Bathroom Stall Doors: Bathroom Partitions Ultimate Guide
Bathroom stall doors are an essential part of any commercial restroom. They provide privacy and security for users, while also helping to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
There are a variety of materials and styles available for bathroom stall doors. These range from traditional metal and plastic partitions to more modern options like glass and wood.
When selecting bathroom stall doors, privacy is often a top concern. Many manufacturers offer options like full-length doors and privacy strips to ensure that users are able to use the facilities without feeling exposed.
Additionally, some bathroom stall doors come equipped with locking mechanisms to further enhance security.
Commercial restrooms can benefit from a variety of bathroom stall door options. From sleek and modern glass doors to more traditional metal and plastic partitions, there are options available to fit any design aesthetic.
By selecting the right bathroom stall doors, business owners can create a comfortable and welcoming environment for their customers and employees alike.
Design and Materials
Material Choices
When selecting materials for bathroom stall doors, there are several options available. The most common materials used for bathroom stall doors include solid plastic, stainless steel, phenolic, and HDPE solid plastic.
Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to consider the specific needs of your bathroom before making a decision.
Solid plastic is a popular choice for bathroom stall doors because it is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and bacteria.
Stainless steel is another popular option because it is strong, corrosion-resistant, and has a sleek modern look.
Phenolic is a more expensive option, but it is also highly durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and graffiti.
HDPE solid plastic is a newer option that is gaining popularity due to its eco-friendliness and resistance to scratches, dents, and graffiti.
Door Finishes
In addition to selecting the right material for your bathroom stall doors, it is also important to consider the finish of the doors. The most common finishes for bathroom stall doors include matte, textured, and glossy.
Matte finishes are popular because they are easy to clean and do not show fingerprints or smudges.
Textured finishes are also popular because they provide added grip and can hide scratches and dents.
Glossy finishes are less common but can provide a sleek, modern look.
Color Selection
When selecting the color of your bathroom stall doors, it is important to consider the overall design of your bathroom as well as the specific needs of your facility.
Neutral colors like white, gray, and beige are popular because they are versatile and can match any decor.
However, if you want to make a statement, bold colors like red, blue, and green can add a pop of color to your bathroom.
It is also important to consider the durability of the color. Some materials like solid plastic and phenolic offer color-through options, which means the color is embedded throughout the material and will not fade or chip over time.
Installation and Specifications
Sizing and Regulations
Before installing bathroom stall doors, it is important to understand the sizing and regulations that come with it.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific guidelines for the size of bathroom stalls. The standard size of a bathroom stall door is 36 inches in width and 60 inches in depth.
The door should also swing outward to allow for easy access and emergency situations. The height of the door should be at least 80 inches from the floor.
These regulations ensure that the bathroom stalls are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
Installation Process
The installation process for bathroom stall doors can vary depending on the type of partition being used.
Hadrian instructions recommend starting with the floor-mounted pilasters and then attaching the panels to the pilasters. The hinges and doors can then be installed.
It is important to follow the correct design plans and guidelines to ensure that the installation is done correctly.
Restroom partition and stall door installation in your facility should be relatively easy, and using the right materials will ensure that the partitions will be long-lasting.
Hardware and Accessories
The hardware and accessories used in bathroom stall doors are equally important as the installation process.
The hardware includes items such as hinges, latches, and handles. The hinges should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the door and allow for easy opening and closing.
The latches and handles should be easy to use and accessible to everyone.
Accessories such as coat hooks, toilet paper holders, and grab bars can also be added to the stalls for convenience.
Manufacturers and Suppliers
Selecting a Supplier
When it comes to selecting a supplier for bathroom stall doors, there are several factors that businesses need to consider.
The first thing that businesses need to consider is the quality of the products that the supplier offers.
Some of the top manufacturers and suppliers of bathroom stall doors include ASI, Hadrian, Accurate Partitions, and Bobrick. All of these companies offer high-quality products that are designed to last for years.
Another factor that businesses need to consider when selecting a supplier is the delivery time.
Accurate Partitions, for example, prides itself on offering quick and accurate quotes so that businesses can get the information they need to make informed decisions.
Bobrick, on the other hand, offers global shipping options so that businesses can get their products no matter where they are located.
