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Not all washroom cubicles are created equal. Though a functional and fundamental element in commercial washrooms, businesses often never fully explore the cubicles when planning refurbishments. Here, we look at the various options available to you and the advantages different materials benefit from.
What are cubicles used for?
It’s not just the toilet where cubicles come into play in the commercial wash space. From the standard toilet door, the entire bank of toilet cubicles, changing spaces and even shower cubicles and partitions, the materials and panels used are incredibly diverse and offer a multitude of practical uses. The same materials can also be used for wall cladding, vanity units, and duct panel systems, which house pipework and toilet cisterns.
Choosing cubicle materials
So you’ve planned the layout of your washroom and decided on the types of cubicles you want – maybe some shower partitions, some changing enclosures and some good old-fashioned toilet cubicles. But now you’re faced with the material options. The sections below will help you learn about your MFC from your HPL and look at the various benefits each material offers.
Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC)
Melamine Faced Chipboard is excellent value for money but has some limitations. A chipboard core is sandwiched between decorative papers impregnated with resins to produce an 18mm panel. It holds up to moderate use in dry areas and forms part of the following cubicle systems:
However, MFC cannot be used in wet areas, so shower cubicles and partitions are out of the question. If you plan to use this material near a swimming pool, bath, or shower area, it is better to look into an alternative.
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)
High-pressure laminate is produced by sealing VR313 moisture-resistant chipboard with high-pressure laminate on both sides to produce a 20mm panel. The result is a highly durable panel that is available in various colours. HPL can also be used for full-height cubicles, an excellent choice for a more sophisticated washroom in an executive environment. Full-height cubicles are also known to help prevent bullying in the education sector and are increasingly popular in secondary schools.
HPL is moisture-resistant and more durable than melamine-faced chipboard. However, it's unsuitable for wet areas and can’t be used for shower cubicles. The great advantage of choosing HPL is the wide choice of colours and the custom height option of panels. Our HPL cubicle ranges include:
Solid Grade Laminate (SGL)
Suitable for wet and dry areas, Solid Grade Laminate (also known as compact grade laminate (CGL)) is incredibly durable. It’s formed from several layers of Kraft papers and resins, and the sheets are entirely impervious to water and benefit from sanitising qualities, making them ideal for hospitals and food preparation areas. SGL is a 13mm thick panel.
One of the significant advantages of SGL is that it can be custom-made to your requirements. So, if you have a particular dimension or limited space, you can achieve the exact look you want. Full-height toilet cubicles are also an option with SGL, which can significantly impact the overall feel of your washroom – it makes it seem very cosy and upmarket and improves privacy. Full-height cubicles are very popular in gender-neutral washrooms and changing rooms.
For further customisation, you’ll be surprised just how many different colours and finishes SGL comes in. This means you can tie your washroom colour scheme into your corporate colours or keep the interior of your business consistent. You can even design your own Washroom Cubicles yourself with our Washroom Visualiser Tool.
We highly recommend SGL for many different washroom environments. Due to the water-resistant nature of the material, it’s widely used in showering areas and poolside changing rooms. Being so ruggedly durable, it’s also a favourite for public toilets. Our SGL cubicle ranges include:
Glass Cubicles
The finish of laminated, toughened glass is second to none and makes for a remarkably impressive washroom. Our Eclipse Cubicles are formed from two 5mm laminated sheets of tempered glass for increased durability. Between these sandwiched sheets of glass, you can choose to have them frosted or filled with any RAL colour. This gives maximum colour customisation, and the finish is immaculate. This is an ideal option if matching an existing colour scheme is important.
Our glass cubicles are highly durable and entirely water resistant, making them an excellent choice for wet environments such as poolside changing rooms and shower cubicles. Their high-end finish leaves a lasting impression on visitors and employees alike. They are also easy to clean, which helps improve hygiene in your washroom, as bacteria find it hard to breed on glass.
Vanity Units and IPS Duct Panel Sets
Having assessed the pros and cons of the different cubicle materials, you may also want to include these in the IPS Duct Panels and Vanity Units. By nature, washrooms are often wet, damp and humid environments. Solid-grade laminate is the most sensible choice for maximum durability and to negate the risk of delamination or water penetration. IPS panels can then be washed down without worrying, and you’ll be safe knowing the basin area won’t swell, bubble or break.
Thus, you can design a carefree washroom with almost all surfaces being highly durable, waterproof, and consistent in colour.
The cubicle options available to you are vast. You can choose from many different materials, and they have uses beyond the humble toilet cubicle. With the information above, you’ll be better equipped to shop for and design your washroom.
As always, our team is available to answer all your queries and questions and has a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share. So, if you need guidance or want to discuss your options, call them on 01202 650900.
