get a quoteYOUR GUIDE TO SHOWER PARTITIONS
Are you working on building a new bathroom at your location? If so, you already know how many different moving parts have to come together to make that happen. You’ll need to pick a tile for the floor, a color for the walls and a design for the sinks. You’ll have to decide how many stalls there will be and whether there will be any showers. You’ll certainly need to spend some time thinking about the layout of the bathroom itself, and where to place all the different elements.
These major structural decisions are likely to be some of the first you’ll make. Having made them, however, you can move on to some of the more cosmetic choices. One of the most significant choices you’ll have to make is this: What type of shower partitions will you use if your restroom design includes showers?
WHAT ARE SHOWER PARTITIONS?
Shower partitions are the barriers you’ll see in many restrooms to help seclude the shower stall or stalls off from each other and the rest of the bathroom. While they may not be in public restrooms such as the ones located in stores, malls, restaurants and other public places, there are plenty of other restrooms that do need to have showers. Some examples might include college dorm rooms, locker rooms, gyms and many more.
These shower stall partitions are of critical importance for preserving the privacy and dignity of individuals as they shower in these public spaces. Not only do they allow the person showering to feel safer and less stressed about having to shower in public, but they also let other bathroom users go about their day without inadvertently witnessing a stranger showering.
In addition to preserving privacy, public shower partitions perform the function of keeping water from the shower contained in the shower stalls. If these barriers didn’t exist, it would be much easier for water to flood out of the showers and flow freely into the rest of the bathroom. Without shower divider panels, bathrooms might easily become flooded every time someone wanted to take a shower.
WHERE TO USE BATHROOM SHOWER PARTITIONS
As we mentioned earlier, not every bathroom needs a shower. While every bathroom needs a toilet, and thus, toilet stall partitions, showers are not a staple of every bathroom. But if the bathroom you’re designing is for people spending the night, or people who are going to be exercising and getting sweaty, you’ll want to install a shower or two.
What kinds of locations does this apply to? As it turns out, quite a few. Here’s a list of just some of the different types of businesses, organizations and places that might want to think about the types of shower partitions they should install in their bathroom.
1. COLLEGE DORMS
College dorms whose residents share bathrooms require shower stalls. Since students live here full-time during the school year, they will need places to shower as well. While college dorm bathrooms absolutely must have shower partitions, these types of bathrooms also come with a unique set of challenges and requirements you’ll need to accommodate.
Firstly, there will usually need to be many shower partitions in a shared dorm bathroom, due to the large number of students who typically reside on a dorm room floor. All these students will need places to shower, and more often than not, they will want to do so around the same time. When it comes to choosing a type of shower partition for a dorm room bathroom, you will want something you can afford to buy in large quantities.
Another unique challenge of dorm room bathrooms is the fact that students heavily traffic them and often mistreat them. Indeed, every school, dorm and student is different, but the fact remains that a dorm room bathroom undergoes much more stress and damage than many other types of bathroom. Part of this is due to the sheer volume of usage, while another part is because college students are generally careless with how they treat the bathrooms.
By taking all these factors into account, you can easily conclude a dorm room shower partition needs to be highly durable, easy to clean and long-lasting.
2. GYMS AND LOCKER ROOMS
Gyms and locker rooms are other bathroom settings that will need showers. That makes sense, as these are locations where individuals are going to want to clean off after exercising and getting sweaty. Like college dorm rooms, they come with unique specifications to be aware of.
Like dorm rooms, locker rooms and gyms are going to have to stand up against heavy amounts of traffic. These bathrooms experience large volumes of use, meaning flimsy and delicate shower partitions are not the best choice for this setting.
Whether these bathrooms are going to experience particularly rough treatment depends a great deal on the specific type of gym or locker room. If your locker room is in a high school, you can readily depend on your gym shower partitions needing to be tough and able to withstand a lot of damage. In cases like these, you’ll also likely want partitions that are easy to clean.
If your shower dividers for locker rooms are for a community gym or a similar location, however, they may not be as likely to experience such heavy amounts of damage. While you still may not want to choose a very delicate model, you may also be able to get away with a slightly less heavy-duty material than you would need for a school.
3. CHURCHES
Not every church requires a shower or showers in the bathroom, but some churches choose to add this amenity anyway. In a small church, there may not be room for a shower. When a church becomes large and the congregation grows, however, a shower quickly becomes an extremely handy fixture to have onsite. Whether it’s because people spend the night at the church, because the church has an active gym or rec hall or for some other reason altogether, more and more churches are moving toward installing a shower or two on site.
Churches are not likely to experience the enormous volumes of traffic a gym or a dorm room will. They will see the occasional occupant, but likely not much more than that. With this in mind, it makes sense church shower partitions can be a bit lighter and more delicate.
In addition to this, church bathroom occupants generally treat them much more gently than other public bathrooms. That applies to both toilet stalls and shower stalls. They are far less likely to get graffitied or dirtied in any other way, which is another reason less durable or fancier partitions are a more acceptable choice for church shower stalls.
