Choosing The Right Materials For Your Washroom Environment

Longevity is key when refurbishing washrooms and building durability into the design is of paramount importance. Anti-vandal units and tough, long-lasting cubicles are all well and good, but consideration also needs to be given to the atmospheric environment of your wash space too.

Swimming pool environments and chlorine corrosion

Having a huge body of water sat just a few metres from your washroom is obviously going to have an effect on humidity, but the chlorine and other chemicals used to keep that swimming pool clean will hang in the air, which can be bad news for some metals. Stainless steel, in particular, can stain and begin to corrode over time. However, aluminium is far more robust in this environment and doesn’t succumb to these problems.

Give thought to ensuring all the metal fittings in your washing and changing rooms are made from aluminium, paying attention to things like hardware such as locks, headrails and feet on cubicles, but also taps and showers. Options like the Bristan vandal-resistant showerhead are a popular choice here as are the Delabie Tempomatic 3 sensor taps.

Waterfront washrooms

Public washrooms down on the seafront can also have staining and corrosion problems brought on by sea salt in the air. Stainless steel is up to the job here, but salty deposits can be common around pipework and fittings and prove stubborn to clean. To mitigate any potential issues, many local authorities are choosing to use solid surface materials.

With Solid Grade Laminate being completely impervious to water, it’s arguably the most durable option for toilet cubicles, vanity units and wall cladding. Solid surface baby changing units are also a great choice in this environment, as unlike drop-down models they have no moving parts, making them the most durable option for baby changing facilities.

Washrooms on cruise ships and marine environments

Aboard cruise ships, commercial washrooms also need to follow similar criteria. Salt is obviously going to be present, particularly in washrooms that can be accessed from the deck. As well as being solid enough to hold up in rough seas, it’s obviously prudent to make sure your washrooms are able to withstand the subtler elements. Aluminium fittings are also the preferred choice here, especially when poolside showers are installed by either indoor or open-air swimming pools.

Cubicle choices in wet environments

We've all seen the swollen cubicle doors that have started to take on moisture beneath the laminate and choosing the correct material for your toilet and shower enclosures in wet environments is of vital importance. Solid grade laminate is the best-suited material here as the panels are completely impervious to water and will never swell or weaken from moisture.

These panels are also incredibly easy to clean and maintain, and come in a huge array of colour options. Glass is another great choice in wet spaces, although if used near seawater or chlorinated pools you will need to pay close attention to the hardware and ensure it is aluminium.

If you would like further advice on which fittings are best suited to your washroom, or have any unusual washroom environment issues, please get in touch on 01202 650900.