The Importance of Durable Bathroom Partitions in High-Traffic Areas

For many bustling businesses, organizations, and facilities, managing high-traffic areas like public restrooms can be an ongoing challenge. Due to the constant stream of visitors in these busy restrooms, it is imperative to invest in reliable, heavy-duty materials that can stand the test of time. In general, bathroom partitions in high-traffic areas need to be durable enough to endure consistent use.

Read on to explore some of the best bathroom partitions for high-traffic areas and learn how to choose the right option for you.

Why Durability Is Crucial in High-Traffic Bathroom Areas

In places like schools, concert venues, gyms, and large office buildings, high-volume traffic to your restrooms can quickly begin to wear down your bathroom partitions. The constant activity of visitors, moisture damage, cleaning chemicals, and even deliberate vandalism all contribute to costly repairs if you don’t invest in quality materials. 

To avoid these problems, installing rugged, top-quality bathroom partitions that can withstand dings, dents, scratches, and discoloration is vital. While more durable bathroom stalls may come at a high cost, they’ll ultimately save you money on repairs or component replacements in the long run.

The state of your restrooms can reflect upon your organization and influence the attitudes of clients, employees, and the general public. Bathroom partitions that are aging or in a state of disrepair certainly won’t go unnoticed by visitors. Investing in high-quality, durable restroom partitions today can help protect your business’s or building’s reputation well into the future.

Best Materials for Bathroom Partitions in High-Traffic Areas

Choosing the right materials for your bathroom partitions can make all the difference in terms of longevity and dependability. The most reliable options are stainless steel, solid plastic, and phenolic partitions. Here’s a brief breakdown of the advantages of each option.

Stainless Steel Bathroom Partitions

The lasting durability and attractive aesthetic appeal of stainless steel make this material an excellent choice for bathroom partitions in high-traffic areas. After manufacture, stainless steel develops an ultra-thin layer of chromium oxide, protecting the metal from moisture, corrosion, and rust.  Additionally, its high tensile strength helps stainless steel bathroom partitions withstand vandalism.

While the shining surface of stainless steel may be more prone to smudging or fingerprints, the smooth, non-porous nature of stainless steel makes it easy to clean for a consistently glossy finish. While stainless steel partitions may be more expensive than the other options, their durability makes them a worthy investment.

Solid Plastic Bathroom Partitions

Solid plastic is a great option to consider if you’re looking for a reliable, affordable material for bathroom partitions.

Solid plastic bathroom partitions are excellent at resisting moisture, so you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew growth with this material. They are also quite strong, allowing them to endure constant traffic. Their slick surface makes scratches, stains, or graffiti far less of a concern as well, making them popular in places like gyms and schools.

Solid plastic partitions can withstand heavy traffic for quite a while, but their surfaces can gradually fade over the years.

Phenolic Bathroom Partitions

Another excellent option for busy restrooms is phenolic bathroom partitions. The material used for these partitions is made of layers of resin and craft paper tightly squeezed together, which makes it highly durable, water resistant, and capable of withstanding constant traffic.

Phenolic partitions excel at resisting scratches, dents, chemicals, and acts of vandalism. They come in various colors and designs, accommodating your unique aesthetic needs. 

Be aware that phenolic partitions come at a higher price than solid plastic and require consistent maintenance to keep them in top condition. With time and neglect, the edges of phenolic partitions may begin to show signs of deterioration.

Additional Considerations When Choosing Bathroom Partitions for High-Traffic Areas

While durability is an important attribute to consider when selecting high-traffic area restroom partitions, you’ll also want to think about the maintenance needs, safety concerns, and desired appearance. Here are a few things to keep in mind when weighing your options.

The Importance of Easy Maintenance

The best partitions for busy bathrooms can endure the rigors of daily use without extensive maintenance or laborious cleaning. Selecting low-maintenance, easy-to-clean bathroom stalls will reduce custodial costs without affecting your visitors’ health while prolonging the lifespan of your partitions. This way, you’ll be able to protect your investment for many years to come.

Aesthetic Appeal and Professionalism

You may want your bathroom partitions to match the aesthetic and function of their surroundings. For example, you may not want to install inexpensive particle-board partitions in the restrooms of a high-powered law firm or corporate headquarters. On the other hand, investing in top-tier partitions for a public library restroom or gas station bathroom may not be your top priority. 

Take the time to find the partitions that suit your needs and the level of professionalism you want to project. If you’d like to strike an even balance between visual appeal and durability, your best options would probably be phenolic or stainless steel bathroom partitions.

Fire Resistance and Safety

Most cities and states require buildings to comply with the NFPA 286 Standard regarding fire safety in bathrooms. This standard specifies that partitions for busy bathrooms should not generate excessive smoke or easily catch fire when exposed to an open flame. Meeting this fire safety standard is especially critical in high-traffic areas where evacuation of the occupants may take time. 

You’ll also want to ensure your bathroom partitions in high-traffic areas meet the ADA Standards, which strictly regulate the dimensions and layouts of bathroom partitions.

You should also be aware of the OSHA restroom standards, which require employers to provide easy access to safe and sanitary bathrooms for all employees. Failure to comply with any of these fire safety regulations can result in hefty fines and penalties.

Invest in Durable Bathroom Partitions for Long-Term Success

Once high-traffic restrooms in your building begin to show signs of wear, it’s probably time to make a change. Whether you’re managing a business, school, gym, or some other building with high traffic, the state of your restrooms will influence the opinions others have about your establishment. If you want to make a strong impression on every visitor, invest in durable bathroom partitions that can enhance the look and feel of your entire property.

Although budget constraints and other pressing priorities can delay investments in improved facilities, the advantages of upgrading bathroom partitions often outweigh the costs. Besides boosting the ambiance and reputation of your building, durable bathroom stalls will save you money over time in terms of reliability and customer retention.

If you believe it’s time to make a change, contact our team at One Point Partitions for expert support and guidance.

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