Restroom Partitions

The choice of restroom partitions should be based upon a balance of considerations.  Factors that include the size of the room, the level of décor require, new construction versus remodel, and the sanitation requirements of the entire facility have to be carefully weighed.  Budget constraints have to also be taken into account in light of all of these other determinants in order to make the best possible choice for a given location.

If you are remodeling a commercial bathroom, you must first check to see if your ceilings have the necessary structural supports to support a ceiling mount or floor to ceiling mount style.  In situations where this is not allowed, floor mounted partitions or floor mounted overhead braced are the only workable option. 

New construction projects offer more freedom in choosing how to mount restroom partitions.  This choice should be based on balancing the amount of actual square footage you have in your facility with the amount of users per day that are passing through that facility. 

Some public restrooms, such as those in small office buildings, are very small and feature only two or three stalls.  They also see a very limited number of users.  Others, such as those in public transportation areas, are quite the opposite.  They are built to accommodate large numbers of people on a daily basis, and they witness a great deal of inadvertent wear and tear. 

Restroom partitions in smaller office environments are often ceiling mounted in order to conserve limited floor space.   The larger a facility becomes, and the higher the number of users becomes, the greater the need for extra bracing.    The bathrooms that see the heaviest traffic, such as those in airports, require both floor and ceiling mounts with an extra brace on the ceiling portion on the mount.  This ensures that doors and partition walls remain in alignment in spite of constant opening, closing, and slamming. 

Budget is obviously another consideration.  It goes without saying that some facilities may not be able to afford the sturdiest toilet partitions.  For example, commercial bathroom partitions made from plastic Phenolic may be the first choice of an architect, but he client may not be able to meet this price point.  Choosing quality solid plastic partitions that are easy to clean can often provide results that are almost as good as premium Phenolic.  In small and mid-size churches, even plastic may not be needed to produce reliable performance.  Baked enamel dividers hold up very well if cleaned frequently, properly, and handled with care.  

Paying large sums of money does come into play when we factor in the likelihood of vandalism.  In public buildings, public schools, and civic offices, people often maliciously target restroom partitions because they are readily accessibility.  Scratching or writing on these dividers represents striking out against authoritarian institutions that they feel have victimized them.  If you are building a facility that is likely to be the target of vandalism attempts, you will have to convince your client to invest the extra money in something like stainless steel or Phenolic plastic.  Otherwise, even more money will have to be spent later on replacements.   

You may also have to base your choice of bathroom partitions on the level of décor that your particular building must present.  Some establishment, such as luxury hotels, art galleries, concert halls, and fine art museums require a higher level of architectural sophistication even in places like bathrooms.  Fusion granite partitions are recommended for these environments. 

In some environments, you also have to choose restroom partitions that will contribute to the overall sanitation of the facility.  You may not have considered this, but the biggest threat to human health is unevaporated standing water.  It is a breeding ground for bacteria and disease.  Bathroom partitions in places like hospitals and food service businesses must be moisture resistant so that if a surface does get wet, the water evaporates before bacteria can grow.  Both Phenolic and stainless steel are completely water resistant.  Solid plastic will also perform satisfactorily if cleaned regularly per manufacturer instructions.