Exploring Cubicle Options

Not all washroom cubicles are created equal. Though a functional and fundamental element in commercial washrooms, the cubicles are often an area that never gets explored fully by businesses when planning refurbishments. Here we take a look at the various options available to you and look into 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 full bank of toilet cubicles, changing spaces and even shower partitions and cubicles, the materials and panels used are incredibly diverse and offer a multitude of practical uses. In fact, the same materials can also be used for wall cladding, vanity units and duct panel systems - used to house things like pipework and toilet cisterns.

Choosing cubicle materials
So you’ve planned the layout of your washroom, decided on the types of cubicle 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 to know your MFC from your HPL, and look at the various benefits each material offers.

Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC)
Melamine Faced Chipboard is great value for money, but does have some limitations. A chipboard core is sandwiched between decorative papers that have been impregnated with resins. It holds-up to moderate use in dry areas and form part of our Contractor, City and Executive washroom ranges. However, MFC can’t be used in wet areas, so shower cubicles and partitions are out of the question and if you are planning to use this material within close proximity to a swimming pool, bath or shower area, you may want 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. The result is a highly durable panel that’s available in a wide variety of colours. With HPL, you also have the option of full-height cubicles, so is a great choice if you are going 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 not suitable for wet areas and so 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 Colossal and Future.

Solid Grade Laminate (SGL)
Suitable for both wet and dry areas, Solid Grade Laminate is an incredibly durable material. It’s formed from several layers of Kraft papers and resins, the sheets are completely impervious to water and benefit from sanitising qualities, making it ideal for hospitals and food preparation areas. One of the great advantages of SGL, is that it can be custom made to your requirements. So if you have a particular dimension you want to work too, or if space is limited, you can achieve the exact look you are going for. You can also go full-height on toilet cubicles with SGL, which can make a big impact on the overall feel of your washroom – it makes it seem very cosy and upmarket, as well as improving 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.

We highly recommend SGL across a number of 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 Ultra, Story-Time and Stature.

Glass
The finish of laminated, toughened glass is second to none and makes for a remarkably impressive washroom. For increased durability, our Eclipse Cubicles are formed from two 5mm laminated sheets of toughened glass. In between these sandwiched sheets of glass you can choose to have them frosted, or filled with any RAL colour of your choice. This gives maximum colour customisation and the finish is immaculate. This is an ideal option if matching to an existing colour scheme is important.

As well as being highly durable, our glass cubicles are also completely water resistant, making them a great choice for wet environments such as poolside changing rooms and shower cubicles. The high-end finish of these cubicles leaves a lasting impression on both visitors and employees alike. Being easy to clean, they also help improve hygiene in your washroom, as bacteria find it hard to breed on glass.

Vanity Units & Wall Panelling
Having assessed the pros and cons of the different cubicle materials, you may also want to include these in the wall cladding, duct panels and vanity units. By their very nature, washrooms are wet, damp and humid environments and for maximum durability, and to negate the risk of delamination or water penetration, solid grade laminate is the most sensible choice. Wall panels can then be washed down without having to worry, and you’ll be safe in the knowledge the basin area won’t swell, crack or break.

And it doesn’t stop there
The materials listed can also be used for benches and lockers, as well as customised storage cupboards. This means you can design a carefree washroom where almost all your surfaces are highly durable, waterproof and within a slick, consistent colour scheme.

So now you know
The cubicle options available to you are vast. You have a number of different materials to choose from and they have a variety of uses that go 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 are at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you. So if you need some guidance, or would like to talk over your options, you can give them a call on 01202 650900.