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There are many types of bathroom stalls for home and commercial bathroom types. Here’s everything you need to know about bathroom stall types.
While not really stalls, residential bathroom partitions can add ambiance, break up an ample space, and even enhance privacy without chopping up the room. Homeowners have many choices of bathroom partitions depending on what they hope to accomplish.
Shower stalls can be:
Acrylic Plastic shower stalls feel warm and are generally cost-effective but can develop mold problems over long periods of heavy use and are generally less attractive than other options. They aren't recommended for commercial applications.
These stalls require proper support to prevent bowing and cracking at the base (also known as a shower pan). Glass shower stalls are easy to clean and durable but are generally a more expensive option.
Phenolic material is a heavy-duty laminate made from layers of a special type of paper substrate encased in a durable resin used for commercial facilities. It is waterproof, scratch-proof, and mold-proof, making it ideal for use in high-traffic, wet and humid areas such as showers and bathrooms.
Concealing a toilet from the rest of a bathroom is a common consideration. Sometimes bathrooms have a nook or even smaller room built into a bathroom to separate the toilet from the rest of the room. However, with a bit of creativity, this feature can be added to just about any bathroom regardless of the layout.
Creative-minded homeowners might consider a DIY room divider that matches your style and decor. Some fun and unique options include:
If you have the skill and time to create your own room partition, the only limit is your imagination. Every home has an option, from reclaimed shutters to scrap wood barn doors.
Commercial bathrooms don’t require the same personality as a residential space, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require thought and planning. Choosing bathroom partitions usually requires durability and budget concerns, to say nothing for additional installation costs.
Hygiene is another consideration for commercial bathrooms that serve more people than a typical residential bathroom. Look for materials with antimicrobial properties and those that resist bacteria and excessive moisture. For example, copper fixtures and coating are expensive but hold up well against bacteria.
Typically, commercial spaces have more stalls requiring more skilled hands for the installation. It’s not the same as a homeowner putting together and installing a DIY partition because more people will use the commercial bathroom. Plus, liability issues are involved, so you must perform the installations properly.
Choosing the right commercial shower stalls takes some research and effort. Consider how many occupants will use the showers, how much wear and tear they get from people and water, and the overall budget for the space.
Further, many commercial sites require ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible shower stalls.
That said, commercial shower stalls are often a better choice than shower curtains because they last longer and are easier to clean. Choosing a non-porous material for the stall reduces the amount of debris that builds up, especially in a well-ventilated room.
Phenolic material is often used in commercial applications due to its waterproof, scratch-proof, and mold-proof properties. These factors make it ideal for use in high-traffic, wet and humid areas such as showers and bathrooms.
Solid plastic high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is another possibility for commercial shower stalls. It’s durable enough to hold up to heavy use, but it also resists bacteria and moisture.
ADA compliance with commercial shower installs is also a consideration in shower design. They must be at least 30 inches by 60 inches, though there are additional requirements for transfer-type shower arrangements.
Additional requirements include grab bars and roll-in capability for wheelchair access. It’s essential that the chosen shower stall can support necessary fixtures and offer enough clearance when opening and closing doors.
Toilet partition stalls are another consideration for commercial bathrooms. While it’s easy to think you would just choose a smaller stall, that’s not always the answer.
Consider how many showers happen compared to how many times people use the toilet. You might need something a little more durable, especially in terms of fixtures.
Installing a full toilet stall is a bit more complicated than a simple urinal screen. You must carefully measure dimensions to make the best use of limited space in bathrooms.
Three different materials are available for full toilet stalls. They are the same materials that are for the commercial bathroom partitions: powdered metal, solid plastic, or stainless steel. The difference is that more colors are available for the full toilet stalls than for the commercial bathroom partitions.
Designers must factor in extra space for the toilet stall design to be ADA compliant. The stalls must be at least 56 inches deep with a doorway opening of at least 32 inches. Additionally, ADA compliance requires a minimum clearance between the door side of the stall and any potential obstructions.
Selecting bathroom partitions for a space depends heavily on the room’s purpose. Residential bathrooms typically reflect the homeowner’s style, while commercial restrooms for airports, schools and the like align with the organization’s values.
In both settings, it’s essential to make a good impression on visitors when they have to use the facilities. Fast Partitions can help companies create a clear statement in their bathrooms.
March 30, 2022
Wayne Foreman