What is the Best Material for Bathroom Partitions?
Posted by Ben Lohn on 15th Feb 2016
Bathroom dividers come in a variety of materials designed for durability in different environments, as well as meeting price constraints. Harbor City Supply offers 5 different material choices with different advantages to each. Our guide below can help you answer which material is right for your restroom.
These partitions feature a cardboard honeycomb core with a durable, powder-coated steel exterior. These partitions feature mild resistance to wear, moisture, and scratching, while being the most economical option. These are frequently used in offices, churches, and libraries.
- Most economical
- Steel with cardboard honeycomb support
- Durable finish with minor wear and moisture resistance
- Designed for light to moderate traffic restrooms
- 1-3 year warranty
These partitions use a resin-infused particleboard core with a decorative and moisture resistant exterior laminate. These solid panels offer resistance to low and medium volume restrooms, while the laminate exterior offers a wide variety of finishes to match any style. Plastic laminate is often found in offices, restaurants, and stores.
- Various stylish finishes available
- Particleboard core with finishing laminate
- Mild corrosion resistance
- Designed for light to moderate traffic restrooms
- 1-2 year warranty
This material is high pressure formed melamine and resin impregnated kraft sheets for optimal durability in any environment. These partitions are a higher price point, but offer superior strength, water proofing, and even fire rating. Solid phenolic is widely used in stadiums, airports, theaters, and arenas.
- Heavy duty waterproof panels
- Graffiti, dent, scratch, and corrosion resistant
- Mildew, odor, and stain resistant
- UL Class B fire rating
- 10-25 year warranty
These dividers are made from high density polyethylene and offer the highest level of durability. Fully waterproof and resistant to vandalism, these through-color panels are easy to clean and can even be refinished on-site to eliminate graffiti. Install these partitions in schools, pools, locker rooms, showers, or any high-traffic space.
- Heavy duty waterproof panels
- Graffiti, dent, scratch, and corrosion resistant
- Mildew, odor, and stain resistant
- UL Class B or NFPA286 fire rating
- 15-25 year warranty
For high end styling in moderate and high traffic restrooms with a higher budget, stainless steel is your choice. Corrosion resistant, easy-cleaning stainless steel exterior is complimented by a sound-dampening honeycomb core. These dividers are ideal for hospitals, restaurants, offices, and retail spaces.
- Corrosion resistant
- Stainless steel with cardboard honeycomb support
- High-end finish and style
- Mildew, odor, and stain resistant
- 5-10 year warranty
Tell us about your project and our team will help find the right partitions for your space and budget. Fill out the form below to get more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most durable restroom partition material?
- Solid plastic and solid phenolic partitions are the most durable and longest lasting material options. They provide increased resistance to moisture, mildew, damage, and vandalism over time. They also come with the longest warranties to back up their quality.
What is the most vandal-resistant restroom partition material?
- Solid plastic is the best option in restrooms where vandalism is likely. The extremely sturdy dividers can withstand heavy abuse without breaking or losing their shape. They also feature the same color through the entire panel so graffiti can be easily sanded off with no loss in appearance.
What is the difference between solid phenolic and solid plastic (HDPE) toilet partitions?
- Solid phenolic is high pressure formed melamine and resin sheets pressed together into a solid sheet. Solid plastic bathroom dividers are made from High Density Polyethylene melted and molded to create panels. Both offer outstanding levels of durability and longevity, at a higher price point than standard baked enamel dividers.
Are baked enamel / powder coated steel partitions still a good option?
- Absolutely! Powder coated steel partitions are the most cost effective solution and still offer some wear and moisture resistance. They are the best option for bathrooms in low-traffic areas such as churches, small offices, libraries, and restaurants.
Are solid phenolic and solid plastic bathroom partitions worth the extra cost?
- In most scenarios, yes. Solid phenolic and solid plastic bathroom partitions offer unmatched moisture and vandal resistance. In high traffic restrooms where damage and abuse is likely, solid phenolic and solid plastic panels are almost impervious to damage. In high moisture restrooms such as pools or gyms, solid plastic and phenolic panels will not fall victim to corrosion the way powder coated steel panels will.
What is the best restroom partition material for schools?
- Solid plastic partitions offer the durability, moisture resistance, and longevity needed for schools. Through-color panels are almost impossible to destroy, and graffiti can be sanded away with no real change in appearance.
Warranty Note: Warranty may vary based on application, maintenance, cleaning, or manufacturer. For specific warranty information, or questions about your existing project, please contact our sales staff.
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