As a contractor on commercial toilet compartment projects, we know that getting the job done always matters. Commercial restroom installations, especially with toilet partitions, can have their own set of hidden problems. Here’s a quick rundown of some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Partition Material
Not all restroom compartments are the same, even if they look similar. Selecting a toilet partition material that isn’t suited for the environment is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. The difference between an office restroom and a school restroom, for example, is huge. An office might have a more sober, low-traffic environment, while a school restroom can experience high traffic and high vandalism. Using a less durable material in a high-abuse area can lead to costly repairs and early replacement.
| Description | Pros | Cons | Relative cost |
| No overhead brace, partitions anchored to the floor only. | Easy installation, low cost, simple design. | Not ideal for high traffic as it is less stable than other styles. | Cheapest |
| Metal braced across the top, floor anchored. | Most popular. Good for a high-traffic restroom, as it is very stable. | It may not seem very stylish, brace installation is needed. | Moderate |
| Partitions anchored to the ceiling only, without any floor support. | Outstanding modern look, makes floor cleaning much easier. | You may face some installation complexity as it requires strong ceiling support. | High |
| Toilet stalls are anchored at both the floor and the ceiling. | Most durable and the strongest option. | Requires precise alignment as well as more material, very labor-intensive. | Most expensive |
The Mistake: Not considering the end-users and the environment. You might install a partition designed for light use in a location that will get heavy, rough use, which leads to damage and shortens the partition’s lifespan.
The Fix: Before ordering, consider the location and the expected usage. If it’s a high-traffic area, prioritize durable materials that can withstand abuse. Match the material to the environment to ensure a long-lasting, problem-free installation.
2. Skipping the Site Assessment
This might seem obvious, but it’s the number one cause of headaches. We get the specs and assume everything’s good to go. But what about the real-world conditions? Read more about how to take field measurements of a Commercial toilet compartment.
The Mistake: Not checking for hidden pipes, uneven floors, or walls that aren’t plumb. You get on-site with your materials, and suddenly your perfectly measured partitions don’t fit. This leads to costly delays and last-minute modifications.
The Fix: Before you start, do a thorough site visit. Use a laser level and a long straight edge. Check the floor for levelness, and the walls for squareness. If you find issues, document them and work with the project owner to find a solution before you even unbox the partitions.
3. Overlooking Logistics and Material Sourcing
The logistics of getting your materials can be just as critical as the installation itself. Long-distance transportation and unreliable freight can compromise the quality of your materials before they even arrive.
The Mistake: Ordering from a distant supplier that uses third-party freight companies. This can increase the risk of damaging your panels during transit, which can delay your project and add an unexpected cost to your budget.
The Fix: Work with a local stocking distributor. For example, Mavi New York is a stocking distributor for commercial restroom partitions and their team avoids this issue by offering same-day pickup or delivery. This saves a lot of time and risk of damaging the material during transportation. This logistical advantage has helped them successfully complete projects for clients like Costco and Equinox.
4. Using the Wrong Fasteners
The manufacturer designed the hardware that comes with a partition kit for a reason. Sometimes you’re tempted to use what you have on the truck or what seems “strong enough.”
The Mistake: Swapping out the provided hardware for a different type. For example, using a smaller screw or a different anchor than what the manufacturer specified. This can lead to loose panels, wobbly doors, or even safety issues down the line. It can also void any warranty on the materials.
The Fix: Always use the fasteners and anchors provided with the kit. If the instructions call for a specific type of screw for a specific part of the installation, stick to it. If you need a specialty anchor for a unique wall type (like an old brick wall), make sure it’s rated for the load and is compatible with the provided hardware.
5. Ignoring the Manufacturer’s Instructions
These manuals aren’t just a suggestion; they’re the roadmap. Cutting corners or assuming you know a better way can quickly lead to problems.
The Mistake: Rushing the job and not following the steps in the manual. This could mean installing a floor-anchored partition without proper structural support, or not adjusting a door hinge correctly. The result is often misaligned doors that don’t close, or partitions that sway under pressure.
The Fix: Take the time to read the instructions from start to finish before you begin. Even if you’ve installed a hundred partitions, there might be a small, but critical, detail unique to this specific model. Don’t assume you know the process. Follow the manufacturer’s guide step-by-step.
For the correct toilet partition measurement for your commercial restroom, you can use the guideline we have provided below as a table chart.
| Part | Standard Measurement | Notes |
| Partition panel height | 58″ is standard, but can range from 55″ to 72″ | We find 58″ as the most common, but to ensure more privacy, taller panels up to 72″ are used in some projects. |
| Panel clearance from the floor | 12″ is standard, but it can vary from 4″ to 18″ | Though 12″ clearance is most typical, ceiling-hung toilet stalls may have larger clearance. |
| Door width | 24″- 36″ | ADA stalls require a 36″ door, but most standard stalls can use 24″ doors. |
| Standard stall wall to door depth | 48″ – 60″ | Minimum 48″, but to enhance comfort, we can use 60″ deep in some projects. |
| Standard stall width | 36″ | A single standard toilet compartment is generally 36″ wide. |
| ADA stall width | Minimum 60″ | To allow a person with a wheelchair, a 60″ circular space is the minimum requirement. |
| Wall to door ADA stall depth | For a wall-mounted toilet stall, this can be 56″, and for a floor-mounted compartment, this can be 59″ | To provide the turning clearance, the depth is extended. |
| Door clearance (swing) | Minimum 32” for clear opening | For ADA stalls door must open outward, or you must provide extra clearance inside. |
| ADA stall’s grab bar height | 33″ to 36″ above the floor | Grab bars can be mounted on the rear wall, closet wall, or partition near the toilet. |
6. Forgetting About Accessibility
A mistake here can lead to rework, inspection failures, and a huge headache. The ADA law requires public restrooms to be accessible for everyone.
The Mistake: Not paying attention to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines. This includes things like door clearance, grab bar placement, and the turning radius inside a stall. Just because the partition fits doesn’t mean it’s compliant.
The Fix: Have a checklist. Before you even think about putting in a grab bar, check the required height and location. Ensure the stall door opens with enough clearance. It’s much easier to plan for accessibility from the start than to tear everything out and fix it later.
7. Poor Communication
On any commercial washroom project, multiple trades are working at the same time. A breakdown in communication can leave you with a mess to clean up.
The Mistake: Not coordinating with other trades like plumbers or electricians. You install a partition, and then the plumber needs to move a pipe that’s now in your way. Or an electrician needs access to a wall you’ve already covered. This is a common and avoidable problem.
The Fix: Get the full construction schedule. Talk to the other foremen on the job. Know when they’ll be working in the space. Schedule your installation to happen after their rough-in work is complete. A simple conversation can save you hours of rework.
By keeping these five points in mind, you can help ensure a smooth, problem-free installation. Doing it right the first time keeps the project on schedule and your reputation solid.
For your next commercial restroom project, consider Mavi New York. They are a one-stop solution for high-quality materials, on-time delivery, and expert installation.