Quotes and Orders
Once businesses have selected a supplier, they will need to get a quote and place an order.
Accurate Partitions offers quotes that are returned quickly so that businesses can get the information they need to make informed decisions.
They also offer custom designs and can work with businesses to create the perfect bathroom stall doors for their needs.
Bobrick, on the other hand, offers a wide range of bathroom stall doors that are designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. They also offer global shipping options so that businesses can get their products no matter where they are located.
Compliance and Best Practices
ADA Compliance
When it comes to bathroom stall doors, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is crucial.
The ADA provides guidelines for the minimum size and clearance requirements for bathroom stall doors to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
According to the ADA guidelines, a standard toilet stall must have a minimum depth of 56 inches and a minimum width of 60 inches. The stall door should have a minimum width of 32 inches when opened at a 90-degree angle.
This allows for ease of access for individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Additionally, the latch on the bathroom stall door should be operable with one hand and should not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
The door should also be easy to open and close without excessive force.
Maintenance and Security
Proper maintenance and security of bathroom stall doors are also important considerations.
Regular inspection and maintenance of the door latching system, hinges, and keeper can prevent malfunctions and ensure smooth operation.
To enhance privacy and security, it is recommended to install doors that extend from the floor to the ceiling or to install flaps to cover gaps between the stall wall and the door itself.
This can prevent unwanted visibility and promote a sense of privacy for users.
In addition, restroom accessories such as pilasters, panels, posts, headrail, and brackets can provide extra support and stability for bathroom stall doors.
These accessories can also enhance the overall aesthetic of the restroom and provide a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for users.
Why Don’t Bathroom Stall Doors Go to the Floor?
Public bathroom stalls are designed to provide privacy to the users. However, one aspect of their design that often raises questions is why the doors don’t go all the way down to the floor. This section will explore some of the reasons behind this design choice.
Easier Cleaning
One of the reasons why bathroom stall doors don’t go to the floor is to make cleaning easier.
By leaving a gap between the door and the floor, it is easier for janitors to clean the floors with a mop or a hose.
If the doors were to go all the way to the floor, it would be more difficult to clean the space underneath them, which could lead to hygiene issues.
Better Air Circulation
Another reason why bathroom stall doors don’t go to the floor is to promote better air circulation.
By leaving a gap at the bottom of the door, air can flow more freely in and out of the stall. This helps to prevent the buildup of unpleasant odors and makes the bathroom more comfortable for users.
Cost and Maintenance
Finally, it’s worth noting that building bathroom stalls with doors that go all the way to the floor can be more expensive and difficult to maintain.
The extra material and labor required to create these stalls can add up, and repairs can be more complicated if the doors are damaged or need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Bathroom stall doors are an essential component of any restroom, and their design and functionality should be carefully considered.
While inward-opening doors may be considered accessible for individuals without disabilities, they can present challenges for those with mobility impairments. Therefore, stall door designs that prioritize accessibility should be implemented.
One solution to improve accessibility is to install bathroom stall door locks that are easy to operate.
These locks should be installed on both sides of the door. This allows the user inside the stall to lock it from within while also preventing anyone else from accessing the stall from outside.
Another consideration to improve accessibility is the width and thickness of the bathroom stall door.
The standard dimensions for a typical bathroom stall door are 34″ wide and 1 ¾” thick. This theoretically provides 32 ¼” clearance and can meet the minimum 32″ ADA code requirement. However, these dimensions may not be sufficient for individuals with mobility impairments, and wider doors may be necessary.
It is also essential to ensure that bathroom stall doors are properly installed and maintained. Regular maintenance can help prevent issues such as loose hinges or door locks, which can affect the functionality of the door and its accessibility.
The design and functionality of bathroom stall doors should prioritize accessibility for all individuals, including those with mobility impairments.
By implementing solutions such as easy-to-operate locks, wider doors, and regular maintenance, restrooms can become more accessible and inclusive spaces.
Hello, I’m Keith Jones. I’m the author and head of content here of door and window guide. I’ve been in the window and door industry for over 10 years in the UK and North America. I’ve had quite a few roles during my career mainly in Worldwide sales. I’m now semi retired so I thought I’d put my knowledge to good use educating people about all they might need to know about door and window related topics.
