Restroom Bathroom Partitions: A Guide to Choosing the Right Solution

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BROC Division 10 Specialties Restroom Partitions
December 19, 2023

When it comes to designing and outfitting commercial restrooms, one of the most important considerations is the choice of restroom bathroom partitions. These partitions not only provide privacy and functionality but also play a significant role in the overall aesthetics and durability of the restroom. With a wide range of materials, styles, and features available, it can be overwhelming to make the right decision. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different types of restroom partitions, their advantages, and factors to consider when choosing the perfect solution for your restroom.

  1. Introduction

Restroom bathroom partitions are essential components of any commercial restroom design. They provide privacy and separate different areas within the restroom, such as toilet stalls and urinal areas. In addition to their functional purpose, restroom partitions also contribute to the overall aesthetics and design of the restroom space.

When choosing restroom partitions, there are several factors to consider, including the material, style, durability, and maintenance requirements. Understanding the different options available and their advantages can help you make an informed decision and create a restroom that meets your specific needs.

In this guide, we will explore the various types of restroom bathroom partitions available on the market, their features, and the factors to consider when selecting the right solution for your restroom.

  1. Powder Coated Steel Partitions

Powder coated steel partitions are a popular choice for commercial restrooms due to their durability and affordability. These partitions are made from a steel core that is coated with a powder finish, providing a smooth and attractive appearance. The powder coating also adds a layer of protection, making the partitions resistant to scratches, dents, and corrosion.

Powder Coated Toilet Partition material example

Powder Coated Toilet Partition material example

Advantages of Powder Coated Steel Partitions:

  • Durability: Powder coated steel partitions are highly durable and can withstand heavy usage in high-traffic areas.
  • Affordability: Compared to other materials, such as stainless steel or solid phenolic, powder coated steel partitions offer a cost-effective solution.
  • Easy Maintenance: The smooth surface of powder coated steel partitions is easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for commercial restrooms.
  • Customization Options: Powder coated steel partitions are available in a variety of colors, allowing you to match the partitions to your restroom’s aesthetic.

Despite their advantages, powder coated steel partitions may not be suitable for environments with high moisture levels, such as shower areas or outdoor restrooms, as they are prone to rusting in these conditions. However, they are an excellent choice for most commercial restroom applications, including office buildings, schools, restaurants, and retail spaces.

  1. High Pressure Laminate Partitions

High pressure laminate (HPL) partitions are another popular option for commercial restrooms. These partitions are constructed with a high-pressure laminate surface bonded to a particle board or solid core, providing a durable and stylish solution.

Laminate Toilet Partition material example

Laminate Toilet Partition material example

Advantages of High Pressure Laminate Partitions:

  • Aesthetics: High pressure laminate partitions offer a wide range of design options, including various colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to create a customized look for your restroom.
  • Durability: The laminate surface of these partitions is resistant to scratches, stains, and impact, making them suitable for high-traffic restrooms.
  • Moisture Resistance: HPL partitions are designed to withstand high humidity and moisture levels, making them suitable for shower areas or restrooms with frequent water exposure.
  • Easy Maintenance: The laminate surface is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular wiping with a mild detergent.

High pressure laminate partitions are commonly used in a variety of commercial settings, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and corporate offices. They offer a balance of style, durability, and affordability, making them a versatile choice for many restroom applications.

  1. Solid Plastic / HDPE Partitions

Solid plastic partitions, also known as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) partitions, are a popular choice for commercial restrooms that require durability, moisture resistance, and low maintenance.

Plastic Toilet Partition material example

Plastic Toilet Partition material example

Advantages of Solid Plastic / HDPE Partitions:

  • Moisture Resistance: HDPE partitions are highly resistant to moisture, making them ideal for high-humidity environments or areas with water exposure, such as shower rooms or pool facilities.
  • Durability: Solid plastic partitions are impact-resistant, graffiti-resistant, and resistant to scratches and dents, making them suitable for high-traffic restrooms.
  • Low Maintenance: The smooth and non-porous surface of HDPE partitions is easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort and cost.
  • Environmentally Friendly: HDPE partitions are made from recycled materials and are themselves recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice for sustainable restroom design.

