Restroom and washroom partitions are made from many different materials. Customers often ask us which material is best and what is the difference between the materials. This blog article outlines some of the various types of partitions available.
Stainless Steel Partitions: Unmatched in beauty and strength. Stainless Steel material can make one of the classiest upscale restrooms. But, they are also one of the most expensive partitions so they are primarily used in high end environments. Stainless Steel can also be used in high humidity applications. Stainless Steel has inherent problems when it comes to scratching, it shows finger prints and is more challenging to keep clean. Some manufacturers have come out with the diamond (or similar pattern) patterned stainless steel partitions. The diamond patterned product does not show fingerprints as easily and definitely is easier to keep clean.
High Pressure Decorative Laminate Partitions: This is the most popular specification when design requires flexibility, aesthetics and economy is important. The actual partition has a plastic laminate exterior with particle wood inside. While this product has many applications, it definitely should not be used in any application where there is high humidity or moisture present. If the moisture should reach the particle board the partition will swell and ultimately need to be replaced.
Metal Partitions with a Powder Coated Baked Enamel Finish: This product is very common since it is the most economical of all partition materials. The outside is the metal with the powder coated baked enamel finish, but the inside has cardboard. Thus, while this is economical cardboard gets wet; it causes the metal to begin to rust from the inside to the outside. While this product is great for schools and other environments where low cost is preferred, it is susceptible to scratches, dents and vandalism.
Solid Phenolic Core: This product provides strength, durability, color selection and design flexibility. This material is a great fit where the customer has a high traffic public building, schools and other facilities. The product is made with high heat and high pressure molding. This partition resists water, oil, bacteria and humidity. It is a great solution in shower and locker room areas. If the product is scratched you will see the color of the edging rather than the color of the outside material.
Solid Phenolic Core with PVC Edging: This is similar to the Solid Phenolic Core, but it has a PVC/ABS edge tape you can use to color-match your component edging with the correspondence surface. The obvious difference is that by using the PVC Edging you can avoid the dark solid surface that is between the two outer surfaces.
Solid Plastic Polyethylene (HDPE): This utilizes the latest technological polymer resin composition. Contrary to the Solid Phenolic Core, this product has the same color all the way thru the partition. This partition is water and graffiti resistant. The product is virtually maintenance free and will not delaminate or oxidize. The partition is great for schools and theme parks and all high traffic environments.
Solid Surface: This product is elegant and durable. This product is constructed of truly renewable materials allowing easy on-site repair. The product is impervious to water, moisture and heat resistant.
