Commercial Toilet Partitions: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to specify the right toilet partition system — materials, mounting styles, ADA requirements, and how to match the right partition to your facility type.
For most commercial restrooms, powder-coated steel partitions offer the best value. Choose phenolic for high-moisture environments like pools or locker rooms. Specify stainless steel when vandalism resistance or hygiene is the top priority.
Toilet partition materials compared
Material selection is the most important partition decision. It affects cost, durability, aesthetics, and maintenance for the life of the installation.
Powder-coated steel
The most common and most affordable option. Steel core with baked-on powder coat finish. Durable in normal commercial environments. Susceptible to corrosion if finish is damaged in wet areas.
Best valuePhenolic (solid plastic)
High-density resin panels that are completely waterproof and graffiti-resistant. Will not rust, delaminate, or absorb moisture. The premier choice for aquatic facilities, locker rooms, and high-humidity settings.
Best for moistureStainless steel (Type 304)
Maximum durability and vandalism resistance. Scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and immune to moisture. The specification standard for correctional, healthcare, and stadium restrooms.
Most durableHDPE (plastic laminate)
High-density polyethylene panels. Similar to phenolic in moisture resistance at a lower price point. Slightly less rigid than phenolic. Popular in schools and recreation centers.
Budget-waterproofSolid plastic (HDPE solid)
Through-body color HDPE with no core — cannot delaminate. Good for outdoor or semi-outdoor restrooms. Available in a wide range of colors.
Outdoor useBaked enamel
Economy-grade panels with baked enamel finish. Lower cost than powder coat, used in light-duty commercial applications. Not recommended for high-traffic or moisture-prone environments.
Economy| Material | Moisture resistance | Vandal resistance | Cost | Best environment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder-coated steel | Moderate | Good | $ | Offices, schools (dry) |
| Phenolic | Excellent | Excellent | $$$ | Aquatics, locker rooms |
| Stainless steel | Excellent | Excellent | $$$$ | Correctional, healthcare |
| HDPE | Excellent | Good | $$ | Schools, recreation |
| Solid plastic | Excellent | Good | $$ | Outdoor, parks |
| Baked enamel | Low | Fair | $ | Light commercial only |
Mounting styles
Mounting style affects the appearance, cleanability, and cost of the partition system. There are four primary mounting configurations.
Floor-mounted, overhead-braced
The most common configuration. Panels are supported by floor-mounted pilasters with an overhead continuous brace connecting the pilasters at the top. Offers good stability and is easy to clean beneath the partition. The overhead brace holds panels in alignment and prevents racking.
Floor-to-ceiling
Pilasters extend from floor to ceiling for maximum stability and a more enclosed feel. Preferred in applications where privacy is paramount (healthcare, upscale offices). More expensive than overhead-braced due to additional material and tighter dimensional tolerances.
Ceiling-hung
Panels are suspended from ceiling-mounted brackets with no floor pilasters. The floor is completely clear for mopping and cleaning. Popular in healthcare facilities for infection control. Requires a structural ceiling capable of supporting partition loads.
Floor-mounted only
Simplest and least expensive option. Pilasters are floor-mounted but there is no overhead brace or ceiling connection. Best for lower-height partitions in light commercial applications. Less rigid than braced systems.
Overhead-braced systems require the overhead rail to be anchored into a structural element — not just drywall. Coordinate ceiling structure with your GC early. Ceiling-hung systems require a structural engineering review if the ceiling is not concrete.
ADA requirements for toilet partitions
ADA ambulatory and wheelchair-accessible stall dimensions
The ADA requires at least one wheelchair-accessible stall per toilet room. Ambulatory accessible stalls (for people who can walk but use assistive devices) must be 35"–37" wide. Both types require specific grab bar configurations — specify partition layouts in coordination with your grab bar schedule.
Wheelchair-accessible stall doors must swing outward or be sliding. An outswing door that opens into the stall is a common ADA violation found in field inspections. Verify door swing on every accessible stall.
Choosing the right partition by facility type
Leading toilet partition brands
Scranton Products
The market leader in phenolic and HDPE partitions. Their Hiny Hiders, Aria, and Duraline product lines cover the full range of plastic partition materials. Known for the widest color selection in the industry and excellent warranty coverage. If you are specifying phenolic, Scranton is almost always the first name on the schedule.
Bobrick
Offers a complete partition line (steel, stainless, phenolic) that coordinates with their full restroom accessory package. Specifying Bobrick partitions alongside Bobrick accessories simplifies the finish schedule and ensures visual consistency.
ASI (American Specialties)
Strong competitor to Bobrick with competitive pricing. ASI partitions coordinate with their accessory line. Available in all major materials and mounting configurations. Good distribution network.
Hadrian
Canadian manufacturer with strong distribution in North America. Known for consistent quality in powder-coated steel and stainless. Popular in healthcare and commercial applications.
Specification checklist
- Material — powder coat, phenolic, stainless, HDPE? Driven by moisture, vandalism, and budget.
- Mounting style — overhead-braced, floor-to-ceiling, ceiling-hung, or floor-only?
- ADA stall — verify dimensions and door swing on wheelchair-accessible stall.
- Finish / color — coordinate with overall restroom finish schedule.
- Hardware — specify coat hook, door latch, and door strike finish to match accessories.
- Pilaster shoes — specify anchor cover finish (chrome, stainless, or painted to match).
- Brand — specify primary brand and acceptable substitutes.
Toilet partitions are specified under Section 10 21 13 — Toilet Compartments in MasterFormat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard depth of a toilet stall?
Standard non-accessible stalls are typically 60" deep with a floor-mounted toilet, or 56" deep with a wall-hung toilet. Wheelchair-accessible stalls must be a minimum of 56"–60" deep depending on toilet type. Always verify against the current ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
Can I mix materials in one restroom?
Yes, and it is done occasionally — for example, using phenolic on the wet shower side of a locker room and powder coat steel on the dry toilet side. However, it is generally preferable to use one material throughout for visual consistency and simplified specification.
How long do toilet partitions last?
Quality commercial partitions last 15–25 years in normal commercial use. Phenolic and stainless partitions can last 30+ years. Powder-coated steel in wet environments may show corrosion after 10–15 years if the finish is scratched or chipped.