These partitions are available in a variety of colors and styles, allowing you to create a cohesive and visually appealing restroom design. Solid plastic partitions are commonly used in settings such as schools, stadiums, airports, and public facilities where durability and moisture resistance are essential.

  1. Custom Engraved Plastic Partitions

For a unique and personalized touch to your restroom design, custom engraved plastic partitions offer a creative solution. These partitions are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and can be customized with engraved designs, logos, or messages.

Engraved Toilet Partition artistic rendition

Engraved Toilet Partition artistic rendition

Advantages of Custom Engraved Plastic Partitions:

  • Customization: Custom engraved plastic partitions allow you to incorporate your branding, artwork, or specific messaging into the restroom design, creating a memorable and cohesive space.
  • Durability: HDPE partitions are resistant to impact, scratches, and graffiti, ensuring that the engraved designs remain intact for an extended period.
  • Moisture Resistance: Similar to other HDPE partitions, custom engraved plastic partitions offer excellent moisture resistance, making them suitable for high-humidity environments.
  • Low Maintenance: The smooth surface of HDPE partitions is easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort to keep the engraved designs looking their best.

Custom engraved plastic partitions are commonly used in various commercial settings, including restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and corporate offices, where branding and aesthetics play a crucial role in the overall restroom design.

  1. Solid Phenolic Partitions

Solid phenolic partitions are a premium option for high-end commercial restrooms that require durability, aesthetics, and resistance to moisture and vandalism. These partitions are made from multiple layers of resin-impregnated kraft paper compressed under high pressure and temperature.

Toilet partition Phenolic material example

Toilet partition Phenolic material example

Advantages of Solid Phenolic Partitions:

  • Durability: Solid phenolic partitions are highly durable and resistant to impact, scratches, and graffiti, making them ideal for high-traffic and vandal-prone areas.
  • Moisture Resistance: The phenolic resin material used in these partitions is moisture-resistant, making them suitable for shower areas, pool facilities, or restrooms with high humidity.
  • Aesthetics: Solid phenolic partitions offer a sleek and modern appearance, with a range of color options and surface finishes available to suit various design preferences.
  • Low Maintenance: The smooth and non-porous surface of solid phenolic partitions is easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort and cost.

Due to their exceptional durability and aesthetics, solid phenolic partitions are commonly used in upscale settings such as luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and corporate offices.

  1. Stainless Steel Partitions

Stainless steel partitions are a popular choice for commercial restrooms that require a sleek, modern, and highly durable solution. These partitions are made from stainless steel sheets that are resistant to corrosion, stains, and scratches.

Stainless Steel Toilet Partition material example

Stainless Steel Toilet Partition material example

Advantages of Stainless Steel Partitions:

  • Durability: Stainless steel partitions are incredibly durable, making them suitable for high-traffic and vandal-prone areas.
  • Moisture Resistance: The stainless steel material is resistant to moisture, making these partitions ideal for shower areas, pool facilities, or restrooms with high humidity.
  • Aesthetics: Stainless steel partitions offer a sleek and contemporary appearance, adding a touch of elegance to any restroom design.
  • Hygienic: Stainless steel is non-porous and easy to clean, making it a hygienic choice for commercial restrooms.
  • Sustainability: Stainless steel is a recyclable material, making it an environmentally friendly option for sustainable restroom design.

Stainless steel partitions are commonly used in a variety of commercial settings, including airports, shopping centers, stadiums, and high-end restaurants, where durability and aesthetics are of utmost importance.

