Powder Coated Steel Partitions

Powder coated steel partitions are made from galvannealed steel sheets. The powder coated finish is electrostatically applied over galvannealed steel, which protects against corrosion and provides a proper base for the finish. The finish is resistant to wear, fading, staining, scratching and scuffing. It is easily cleaned with mild soap and wiped dry.

The face sheets are held rigid and permanently in place by an interlocking strip welded at each corner. The core is cellular honeycomb which provides strong construction and maximum sound attenuation. (First Cost: Inexpensive)

Benefits
• Maximum durability. Powder coating adds to the corrosion resistant qualities of galvanized steel.
• Average resistance to vandalism. Paint could be scratched off with sharp objects. Metal could be dented or incised with force.
• Economical.
• Resists graffiti, corrosion, fading, scuffs and stain.

Application concerns
• Internal core is a honeycomb cardboard and may be damaged with sustained exposure to moisture.
• Warranty from major manufacturers is 3 years.
• Ease of maintenance: Must surface clean with a mild soap. Should not be hosed down.

Style implications
• Allows good choice of colors.
• Powder coating allows blending the partitions with the remaining color choices in a washroom.

LEED Version 3.0 Certifications
• May qualify under Recycled Materials (MR 4.1, 4.2)
• Both adhesives and paint may qualify under Absence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) etc. (EQ 4.1, 4.2, 4.4)

Stainless Steel Partitions

Stainless steel partitions are made from Type 304 stainless steel, which is mounted to a honeycomb core and finished with a satin or textured finish. Stainless steel partitions are traditionally fabricated utilizing 304 stainless steel. This grade of stainless is the standard for the washroom industry. There is a trend by some secondary manufacturers to supply lesser grades of stainless with lower nickel and chromium levels. These lower content levels directly affect the corrosion resistance of the material and will lessen the lifecycle of any partition that is supplied in this manner. It may be wise for designers or building owners to ask for certification of 304 stainless steel when choosing this material. Construction of these partitions is similar to that of powder coated products as the core is honeycomb in this application. (First Cost: Expensive)

Benefits
• Resistant to rust and corrosion.
• Vandalism resistance is high. However, metal could be dented or incised with force.
• Striking appearance that works with any color scheme.

Application concerns
• Internal core is a honeycomb cardboard and may be damaged with sustained exposure to moisture.
• Warranty from major manufacturers is 5 years.
• Ease of maintenance: Must surface clean with a mild soap. Should not be hosed down.

Style implications
• Some maintenance is necessary to achieve maximum aesthetic appeal.
• An elegant look that accentuates the design aesthetic in any application.
• Great complement when other stainless steel washroom accessories are also used.
• Adds a level of elegance no matter what other products are used in a washroom.

LEED Version 3.0 Certifications
• May qualify under Recycled Materials (MR 4.1, 4.2)
• Adhesive may qualify under Absence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) etc. (EQ 4.1, 4.2, 4.4)
Solid Plastic Partitions (HDPE)
Solid plastic partitions, sometimes referred to as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), are made from a polymer, which is composed of extruded polymer resin. (First Cost: Moderate)

Benefits
• Variety of colors and textures to chose from.
• Medium price option.
• Ideal for heavy-use situations, such as schools, aquatic facilities, locker rooms and sports arenas.
• Impervious to water. Resists moisture and steam, making it a practical choice for shower and locker room areas.
• Hygienic.
• Easy to clean. May be washed down by machine, or cleaned with soap and water.
• Resists moisture, scratches, dents, chipping, rust, oil and bacteria.
• Vandalism resistance is high. Cannot be dented; scratches are repairable; and is resistant to graffiti.
• Never needs painting.
• Can have anti-microbial and other additives for specific applications.
• Can be made with 100% post-consumer recycled content (at a higher cost).
• Warranty ranges from major manufacturers start at 15 years.

Application concerns
• Color may not be altered once manufactured or later in the lifecycle of the building.

Style implications
• Color choices available: coloring plastic is a matter of formula, some manufacturers extrude their own sheet and may be able to match almost any color, dependent on lead time.
• Since HDPE partitions can be made with a “sandwich” of two colors this material lends itself for engraving logos and letters into the stalls.

LEED Version 3.0 Certifications
• May qualify under Recycled Materials (MR 4.1, 4.2)
Plastic Laminate Partitions
Plastic laminate partitions are made from particleboard and finished in a resistant plastic laminate. This material allows this partition board to be designed both horizontally and vertically. (First Cost: Inexpensive)

Benefits
• Low cost.
• Wide range of colors.
• Resists corrosion, rust, and penetration of dirt and grease.
• Popular choice for retail and foodservice washrooms.

Application concerns
• Water resistance is low. Core is typically made of particleboard, which could expand, warp, and delaminate over time if subjected to high humidity.
• Easy to clean, but must be surface cleaned only with mild soap and water, taking care not to soak the material.
• Vandalism resistance is low. Pilasters may have an optional steel core to help increase strength of installation.
• Overall sustainability is rated as low. Not for use in a high-traffic environment or in an area where exposure to the elements or humidity may be a factor.

Style implications
• Many laminate choices allow for a customized look.

LEED Version 3.0 Certifications
• May qualify under Recycled Materials (MR 4.2)
• Dependent on Ship To location, may qualify under Regional Materials (MR 5.1)
• Adhesive may qualify under Absence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) etc. (EQ 4.2, 4.4)
• May qualify under FSC Certified Wood (MR 7.0)
• May be GreenGuard certified, depending on manufacturer

Solid Phenolic Core Partitions

Solid phenolic core partitions, both color thru and black core, are made from many layers of decorative papers which are saturated with phenolic resin. This forms the base, which is then laminated with heat. In black core phenolic, black kraft paper is used to build the layers of the material, then two colored pieces are added to either side, giving the final partition whatever color is chosen. Color thru phenolic is constructed using the same colored paper on the inside as on the outside. In doing so, however, the color options are more limited. (First Cost: Expensive to Very Expensive)

Benefits
• Hundreds of colors to choose from.
• Used in heavy traffic areas, including schools, stadiums, and theme parks.
• Impervious to water; recommended for areas of high humidity; ideal for shower and locker rooms and aquatic facilities.
• Excellent choice for areas with a high incidence of vandalism. Very difficult to scratch; will not dent, highly impact resistant, and graffiti resistant.
• Easy to clean. May be washed down by machine, or cleaned with soap and water. Resists water, oil, stains and bacteria.
• Stands up well in high abuse environments due to its impact resistance.
• Warranty ranges from major manufacturers start at 10 years.

Application concerns
• Initial high expense for some designs and color selections.

Style implications
• Color options allow a designer to exercise imagination without sacrificing durability.
• Material serves design needs of executive washroom, yet can also accommodate the high use environment of a stadium.

LEED Version 3.0 Certifications
• Dependent on Ship To location, may qualify under Regional Materials (MR 5.1)
• May qualify under Absence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) etc. (EQ 4.4)

Less Common Partition Materials
• Stone
- Extremely heavy.
- Accessories require full penetration anchors.
- Stone requires special cleaning products.
- Very difficult to repair minor damage.
• Glass
- Extremely heavy.
- Accessories must be located prior to tempering.
- May have some perceived privacy issues.
- May not handle hard use well.
• Wood
- Wood is susceptible to damage when used around water.
- Even with high levels of maintenance, which are not sustainable, wood is very problematic in heavy-use washrooms.
• Composite
- Heavy.
- Potential for chipping if dropped.
- Lower pull strength at site of fasteners.