Bathroom Partition Basics

Let's start simply - What are bathroom partitions?


Bathroom, restroom, public restroom partitions/stalls and toilet compartments are all words used to describe fully or partially enclosed toilets and urinals that you would generally find in commercial or public locations. Stalls are the individual settings that enclose a toilet or urinal. Stalls are created by using panels which create the walls or sides, pilasters which support the panels and a door for privacy and access to the stall.


Types of Bathroom Partitions or Styles of Partitions

  • Ceiling Hung - This partition style is braced against the restroom wall and ceiling providing unobstructed floor space for easy cleaning and maintenance. They require structural steel ceiling supports for installation. Great for high traffic areas.
  • Floor Mounted
    • Overhead Braced - This partition style is anchored to the floor and is secured by an aluminum headrail that attaches to the wall.
    • Floor Mounted no overhead brace - Partitions are anchored to the concrete floor (minimum 2") and is great for lower ceilings and lower traffic areas. Height is 70".
  • Floor to Ceiling Partitions - Pilasters (what holds the panels and door together) are anchored into the floor and ceiling creating a stable and durable system. This style is the strongest type of partition.

In this video, Frank discusses all of the above bathroom partition styles available to you.




Partition Construction Material Types

  • Phenolic - Is a hard, dense material made by applying heat and pressure to layers impregnated with synthetic resin.
    • Black Core - faced on both sides of a resin impregnated paper core. The four edges are black. It has a smooth surface and can come in a variety of colors. Recommended for high moisture areas. Damage resistance. This material utilizes layered phenolic core sheets, solid and compact core panel, melamine impregnated surface, and stainless steel hardware and fittings. Black core has black edges whereas color-thru has solid color edges.
Black Phenolic
    • Color-Thru - Product color is continuous through the partition material and therefore best used in areas where vandalism and gouging are a problem. It has a smooth surface and can come in a variety of colors. This material utilizes layered phenolic core sheets, solid and compact core panel, melamine impregnated surface, and stainless steel hardware and fittings. Recommended for high moisture areas.
Color Through Phenolic
  • Plastic Laminate - The material is a smooth surface high pressure laminate bonded to a 45 lb density resin-infused particleboard core. Very economical with a durable plastic surface that will not rust or dent. Available in many colors, is lightweight and offers flexibility.
Plastic Laminate
  • Powder Coated Steel (Baked Enamel) - Made of powder coating and galvanized steel. Powder coating offers a hard and run-free finish. Most common bathroom partition material because of its durability and cost effective price point. The finish is resistant to wear, fading, impacts, chemicals, abrasions and scuffing. Wide range of colors and finishes are available. This type of material utilizes strong galvanized steel, smooth powder paint finish, oven baking, strong interlocking moldings and protective corner clips.
Powder Coated
  • Solid Plastic - Which is made from high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins and have homogeneous coloring throughout the material and smooth, machined edges. Ideal for high traffic and areas prone to vandalism. Sanitary and effective in high moisture areas due to its microbial resistance. Scratches can easily be repaired.
Solid Plastic
  • Stainless Steel - Combines the strength of #304 stainless steel and either brushed or textured finish options making it deal for high-end restrooms. Easy to clean and durable. Scratches can be removed by buffing and blending. This material type utilizes stainless steel moldings, double wall honeycomb core and protective corner clips.
Stainless Steel



Watch this short video of Frank discussing the different partition material types available to you.




Partition Configurations


  • Standard
  • ADA/Handicap
  • Alcove
  • In-Corner
  • Between Walls

Frank describes the different partition configurations that commonly come in commercial restrooms.



Partition Hardware


Partition hardware refers to the pieces that secure the partition system together i.e. brackets, clips, etc. As well as the pieces for the partition door i.e. hinges, latches, etc. Please see below drawing and definitions of the necessary parts and hardware.



Partition Hardware


  • Alcove Clips - Used to connect the partition panel to the pilaster post and keep them in line with each other.
  • Brackets -
  • Door Hooks - A hook with a bumper that is secured on the inside of a partition door that customer can hang their personal items on. The bumper prevents the hook from damaging the partition wall.
  • Door Insert - Fastens the hinges to the partition door.
  • Door Latch - Secures the partition door to the pilaster while the restroom is occupied. There are a variety of latches that can be used depending on your partition system and chosen aesthetic.
  • Door Pulls - Are used on outswing doors in handicap stalls and are an ADA requirement.
  • Door Stops and Bumpers - Secured to the bottom of a partition door to prevent damage to the partition or walls upon opening/closing the partition door.
  • Fasteners - Screw used to fasten the hardware to the various partition parts.
  • Headrail - Structurally supports the partition system connecting the top ends of the pilasters to the wall.
  • Hinges and Hinge Parts
    • Hinges - Fastens the partition door to the pilaster allowing the door to swing open while the pilaster stays in place.
    • Cams and Pintles - Allows the door to rise when opened and self close by gravity.
    • Pins - Allows the partition door to open and close.
    • Piano/Continuous Hinge - Runs the entire length of the door.
    • Surface Mounted Hinge - Allows the partition door to close by gravity. Attached the door to the pilaster. This is an exposed hinge and will how on the outside of the door.
  • Keeper - Metal latch plate that the door latch secures into. Usually sold with strike/stop.
  • Pilaster Anchor Device -
  • Pilaster Shoe - Covers partition mounting devices and is secured to the pilaster.
  • Strike/Stop - Rubber bumper that controls door closure for latch to be inserted into keeper.


Restroom Accessories


Restroom Accessories (also known as fixtures) refers to all the items specifically designed to be used in a commercial restroom such as hand dryers, shelves, toilet paper dispensers, waste receptacles, etc. They are durable for public use and come in a variety of decorative finishes.

Restroom Accessories