  1. Composite Partitions

Composite partitions, also known as solid color reinforced composite (SCRC) partitions, offer a unique combination of durability, design flexibility, and affordability. These partitions are made from multiple layers of resin-impregnated cellulose fibers bonded together under high pressure and temperature.

SCRC toilet partitions photo credit BOBRICK

SCRC toilet partitions photo credit: BOBRICK

Advantages of Composite Partitions:

  • Durability: Composite partitions are highly durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and graffiti, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.
  • Design Flexibility: These partitions are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing for endless design possibilities to match any restroom aesthetic.
  • Moisture Resistance: Composite partitions are resistant to moisture, making them suitable for various restroom environments, including shower areas and high-humidity spaces.
  • Affordability: Compared to some other materials, composite partitions offer a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality and durability.

Composite partitions are commonly used in a variety of commercial settings, including schools, restaurants, retail spaces, and recreational facilities, where a balance of durability, design flexibility, and affordability is essential.

  1. Factors to Consider When Choosing Restroom Bathroom Partitions

When selecting restroom bathroom partitions for your commercial restroom, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you make the right choice. These factors include durability, privacy, aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and environmental considerations.

Durability

Durability is a crucial factor when choosing restroom partitions, as they need to withstand heavy usage and potential vandalism. Consider the material’s resistance to impact, scratches, stains, and graffiti to ensure that the partitions can withstand the demands of a high-traffic restroom.

Privacy

Privacy is another important consideration, especially for public restrooms. Look for partitions that offer adequate privacy features, such as full-height doors, no-sightline options, and secure latching systems, to ensure the comfort and privacy of restroom users.

Aesthetics

The aesthetics of restroom partitions can greatly impact the overall design of the restroom. Consider the available color options, patterns, and finishes to choose partitions that complement the overall design theme and create a visually appealing restroom space.

Maintenance

The maintenance requirements of restroom partitions can vary depending on the material. Consider the ease of cleaning, resistance to stains and graffiti, and the availability of cleaning products suitable for the chosen material. Opt for partitions that are easy to maintain to ensure a hygienic and well-maintained restroom.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability and environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important in restroom design. Look for partitions made from recycled or recyclable materials and consider the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Additionally, choose partitions that are energy-efficient and contribute to water conservation efforts.

  1. Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right restroom bathroom partitions involves a series of steps, from requesting a quote to designing your layout and ensuring a smooth installation process.

Requesting a Quote

To start the process, request a quote from a reputable restroom partition supplier such as BROC. Provide the necessary information, including the dimensions of your restroom, the desired material and style of partitions, and any specific customization requirements. The supplier will provide you with a detailed quote based on your specifications.

Designing Your Layout

Once you have received a quote, it’s time to design your restroom layout. Consider the number of stalls you require, the size and configuration of each stall, and the overall flow and accessibility of the restroom. Consult with restroom design experts or utilize online design tools to create an optimal layout that meets your specific needs.

Installation Tips and Guidelines

When it comes to installing restroom bathroom partitions, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult with experienced professionals if needed. Ensure that the partitions are properly secured, leveled, and aligned to create a visually appealing and functional restroom space. Consider hiring professionals for the installation process to ensure a seamless and efficient installation.

  1. Conclusion

Restroom bathroom partitions are a crucial element in commercial restroom design, providing privacy, functionality, and aesthetics. With a wide range of materials and styles to choose from, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, privacy, aesthetics, maintenance requirements, and environmental considerations when selecting the right partitions for your restroom.

Whether you opt for powder coated steel, high pressure laminate, solid plastic, custom engraved plastic, solid phenolic, stainless steel, or composite partitions, each material offers unique advantages and considerations.

By understanding the benefits and features of each type of partition and considering your specific restroom requirements, you can make an informed decision and create a restroom space that is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional. Remember to request a quote, design your layout, and follow installation guidelines to ensure a successful restroom partition project.

Choose the right restroom bathroom partitions for your commercial restroom and create a space that meets the needs of both your business and its patrons.

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