DIFFERENT SHOWER PARTITION MATERIALS
Because there is such a wide variety of different settings for shower partitions, there is also a lot of diversity in the choice of materials. Some are more on the expensive, luxury end, while others are more economical. Some are highly durable, while others won’t hold up to heavy amounts of stress. Some are highly customizable, and others only come in one style and color. The options are truly endless.
With so many options, how do you choose which material is best for you? The answer is simple: Look at your specific needs and decide which material fits those needs the best.
To do this, of course, you’ll need a basic understanding of the different types of materials available, as well as the major pros, cons and features of each type. With this goal in mind, let’s look at some of the most common kinds of shower partition materials available today.
1. POWDER-COATED STEEL
Powder-coated steel is an excellent, versatile option that works well in a variety of different settings. It’s also one of the most economical and affordable options out there, so if you’re working with a tight budget, this is one option to consider seriously.
The powder-coated steel partition begins with a large piece of honeycomb cardboard, covered with a sheet of metal. The steel gets applied over the top of this, which is where the material type draws its name. The entire panel is then coated with a powdered paint and gets baked, allowing the powder to set onto the surface.
Powder-coated steel partitions are available in many different colors, ranging from bright red or blue to more toned-down neutral colors that can easily blend into the background of your restroom.
The only real disadvantage you may find yourself facing with powder-coated steel dividers is the fact that, while they are durable, they aren’t quite as long-lasting as some of the higher-end options. They will still serve their purpose, but they won’t do it for as many years as other types of material might. Also, they are not to be directly exposed to water.
There is a major advantage to powder-coated steel, however. It’s quite affordable, making it an excellent choice for small budgets, and also meaning it’s easy enough to replace if it takes damage. It’s highly durable, however, so you can look forward to getting plenty of use out of it before you’ll need to replace it.
2. SOLID PLASTIC
As the name suggests, these solid plastic types of shower partitions are 100 percent plastic all the way through. The plastic panels are usually about an inch thick and come in a wide range of colors, from bright shades of greens, blues and burgundies to more neutral shades of tan, gray and black.
Because they’re entirely plastic and do not contain more fragile materials, these are some of the most durable partitions you’ll find anywhere. They’re strong enough to hold up to graffiti, dirt, mud, sweat, chemicals and almost anything else you could ever throw at them. That makes them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and locations where you expect them to undergo particularly rough treatment.
In addition to this, solid plastic partitions are extremely easy to clean. Unlike other types of dividers that sometimes require more careful and exact cleaning techniques, plastic barriers are simple to scrub and hose down without needing any specialized cleaners.
The one potential pitfall to be aware of is the price tag of these partitions, as they do tend to fall a bit more on the expensive side. That’s a small consideration, however, when you compare it to the amount of durability, longevity and convenience you’re getting. Even though you’ll pay more up front for a plastic partition than for a powder-coated steel partition, you may very well end up needing to replace the powder-coated steel more often. That makes plastic partitions a better bargain in the long run.
3. PHENOLIC CORE PARTITIONS
This type of partition uses many different layers of paper pressed tightly together, then soaked in a phenolic resin that binds them. While paper might not sound like the most durable material to craft a bathroom partition, the fact is these phenolic core partitions are extremely resilient and can withstand a lot of use.
These partitions are available with several different color options, in a variety of different neutrals such as tans, grays and blacks. In this way, you can customize your shower partitions to fit the overarching aesthetic of your restroom.
They have an exceptionally long lifespan, and while they might not be quite as impervious to damage as the solid plastic, they still do an excellent job of holding up against damage and can last long after less durable materials have needed replacing. Like the solid plastic, they’re also easy to clean, making them a convenient choice in environments that frequently get dirty.
In addition to being able to withstand basic graffiti and dirt, phenolic core partitions also hold up particularly well to humidity, bacteria and corrosion. Since you’ll be using these as shower partitions, these aspects are especially important and are worth taking note of.
These are a slightly more upscale model, which you’ll find the price tag reflects. Though phenolic core partitions are a bit more expensive, the price is well worth it when you consider how much value you’re receiving in longevity, corrosion resistance and sheer durability.
4. STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is perhaps the best-known and most easily recognizable material on this list. With its gleaming metallic surface, it’s easy to spot in a crowd, and it makes for an eye-catching installment in any restroom. Stainless steel is also extremely timeless-looking, so even as these partitions last many years, they’ll age gracefully and without becoming dated.
The first and most prominent advantage of stainless steel partitions is their sheer aesthetic appeal. There’s no denying these panels look classy. Their sleek surface can dress up any bathroom, taking it from a generic public space to something far more sophisticated. Be aware, however, that you can only get these partitions in their shiny, silver color, and you won’t otherwise be able to customize them.
Stainless steel isn’t just about the looks, however. They have what matters most — durability and longevity. They’re also rust-resistant and scratch-resistant. If you have any reservations about buying a panel that looks so nice for fear of ruining it, there’s no need to be afraid. These stainless steel partitions are tougher than they look. They’re long-lasting, however they are not to be directly exposed to water.
As you might expect based on all the benefits of the stainless steel partitions, they don’t come cheaply. The high price tag isn’t for nothing, however. Remember, you’re paying for the aesthetic value, scratch protection, durability and longevity. Barring any extreme and unexpected incidents, these partitions will last for years to come.
