 L (2.6 gal) |
| Weight | 10.2 kg (22.5 lb) | 8.7 kg (19.2 lb) | 9.7 kg (21.4 lb) |
Assembly
Unfortunately, our package from Trelino arrived in fairly poor condition and was already damaged on the outside. Inside the package, bedding material was scattered around, and everything gave the impression that the individual kit components had been thrown into the package haphazardly. After unpacking and sorting everything, we moved on to the actual assembly. Trelino itself points out that some handyman skill is required here, and we can confirm that.
Otherwise, assembly is largely uncomplicated overall; only mounting the hinges turned out to be a real challenge. This calls for precision and patience: getting the exact alignment of the hinges right is tricky, especially since the pilot holes aren't very deep. Anyone who gets it slightly wrong here will have trouble correcting it. Without experience in woodworking, this step could quickly become a test of patience.
Overall, we would say that anyone with basic handyman skills will manage the assembly well, with a bit of time and concentration. Everyone else will likely have a more stress-free experience with the pre-assembled variant.
Material and workmanship
Material-wise, Trelino clearly scores points. The housing is made of high-quality birch plywood with panels about 18 mm (0.7 in) thick. The surfaces are very well pre-sanded, feel pleasant, and overall give an extremely sturdy, durable impression. The wood's finishing is consistently high quality and gives the toilet an elegant, solid look.
The liquid container arrived with a slight dent, which is a minor cosmetic flaw but doesn't further impair function. The included ABS urine diverter arrived undamaged, but doesn't quite match the quality of the high-grade wooden housing. Compared to polypropylene inserts from other manufacturers, the material feels a bit brittle and slightly rattly. The feel comes across as less premium, which may raise doubts about long-term durability, at least subjectively.
The Timber M and L models are additionally available in variants with HPL coating, which makes the surface water-repellent. However, some users report that even with this variant, not all areas are reliably protected against moisture. So we would advise against taking your Trelino into the shower.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, the Timber series has both bright and dark spots. The seat height of the Timber S is noticeably lower than that of a conventional toilet. This can be practical on the road, but is rather uncomfortable for longer sessions. The Timber M comes closer to the accustomed level here, and the Timber L is the most comfortable in this regard. The large opening of the urine diverter is ergonomically shaped and ensures reliable use.
What stands out across all models, though: a toilet seat ring is missing. The lid is made of wood, and the seating surface sits directly on the opening, that's not particularly hygienic or comfortable, especially compared to models with a full-fledged toilet seat. Emptying the two containers for urine and solids goes pleasingly easily. Unfortunately, the solids container looks rather like a salad bucket from a wholesale store. Given the fairly hefty price, we would have liked to see a bit more quality here.
Odor development
A critical point remains odor control. Trelino uses a silicone membrane in the urine container lid intended to contain odors. However, a narrow, half-open slit remains, meaning urine odor can't be fully held back. The actual benefit of this construction isn't really clear to us so far.
On top of that: the membrane is a wear part and, according to the manufacturer, must be replaced every two to three months. A replacement set with two membranes currently costs around 15.90 €, which adds up over time and seems not very sustainable, especially given its limited effectiveness.
Compared to more well-thought-out concepts on the market, Trelino's solution feels technically unrefined. At least the Timber M and L models can be retrofitted with a SOG exhaust system, which is noticeably more effective, though at around 195 €, it also has a noticeable impact on price.
Value for money
We find the value for money of the Timber series to be rather mediocre overall. With an entry price of 344.69 € for the Timber S kit, you're already above the level of other kits like the Kildwick MiniLoo or the TROBOLO TeraBloem Lite. The Timber M costs 649 € and the Timber L a hefty 749 €, in each case without a ventilation system. Comparable products, such as the TROBOLO SilvaBloem, are noticeably more attractive in price at just 499 €. Still, you do get a well-thought-out, elegantly shaped product made from high-quality wood.
Our conclusion
Our conclusion on the Trelino Timber series is mixed. On the positive side is clearly the high-quality wood: the workmanship is very good, and the materials feel durable and well thought out. Less convincing, however, were the silicone membrane for odor prevention and the optionally available but relatively expensive exhaust system.
Anyone looking for a compact wooden kit and bringing some handyman skill can still do well with the Trelino Timber S. With the larger models, however, it's worth looking beyond Trelino: both Kildwick and TROBOLO offer interesting, at times significantly cheaper alternatives here.
If the Trelino Timber M is exactly the size you need, there's little reason against it, overall the model gives a solid impression. If it can also be larger, we recommend taking a look at our test report on the TROBOLO SilvaBloem. It looks similar but has the more effective Safe Shell System for odor control and better value for money.
