What Are Toilet Partitions Made Of?
What Materials Are Used in Toilet Partitions?
Toilet partitions are made from a variety of materials including powder-coated steel, stainless steel, plastic laminate, solid plastic (HDPE), phenolic, compact laminate, and glass.
Each material type offers distinct advantages in terms of cost, durability, moisture resistance, and fire safety. Choosing the right material depends on usage frequency, environmental conditions, and code compliance such as ADA or ASTM E84 requirements.
How Is Powder-Coated Steel Used in Restroom Stalls?
Powder-coated steel partitions consist of a honeycomb cardboard core sandwiched between two steel sheets coated with powder enamel.
- Advantages: Economical, scratch-resistant, quick lead times
- Drawbacks: Prone to rust in high-moisture areas
- Use Case: Ideal for budget-conscious, low-traffic settings
What Are the Benefits of Stainless Steel Partitions?
Stainless steel partitions feature a brushed or textured finish and a core made of honeycomb or solid metal.
- Advantages: Sleek appearance, corrosion-resistant, fire-rated
- Drawbacks: Higher cost, fingerprints show easily
- Use Case: Premium, high-traffic restrooms
Why Choose Plastic Laminate Bathroom Stalls?
Plastic laminate partitions are made by bonding decorative plastic sheets to particleboard or MDF cores.
- Advantages: Custom designs, affordable
- Drawbacks: Susceptible to moisture and delamination
- Use Case: Dry environments like office buildings
What Makes Solid Plastic (HDPE) a Durable Option?
Solid plastic, or HDPE, is a high-density polyethylene that is solid throughout, offering exceptional durability.
- Advantages: Waterproof, graffiti-resistant, low maintenance
- Drawbacks: Heavier, higher initial cost
- Use Case: Schools, stadiums, and waterparks
See our HDPE product details at Solid Plastic Partitions.
Is Phenolic a Good Material for Toilet Partitions?
Phenolic partitions are made by pressing resin-soaked kraft paper into dense, durable panels.
- Advantages: Compact, fire- and water-resistant, high impact strength
- Drawbacks: Premium cost
- Use Case: Healthcare facilities and high-end public restrooms
What Is Compact Laminate?
Similar to phenolic but denser, compact laminate is made under higher pressure with more layers of resin paper.
- Advantages: Strong, moisture-resistant, aesthetic finishes
- Drawbacks: Higher cost, limited availability
- Use Case: Designer restrooms, institutional settings
Are Glass Toilet Partitions a Practical Choice?
Glass partitions use tempered, sometimes back-painted glass panels for a sleek, modern appearance.
- Advantages: Hygienic, stylish, durable
- Drawbacks: Expensive, requires specialized installation
- Use Case: Upscale commercial and hospitality restrooms
How Do Toilet Partition Materials Compare?
| Material | Cost | Durability | Moisture Resistance | Fire Rating | Graffiti Resistance | Sustainability | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder-Coated Steel | Low | Moderate | Poor | ASTM E84 Class B | Low | Moderate | Fast |
| Stainless Steel | High | High | Good | NFPA 101 Compliant | Moderate | High (Recyclable) | Moderate |
| Plastic Laminate | Low | Low | Poor | Class C | Low | Low | Fast |
| HDPE (Solid Plastic) | Medium | High | Excellent | Class B | High | High (Recyclable) | Moderate |
| Phenolic | High | High | Excellent | ASTM E84 Class A | High | Moderate | Slow |
| Compact Laminate | High | Very High | Excellent | Class A | High | Moderate | Slow |
| Glass | Very High | High | Excellent | Tempered Safety Glass | Moderate | Low | Custom |
When shopping for toilet partitions, choosing materials is a crucial part of the process. There is actually a lot of thought that goes into the selection process. For example, different partition materials can be more resistant, while others have an affordable price.
Luckily, Toilet Partitions has extensive experience designing and engineering bathroom partitions. While most toilet partition suppliers will force you to choose your material up front by only providing pricing for one option at a time, not us. Our toilet partition pricing tool provides you with pricing for 5 different materials at once.
We’re experts on bathroom partition materials, and below is a detailed list of the different types of toilet partition materials, as well as the traits that differentiate them.
Why Care About Toilet Partition Materials?
Every business is different, and crafting the right commercial bathroom partitions for your building requires some know-how. Before we dive into all of the different material types, here are some ways your material choice can impact your partitions:
- Durability: Some materials are more durable than others. Choosing a more durable material means your toilet stalls will be able to withstand more wear and tear and have a longer lifespan. However, increased durability often equates to increased price.
- Maintenance: Cleanliness is a crucial part of maintaining a public restroom, and some bathroom partition materials are easier to clean than others. Having stain and moisture-resistant partitions may cost more, but can save you a lot of time and money in other ways.
- Affordability: How much you can spend is always going to be a factor in which materials you choose. All toilet partition materials serve their purpose well, even if some excel more than others, so you might just choose the most affordable option.
- Aesthetics: For many it’s vital that their bathroom partitions match the overall aesthetic of their brand. Therefore, certain materials that have a specific vibe or more color options may be more appealing.
