Commercial Bathroom Partitions
Are you planning to install commercial bathroom partitions in your new building? Demand for toilet partitions and privacy stalls continues to increase. In turn, the market will likely reach $2.319 billion by 2025. With the arrival of new styles and designs, how do you pick the right one for your commercial space? Read below for a comprehensive guide on commercial bathroom partitions.
What Are They?
Bathroom partitions, also known as restroom stalls or privacy enclosures, are systems that separate bathrooms and toilets to boost occupants’ privacy. Commercial bathroom partitions come with many parts that serve specific purposes.
The headrail is the bar you see above your head as you walk through the door. It adds strength and stability to the partition system (The floor-mounted overhead brace configuration is the strongest and best value). The hardware features locks, screws, latches, brackets, hooks, door stops, and hinges. The partition panels work as the actual dividers separating the compartments from one another. The type of partition material depends on the purpose of the building. For example, some establishments require abuse resistant, water resistant, or graffiti resistant materials to separate the bath and the toilet for a long lasting clean, fresh look.
Some bathroom partitions come with doors, while smaller cubicles do not. Those with doors also use pilasters. They are columns that attach to the bathroom partition panels and doors and provide support from the floor. These pilasters also come with shoes (hardware covers) that provide aesthetics to cover the fasteners that support the partitions.
Let’s look at some of the different materials manufacturers use for making bathroom partitions.
Solid Plastic Partitions
Solid plastic or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) partitions are desirable for durability and resistance. They’re also the most common option for spaces with heavy traffic restrooms. They feature 1-inch-thick solid plastic panels and surface-mounted heavy-duty hinges. These partitions can last longer in resisting moisture, bacteria, and abuse.
Plastic Laminate
If solid plastic partitions are not an affordable option for you, consider using plastic laminate as a great alternative. It features a layer or laminate that they glue to a particleboard substrate. Manufacturers add a thin sheet of laminate to a metal sheet before gluing another laminate on the other side to complete the partition.
Plastic laminate partitions also offer flexibility. You can apply different colors and customize them to match a specific design including wood looks for high-end restaurants and country clubs. The downside of plastic laminate is its durability. Moisture and humidity can damage them and shorten their life, making them an unfavorable partition material for restrooms with showers.
Powder-Coated Steel
The most affordable option is the powder-coated steel partition. It uses a honeycomb board with two galvanized metal sheets glued on either side. The powder coating process fills and covers every face and void of the panel or door, to resist rust and corrosion. It’s the most cost-efficient option because it’s lightweight and is readily available. Even certain colors are stocked at ERCO for same-day delivery. It is also available for special anti-vandalism.
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel offers a top-notch look and feel and is also fire-resistant, which makes it compliant with building codes and restroom regulations. However, they can be difficult to clean due to smudge and oil from patron’s hands. Unlike powder-coated steel, these partitions can survive humidity and moisture. They also offer design flexibility. You can engrave patterns over the steel to add aesthetic value to your bathrooms.
Black-Core Phenolic
This material offers total abuse and vandalism resistance, can be used in high traffic bathrooms, cannot be scratched or damaged, and provides a wider selection of design options. The drawback of this system is the difficulty of installation, as the panels are extremely heavy and require diamond-edged blades and drill bits for the installation. But that shouldn’t be a concern as ERCO will take care of your installation.
Primary Benefits of Bathroom Partitions
The most impactful advantage of installing toilet partitions is privacy. Whether it’s a male or female bathroom, you can increase the security of individuals, especially if your building has heavy foot traffic. Partitions also add to the overall style and aesthetics of your restrooms. Depending on the materials you use, you can find a bathroom partition that blends into your design. They can add character to your bathrooms and increase your building’s overall value.
The Height Conundrum
When choosing commercial bathroom partitions, getting the proper height is crucial. Most in the U.S. come in two types: standard height and full height. Standard height partitions are the most common. They feature a large gap on the bottom measuring about 12 inches in height. The edges of the door also come with sightline accessories to limit the amount you can see into the partition.
Full-height partitions or European partitions offer a more private design. They have a small gap at the bottom (minimum of 9 inches) and on the door’s sides. Their height can also reach the ceiling, providing maximum coverage from top to bottom.
Other Important Considerations
Aside from the height, durability is another vital factor. Your bathroom’s foot traffic will dictate the kind of durability you want. Another is the fire classification as bathrooms are prone to fire outbreaks. For this reason, fire-resistant partitions can help you meet specific standards.
Do you want your partitions to add life to your bathroom? Plastic laminate options give you flexibility in color, texture, and design. Choose colors that complement your bathroom. You can use a shade that matches your bathroom’s interior. Alternatively, pick a color that complements the overall theme. If you want sharper-looking restrooms, invest in stainless steel or powder-coated partitions.
Last but not least, is the cost. When deciding on your budget, weigh the initial and long-term expenses. Can you afford the more expensive partitions that save you money in the long run? If not, settle for more affordable options and focus on maintenance to extend their life.
Enjoy Top-notch Commercial Bathroom Partitions
Now you know the different commercial bathroom partitions, you can review your plans and streamline your options. You can find the best-suited materials for your bathroom requirements. If you’re looking for a trusted provider of restroom partitions, you came to the right place.
Connect with us to state your requirements. Let us discuss your options to give your bathroom the partitions it deserves. All these things are easy if you call ERCO and have one of our solutions providers to walk you through this process to give you the perfect fit for your facility. We provide free estimates on our website and we look forward to hearing from you for all of your washroom partition needs.