A PLEASING COLOR FOR EVERY BATHROOM
Shower partitions offer the privacy guests want and appreciate, and they provide a terrific opportunity to tie your remodel or new public restroom design together. Whether you would like to create an elegant space for a high-end spa or want to represent the home team, we’ll help you use your partitions as valuable additions to your shower area.
Our new shower partitions are available in many attractive colors and patterns — perfect for creating a unique look and adding visual appeal to any new build. The options vary based on the types of materials used to produce your order. Browse our powder-coated, solid plastic and phenolic core shower partitions to see all the different colors and patterns you can use to enhance your design.
POWDER COATED SHOWER DIVIDERS
Whether for a single wall or several partitions, our powder-coated shower partitions are affordable and adaptable. We offer more than a dozen color options to choose from for powder-coated shower partitions, ranging from bold solid colors to dividers with textured looks to resemble granite. For a full list of the options available on powder-coated dividers, download our color chart. The right color will depend on your design, but popular choices often include:
- Solid colors: You can choose from white, black, red, royal blue and many other solid colors.
- Granite patterns: Pepper dust and sandy beach create the illusion of stone.
SOLID PLASTIC SHOWER DIVIDERS
A solid plastic bathroom shower partition wall is sturdy, durable and available in a wide selection of colors for matching any look. Whether it’s brilliant white or something bold and vibrant, color brings out the natural texture of solid plastic dividers and adds a touch of value to the shower stall. Download a color chart for solid plastic shower partitions to see all the choices available, with options including:
- Solids: We offer a range of earth tones, grayscale and other solid colors.
- Patterns: Use partitions as a decorative accent with several engaging looks available.
PHENOLIC CORE SHOWER DIVIDERS
With a phenolic core bathroom shower partition, gain all the advantages of superior resistance to moisture, wear and bacteria with the added benefit of appealing color customization. Our phenolic core shower dividers have a series of elegant patterns mirroring a wood or stone finish, as well as solid colors in grayscale and earth tones. For the complete list, download a color chart. These partition walls are perfect when you want to make an impression, with dividers available in:
- Grayscale and earth tones: We offer an attractive selection of solid colors, including taupe, almond and dove gray.
- Stone and woodgrain: Several colors resembling woodgrain are available, and we also have options made to resemble granite or pebbles.
STAINLESS STEEL
For stainless steel dividers, brushed steel is the only finish available, but this is by no means a limitation. In their simplicity, stainless partitions become incredibly versatile. Stainless steel shower partitions fit with virtually any remodel, and give any public shower a luxury appeal.
We want to help you find the best match for your showers. If you’d like to see a color in person, request a free sample and we’ll send it right over.
INSTALLING SHOWER PARTITIONS
As you work to construct your new bathroom, your first task will undoubtedly be to review the different available materials and decide which fits your needs and your unique location the best. Once you’ve settled this, however, the next task is to determine how you’ll mount the partitions.
- DIY installation: There are numerous different ways to install shower partitions. If you’re confident in your DIY skills, you can try tackling the project yourself. There are plenty of instructional videos and tutorials online that can help you along in this process.
- Professional installation: If you’re less sure of your skills, however, many installation services would be more than happy to assist you in hanging your partitions.Installation services don’t come free, of course, but if you truly don’t feel comfortable, hiring a company to perform the installation may be the best solution. This way, you can be sure the professional installers do the job correctly the first time.
If you attempt to do it yourself and the job goes wrong, you will only end up spending more money hiring someone to come and fix it. Worse, you may even damage the panels irreparably, forcing yourself to buy new partitions.
In short, unless you’re a handy individual, it’s usually best to stand back and let another handle this part. You did your job by choosing the partitions, right down to the material, color and layout. Let someone with general carpentry skills take care of the installation.
SHOP FOR YOUR NEXT SET OF SHOWER PARTITIONS TODAY
As you begin to explore the different shower partition options available to you, you’ll want to spend some time investigating all the different options out there. After all, you want to make sure you’re choosing the very best partitions for you — the ones that fit best in your restroom. You’ll want to go with a company that offers you an extensive array of options.
As you’re looking for the partition company that can offer you the options you deserve, we hope you’ll consider us here at One Point Partitions. We offer a wide range of American-made bathroom partitions so you can choose the partition that works best for you. We also provide standard warranties, so if anything goes wrong, you can feel secure in knowing we have you covered.
We also believe in the importance of truly excellent customer service, which is why we’re committed to making the time you spend working with us a positive one. We offer free samples, free delivery services, free quotes and affordable pricing. We’re also proud to offer products manufactured right here in the U.S., and we hope you’ll also be proud to have these American-made partitions in your bathroom.
Not quite sure what you’re looking for in your bathroom? That’s alright. We also offer free design consultation, where we work with you to help you design and plan the bathroom that will work best for you.
Ready to get started? Browse our full catalog of different partition materials, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at all. You can also request a free quote for a no-obligation estimate. Remember that the final price may vary depending the scope of your actual project. If you decide to order different shower dividers than the ones you originally had in your design, the change may also influence the final price.t.