If there’s one item in any building or establishment that’s terribly underappreciated, it has to be the toilet partition. Toilet partitions may not be glamorous, but they are essential. The quality and design of these partitions can make or break the success of any washroom setup. These partitions also contribute to a user’s experience with hygiene, infection control and use of the toilet/washroom.
With the right toilet or washroom partitions, users can experience better privacy and accessibility, convenience in cleaning and maintenance, as well as a feeling of luxury, whether they’re in an office, boutique hotel or a clinic. We don’t need to be reminded of what getting the wrong toilet partitions can do—we’ve all experienced that feeling of disgust when presented with a run-down, dirt public washroom.
Because people expect more and have high standards for toilets, it’s not surprising how toilet or washroom partitions have significantly evolved over the years. Nowadays, building owners and supervisors can choose from several materials, styles and finishes to create stunning toilets that can also accommodate the demands of busy environments.
If you’re planning on performing a long overdue renovation for your restrooms, you’ll need to choose the right partitions for them. But what materials do these partitions come in and how do you make sure you choose the right one? We’ll be going through the pros and cons of each toilet partition material so you can figure out if they’re appropriate for the type of environment your washrooms have.
Metal Partitions
Partitions made from metal are not only considered an economical choice, but they are also high-quality. Appearance-wise, metal partitions make your washroom look ‘regal’ or like royalty. They are powder-coated and popular because of the benefits they provide, such as:
- They’re economical
- They’re easy to clean
- They are durable
- They are scratch-proof
- Resistant to staining and corrosion
The only downside to this type of partition is that they only come in limited color options.
Stainless Steel Partitions
This type of partition provides a more sophisticated and classy appearance to your washrooms. With this material, you can create a smooth partition or one with some patterns engraved on it. Stainless steel partitions not only survive wear and tear but also have minimum impact on the environment unlike other types of partitions.
Benefits:
- They’re durable
- They’re scratch-resistant
- They’re germ-resistant
- They work well even in high-humid areas
- They’re resistant to rust, germ, and corrosion
Stainless steel partitions tend to be more expensive compared to other partitions and they’re also a bit more complicated to install since they weigh more.
Phenolic Partitions
If you want toilet partitions that combine strength and durability, choose phenolic partitions. This type of partition is made by compressing layers of paper and soaking them in a phenolic resin coating. This material is quite resilient, which makes it capable of withstanding rough circumstances.
Benefits:
- They last long
- They are available in different colors
- They work well in high-traffic areas
- They’re impact-resistant, making it difficult to vandalize them
- They’re moisture-resistant and can be used in high humid places
- They’re water, stain, oil, and bacteria resistant
- They’re easy to clean
The only disadvantage to this type of partition is that they can be quite expensive considering the kind of material used to make them.
Solid Plastic Partitions
This type of partition is ideal for corrosive environments and areas that receive a lot of traffic. Not only ar they long-lasting but they are also rust, mold, and moisture resistant. They are also able to withstand hot, cold, and wet environments.
Benefits:
- They’re available in different texture and color options to match any toilet setting
- They’re easy to clean
- They’re scratch resistant
Because of the benefits they offer and quality of their material, this type of toilet partition can be significantly more expensive.
Plastic Laminate Partitions
Plastic laminate toilet partitions are the perfect mix of reasonable price and design flexibility. This type of material is ideal for those who love customizing small partitions. These are installed by gluing together thin laminate board sheets.
Benefits:
- They’re easy to clean
- They are available in a wide range of colors
- They are rust, corrosion, and grease and dirt-resistant
- They’re ideal for heavy traffic toilet settings
This type of partition may be reasonably-priced but they can get damaged when installed in wet areas.
Corian Partitions
This type of partition is easy to shape and is wear-resistant. It’s also available in colors and styles that complement its surroundings.
Benefits:
- They’re easy to clean
- They’re durable
- They’re available in a wide variety of colors
Corian partitions can easily get damaged by water and they’re also not good when it comes to contact with direct heat.
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of toilet or washroom partitions on the market, you probably have an idea of what material is appropriate for the toilet setup you have.
Care and Maintenance of Toilet or Washroom Partitions
If you had your partitions installed properly, then maintaining it shouldn’t be that hard. In fact, properly installed partitions require very minimal maintenance. Maintenance should be done at least once a year (or as often as needed). Simply check the screws and bolts and make ure they are tightly fastened or secured. Next, adjust the door gaps to ensure privacy for each user. If you encounter any issues with ‘through-bolts’ staying tight, you can use ‘loc-tite’ to keep them in place. Make sure you grease the hinges using synthetic grease if necessary and adjust them to your preference.
Regular Cleaning
What you use to clean your toilet partitions is very important. It is recommended that you use the right kind of cleanser for partitions. Do not use any abrasive or potent chemical products that may damage the partition. Be careful with using bleach as partitions made out of plastic can become discolored or warped after using them. Also try to avoid acid-based cleansers like muriatic acid as it can eat through and break down your partitions. Acid-based cleansers corrode stainless steel, and stain and discolor plastic ones.
