What Type of Material Should I Use For My Toilet Partition Renovation?

When undergoing a toilet partition renovation, there are a wide range of materials to choose from, and you should consider your specific needs and budget carefully before choosing from among them. Factors to consider include amount of expected use, susceptibility to vandalism, vulnerability to fire, architectural aesthetics, upfront cost, and ongoing maintenance cost.

MAKING A TOILET PARTITION DECISION
The choices of material for a toilet partition include:

• Steel with baked enamel finish—This is the cheapest and most common toilet partition option, but it lacks durability.

• Plastic laminate—This is another cheap but low-durability option and is not often used. The standard core typically consists of particle board, so this is not a good option for high-moisture areas. It does allow for a wide variety of laminate color choices.

• Solid phenolic core—This also offers a wide range of color choices, but because it is one solid material (no core material), the problem of delamination is eliminated. It’s sturdy and durable—resistant to scratching, dents, moisture, and graffiti. It’s a good choice for high-traffic areas, but it is relatively expensive.

• Solid plastic—This moderately priced option has high durability. But it only offers moderate graffiti resistance in that it will “ghost” if written on with a permanent marker. It also has poor fire safety in its base form, although it can be purchased in Class A or B fire ratings.

• Stainless steel—This is one of the most expensive options, but it has strong aesthetic appeal and durability. It is corrosion-resistant, graffiti-resistant, and appearance can be restored through buffing.

• Solid Color Reinforced Composite (SCRC)—Introduced by Bobrick, this option is expensive but highly durable with excellent graffiti resistance. Despite its initial cost, it can be a good choice for property owners worried about recurring maintenance costs. A drawback is limited color selection.

CONSULT WITH AN EXPERT
These characteristics of each material are only an overview. When selecting the toilet partition material for a property, it pays to consult with a company with extensive experience in the industry that can guide you through the choices to pick the material that best fits your budget and desired quality.