Types of Bathroom Partitions & Mounting Styles Guide

Choosing the right toilet partitions means balancing durability, style, code compliance, and cost. Whether you’re designing for a school, office, gym, or airport, it’s critical to understand your material and mounting options. This guide compares the five most common partition materials and four mounting styles based on specs from Bobrick, Hadrian, and our decades of industry experience.

1. Powder-Coated Steel

Known for its affordability and wide color range, powder-coated steel is a top choice for standard applications. Panels are typically 1″ thick with a core of honeycomb cardboard or metal. These partitions offer moderate durability and great value.

2. Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate partitions combine aesthetic flexibility with affordability. They include a decorative laminate face over a moisture-resistant particleboard core. Best for low- to moderate-moisture environments like office buildings.

3. Solid Plastic (HDPE)

Solid plastic (high-density polyethylene) partitions are ideal for high-moisture or vandal-prone areas. They are non-porous, graffiti-resistant, and fully waterproof. Commonly used in schools, gyms, and aquatic centers.

4. Stainless Steel

Premium in appearance and performance, stainless steel partitions offer a sleek aesthetic with strong resistance to corrosion and impact. Brushed or textured finishes help hide fingerprints and minor scratches. Perfect for Class A buildings and healthcare settings.

5. Phenolic (Solid & Black Core)

Phenolic partitions are composed of resin-impregnated layers compressed into a dense, durable surface. Available in color-through (solid) or black-core variants, they are ideal for high-abuse, high-traffic facilities that need extreme durability and fire resistance.

6. Mounting Styles: 4 Core Configurations

• Floor Anchored: Most cost-effective. Best for low ceilings or moderate-traffic restrooms.
• Ceiling Hung: Requires structural support above. Offers a clean floor line for easy maintenance.
• Floor to Ceiling: Maximum stability. Recommended for high-abuse areas like schools or transit hubs.
• Overhead Braced: Most popular and versatile option. Provides strength and easier installation without needing ceiling bracing.

Source: Toilet Partition Mounting Styles

Conclusion: Match the Right Partition to the Right Project

Material and mounting style go hand in hand. For durability, consider HDPE or phenolic. For sleek aesthetics, stainless steel excels. And for most general-use restrooms, overhead braced powder-coated or laminate partitions strike a perfect balance.

🔍 Compare All Partition Options

How Thick Are Toilet Partitions? A Guide for Architects & Facility Planners

When designing commercial restrooms, understanding the dimensions of toilet partitions is essential for function, compliance, and aesthetics. One of the most frequently asked questions by architects, contractors, and designers is: “How thick are bathroom stall partitions?” This guide offers a manufacturer-backed breakdown of standard partition thicknesses and why they matter.

1. Standard Thicknesses by Material Type

Toilet partitions come in various materials, each with its own industry-standard thickness:

• Powder-Coated Steel: 1″ thick panels and doors, and 1-1/4″ pilasters.
• Plastic Laminate: 1″ thick panels, doors, and pilasters.
• Solid Plastic (HDPE): 1″ thick panels, doors, and pilasters.
• Stainless Steel: 1″ thick panels and doors, and 1-1/4″ pilasters.
• Phenolic: 1/2″ thick panels and doors, and 3/4″ pilasters.

2. When and Why Does Material Thickness Matter in Toilet Partition Design?

Material thickness can impact several aspects of restroom design, including:

• ADA Compliance: Ensuring appropriate clearances and accessibility.
• Floor Drains: Accommodating drainage systems without obstruction.
• Fire Sprinklers or Light Fixtures: Providing adequate spacing and safety compliance.

3. Code Compliance and Installation Considerations

Most commercial restrooms must meet ANSI A117.1 and ADA standards, which call for specific clearances and reinforcements. Knowing the partition thickness in advance ensures wall brackets, pilasters, and doors align properly and can bear expected loads. Manufacturers like Bobrick and Hadrian offer CAD files to assist during design and submittals.

4. Comparing Core Materials: Honeycomb vs. Solid Core

While the outer panel may be 1″ thick, what’s inside matters too:

• Honeycomb Core: Lightweight and cost-effective (common in steel/stainless options).
• Solid Phenolic Core: Denser, water-resistant, and stronger—ideal for high-traffic areas.
• HDPE Solid Plastic: Waterproof and graffiti-resistant—perfect for schools and stadiums.

Conclusion: Choose the Right Partition Thickness for Long-Term Performance

Whether you’re designing restrooms for an office building, school, or healthcare facility, partition thickness directly impacts performance and code compliance. Use trusted specifications from Bobrick and Hadrian to ensure every stall meets the functional and aesthetic needs of your space.

🧰 Learn More About Partition Options

6 Key Benefits of Solid Plastic Toilet Partitions

Looking for the most durable, hygienic, and low-maintenance material for commercial bathroom stalls? Solid plastic is your answer. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), solid plastic partitions outperform metal, laminate, and phenolic in harsh environments like schools, gyms, and transportation hubs. Below are six reasons designers, architects, and facility managers trust solid plastic from brands like Scranton Products.

1. Waterproof and Rust-Proof

Solid plastic partitions are 100% waterproof and will not rust, swell, or delaminate—even in high-humidity restrooms. They’re perfect for locker rooms, aquatic centers, and any facility that sees daily cleaning with water or chemicals.

2. Graffiti and Impact Resistant

HDPE’s dense, solid-core construction resists scratches, dents, and graffiti. Most marks can be removed with non-abrasive cleaners. Scranton’s solid plastic products are built to handle abuse without compromising aesthetics or structural integrity.

3. Easy to Maintain and Clean

Unlike metal or laminate, HDPE does not require painting or edge banding. Surfaces are non-porous, making them easy to clean and naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria—ideal for healthcare and food service settings.

4. Long-Term Cost Savings

While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, solid plastic partitions typically last 2–3 times longer than powder-coated steel or laminate options. They reduce replacement cycles and lower lifetime maintenance costs, saving money over time.

5. Color Selection and Sustainability

Available in a wide range of solid colors and speckled finishes, solid plastic partitions support modern design palettes. Scranton’s products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and made from recycled content, helping projects meet LEED certification requirements.

6. Code Compliant and ADA Ready

Solid plastic partitions can be configured to meet ADA, ANSI, and NFPA codes. Brands like Scranton Products offer pre-engineered options for compliance, helping streamline design approvals and installation.

Conclusion: Choose Solid Plastic for Durability and Design Flexibility

Solid plastic toilet partitions are ideal for high-traffic, high-abuse restrooms that require low maintenance and lasting performance. Whether you’re designing a school, airport, or health facility, solid plastic offers unmatched value and longevity.

🔎 Explore Solid Plastic Partition Options

Evolve Your Bathroom—Take Your Toilet Partitions to the Next Level

The toilet partition conversation is alive and well people—you’re probably just brand-new to it. If you’ve recently found yourself in the market for purchasing toilet partition, bathroom partitions, or cubicles for your commercial bathroom space, allow us at ToiletPartitions.Com to be the first to welcome you to the club.

The Bobrick 1082 Partition Series: Simple, Secure, Stylish

Get ready to get stoked about toilet partitions—yeah, we said it, toilet partitions. You’re probably sitting there, scratching your head, wondering something aloud like, “toilet partitions? How the heck can we talk about toilet partitions being exciting?”