Tag Archive for: commercial bathroom

Plastic vs. Stainless Steel Bathroom Partitions: See the Difference Before You Choose

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When building a commercial or public bathroom, the partition material is usually one of the most overlooked elements. At first glance, its only purpose is for privacy, so the only thing you need to consider when making your choice is visual appeal, which is why most people opt for stainless steel bathroom partitions. However, is this really the best choice for your bathroom partition material?

Scranton Products wants you to make the best choice for your new bathroom partitions, so we’re here to compare plastic HDPE bathroom partitions against stainless steel so you can see the difference before your choose. Read more

Commercial Bathroom Layout Ideas & Tips

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There’s a lot of thought and consideration when it comes to commercial bathroom design. You want it to be inviting, not off-putting, so you’ll want to be careful with your design and choices. Staying up on design trends can help you transform a run-of-the-mill restroom into a warm and welcoming space for occupants to relieve themselves. Here are a few commercial bathroom layout ideas and tips for you to consider in order to bring your restroom into the modern age.

Open Design & Maximizing Space

Right now, open space is a huge trend within different offices because it increases airflow, productivity, and even the social aspect. This trend can be utilized in your restroom, even if you’re working with limited space. The key is using that space and making it seem bigger. Luckily, there are a few ways to make your restroom seem more spacious, without having to knock down the walls or expand its borders.

Sinks and vanities are crucial for every bathroom, so you’ll want to make this space really pop. Make the area under the sink empty to utilize the space. You can even use properly placed mirrors to help make your bathroom seem a little bit bigger, as well as more modern.

Get Creative With Your Sink & Stall Placement

Finding new and inventive commercial bathroom designscan help boost your restroom’s appeal. No one said that sinks have to be attached to a wall. In fact, floating sinks and vanities are becoming increasingly popular in modern offices, and even in restaurants. Placing a series of sinks in the middle of the bathroom, as opposed to against the wall, creates a new and exciting experience for the occupants.

While privacy is one of the most important components to a public restroom, you don’t have to follow the typical layout with three stalls tucked in the corner. You can have free standing, private bathroom stalls. Because the stalls won’t be right on top of each other, and your occupants won’t feel cramped or uncomfortable.

Use Better Materials

One of the biggest downfalls to commercial restrooms is the choice of materials used for the stalls and partitions. The most common materials are coated steel and phenolic plastic. The problem is that these materials can be susceptible to faster-than-normal wear and tear. Due to overwhelming humidity and moisture in commercial restrooms, the steel can rust and the phenolic plastic can sprout mold in its core.

Think about using a stronger, more durable material that can stand up to these factors. HDPE’s moisture and mildew resistance makes it an ideal material for bathrooms. In addition, it provides a strong and durable stall that won’t degrade and become riddled with foul-smelling mold, or cosmetic scratches and dents.

Bathroom Stall Installation: How to Install Commercial Bathroom Stall Doors

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Whether you’re updating your facility’s bathroom, or you’re setting up the bathrooms in a new building, there are many steps to take to make sure you’re properly installing the bathroom stall doors. You’ll want secure and stable materials that can endure the process, but also last for a long time so you don’t need to worry about continual maintenance.

Choosing the Right Materials

The beginning steps of the installation process begin with the materials you choose. Many bathroom stalls are made of solid plastic (HDPE), baked enamel, stainless steel, phenolic plywood, or solid color reinforced composite. While there are many options in materials it is important to understand which material will perform the best in a restroom environment.

In commercial restrooms, humidity and moisture are unavoidable and are always-present factors that can have a negative effect on these different materials. Stainless steel and baked enamel can begin to rust after being surrounded by moisture for a long time.  Due to the composition of Phenolic it is susceptible to mold and mildew growth.  When mold grows, it can result in foul odors that can be difficult to get rid of. When mold is present inside these stalls, you’ll need to find a suitable replacement. You can avoid the foul odors, mold growth, and drop in air quality by choosing a material like HDPE (high-density polyethylene).  This high performance solid plastic features a durable construction that’s resistant to scratches, dents, graffiti, and moisture, providing a long lasting partition for your facility’s restroom.

Planning, Design, and Installation

It’s important to follow guidelines when it comes to planning your facility’s restroom. You should adhere to ADA guidelines to ensure your restroom and its partitions are easily accessible. The restrooms should also be well lit with protective fixtures that are easy to supervise and are fitted with vandal-proof covers.

When it comes to the actual stalls and partitions, there are a few things to consider with installation. There are three different layouts to choose from for your facility; floor mounted overhead braced, ceiling hung and floor to ceiling. Floor mounted overhead braced provided the most economical solution for high traffic areas where durability is top priority. Easy installation in new construction or existing buildings makes this a versatile style option. Each factory drawing is unique depending on manufacturer so it’s important to make sure you understand the drawings and abbreviations used.

Once you understand the dimensions and drawings in a typical restroom design with pilasters and doors you most likely will begin your installation with installing side and back wall brackets. The next step you will take is to attach your pilasters to the floor. The last step is to install your hinges and doors.

If you follow the correct design plans and guidelines, restroom partition and stall door installation in your facility should be relatively easy, and using the right materials will ensure that the partitions will be long-lasting and beneficial for both you and your facility’s occupants.