Powder Coat Material
- Entry Level Pricing
- 15 Colors to Choose From
- Delivered in 3-6 Business Days
- Durable and Repairable
- 3 Year Warranty
Powder coated steel bathroom partitions are the most common and economical option. At the center of the material is a honeycomb cardboard panel, which is then covered on both sides with a thick sheet of powder-coated metal. The honeycomb core is lightweight, while the metal offers protection and durability.
The coating is created through the electromagnetic baking of enamel powder finish onto steel panels, and allows for limited color and style options.
These partitions are made from steel with a powder coating, these partitions are known for their color durability and anti-rust features. The coating is created through the electromagnetic baking of enamel powder finish onto steel panels.
There are many advantages that come with powder coated steel, including durable color and anti-rust features. Plus, the panels have a nice high-quality finish while still being the most economical choice.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable color
- Anti-rust
- Repairable
Cons
- Limited color and style options
“HPL” High Pressure Plastic Laminate Material
- Budget Level Pricing
- 33 Colors to Choose From
- Delivered in 3-6 Business Days
- Versatile and Durable
- 2 Year Warranty
Plastic laminate partitions are created by adhering a thin layer of laminate to a particle board substrate. The sheets of laminate act as a durable outer barrier, while the particle board is a lightweight in inexpensive core.
Though these have a slightly higher cost per panel than powder coated steel partitions, they’re still highly affordable for most businesses.
This type of bathroom stall wall is incredibly customizable. There are plenty of color choices including wood grain, marble, granite, and solid patterns. However, do keep in mind that excess humidity can damage the laminate and lead to a short lifespan. Therefore, you should always consider your location and whether or not your bathroom will have showers before you choose plastic laminate.
Pros
- Affordable
- Customizable
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Short lifespan in humid areas
Solid Plastic / HDPE Material
- Mid Level Pricing
- 14 Colors to Choose From
- Delivered in 5-10 Business Days
- Built to Last & Easy to Maintain
- 25 Year Warranty
As their name suggests, these solid plastic partitions are crafted using a full one-inch thick panel of constructed of polymer. More specifically, most are made out of non-porous high-density polyethylene, which makes them highly durable and resilient.
While this option is more costly than the previous two, you can expect your installation to last multiple decades. On top of that, the solid plastic material can withstand any type of environment, from wet and hot to dry and cold. This is because, unlike other options, the waterproof plastic prevents mold and mildew in humid climates. The material also minimizes odors in the bathroom, as it won’t absorb them.
Pros
- Durable
- Waterproof
- Odor resistant
- Long lifespan
Cons
- More costly and less customizable
Compact Laminate / Phenolic Material
- Higher End Pricing
- 18 Colors to Choose From
- Delivered in 5-10 Business Bays
- Virtually Indestructible
- 25 Year Warranty
These partitions, otherwise known as phenolic bathroom partitions, are extremely strong and lightweight. This is achieved through many layers of resin-infused kraft paper undergoing a tremendous amount of pressure. The result is solid phenolic material.
The primary advantage of choosing phenolic core is its incredibly long lifespan. These last longer than any other option on this list, and hold up in wet environments. This property makes them easy to clean and suitable for many harsher conditions. Plus, the panels can ward off corrosion and bacteria.
Due to their long lifespan and effectiveness, phenolic partitions are one of the most expensive bathroom partition materials you can buy. However, they will eventually pay for themselves and they can stand in in high-traffic environment like an amusement park.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Easy maintenance
- Bacteria resistant
- Long lifespan
Cons
- High upfront investment
Stainless Steel Material
- Higher End Pricing
- Satin #4 Finish
- Delivered in 3-6 Business days
- Elegant and Easy to Clean
- 5 Year Warranty
If your commercial bathroom is in a high-end environment, stainless steel partitions solid construction choice. These low-maintenance bathroom partitions are made out of mostly recycled materials, and come in a variety of patterns and textures. The brushed finish on the steel panels also provides a beautiful and luxurious appearance that lasts for many years.
They do cost more than other options, but their rigid and waterproof nature means they can last a long time when taken care of. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, one of the top benefits of stainless steel is its durability in almost any condition.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Easy maintenance
- Luxurious appearance
- Long lifespan
Cons
- High upfront investment
Toilet Partition Material Pricing
For a quick glance at the least and most expensive options, we’ve created a guide to understanding the prices of many materials. Consider this simple guide:
Powder coat material $$$
Plastic laminate material $$$
Solid Plastic (HDPE) Material $$$$
Stainless steel material $$$$$
Phenolic material $$$$$
Shop Toilet Partitions Today
If you’re ready to figure out the right toilet partition material for you, trust Toilet Partitions. Our bathroom partitions have stellar reviews, with the option of several different styles at your disposal.
From powder coat finish to solid plastic, we can ship anything for free directly to your location. Plus, with an easy quoting process, you’ll save time when you choose to install our partitions.
So, if you’re interested in updating your old partitions, or installing new ones, you can get started on our website, or contact us at (833) 759-0176. Our entire team at ToiletPartitions.com is here to help you and ensure quality customer service, whether you have one bathroom or 500.
