All public restrooms must have bathroom stalls or partitions to give the needed privacy of the user. Their job is to ensure a private space for urinals and toilets in all public places. While these are not considered the “proper” toilets and do not provide sound or smell-proof, they provide visual privacy and protection from the rest of the restroom once the door is closed.
Constructors make bathroom stalls in the United States to specific standards regarding their dimensions and usage. They must conform to the dimensions specified for an appropriate bathroom stall based on the number of foot traffic in that public place and the available space for the restroom area. However, because these standards differ by state, it is always important to check the local laws.
The Required Number Of Bathroom Stalls
Generally, it is not necessary to install bathroom stalls unless your business requires a public restroom. On the other hand, you must add bathroom stalls in buildings that have public restrooms.
If that is the case, you must perform a basic computation of the number of people who visit the establishment during the working day’s peak hours. If you operate an official business, there is also a need to determine the approximate number of people spending their time there or passing by during the workday.
Each bathroom stall should be able to accommodate fifty users. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct all relevant calculations properly to comply with all applicable requirements and avoid getting fined.
Never forget that it is essential to install at least one ADA bathroom stall in each restroom. The only circumstance in which you may omit installing the ADA restroom bathroom stall is another ADA restroom amenity nearby.
Different Installation Method of Bathroom Stalls
As you may have noticed, not all bathroom stalls are identical. They can vary in terms of their design, the materials used, and the installation method. In the United States, there are four distinct types of bathroom stalls categorized according to the installation method. Regardless of the type of bathroom stall you choose, it must adhere to ADA and standard dimensions of a bathroom stall.
Floor Anchored Or Overhead Braced Bathroom Stalls
These are by far the most commonly seen and least priced bathroom stalls on the market.
This type of bathroom stall is unique because of its installation method. They feature 82-inch-tall (2-meter-tall) pilasters, and they must be mounted on the floor.
It should extend up to the ceiling as per standards, where an installed rail is necessary for connecting to the pilasters. Furthermore, they must extend 12 inches or 30.5 cm above the top of the door.
The ceiling bar provides additional protection and support for high-traffic areas, which have become increasingly prevalent in urban settings.
Ceiling-Hung Bathroom Stalls
There are no floor pillars in this type of bathroom stall. The entire structure of the stall is suspended from the ceiling. The advantage of this installation method is that there are no floor blockages, which renders them convenient and easy to maintain.
These stalls are quite trendy with their futuristic and levitating appearance. On the other hand, you will need to include ceiling steel support for its construction, which will add to the expense. However, this type of bathroom stall will create a futuristic feel.
Floor-Mounted Bathroom Stalls
Although the price of this type is very cheap, floor-mounted stalls are deemed obsolete today. They have 70 inches or 1.8 m high pilasters that extend from the floor. The top area is open, while its stalls lie just on the ground.
Since the base is on the floor, it needs a back wall for support. Hence, you have to secure the floor-mounted stalls into the back wall to stabilize the structure. The upside of this installation type is that these bathroom stalls are simple to install and need just 2 inches or 5 cm to penetrate the walls.
Floor-to-Ceiling Anchored Bathroom Stalls
This is perhaps the most durable option, making it ideal for the busiest public settings. They are nearly perfect, but they also come with a hefty price tag with their excellent quality. This is best for schools, subway toilets, and other locations prone to vandalism.
Not only does this structure have floor support, but it also has support in its ceiling. The floor is 12 inches (30.5 cm) above the resistant panels and doors. Nowadays, the floor-to-ceiling anchored stalls style is the most sturdy type of bathroom stall construction known.
Differentiating the 2 Types of Bathroom Stall Dimensions
You ought to be mindful that in the United States, there are two standard dimensions for bathroom stalls: the dimensions for ADA stalls and the standard stalls. Also, you should specify the dimensions of urinal stalls.
As previously stated, both types of bathroom stalls must be available for use in public restrooms following existing laws and building codes. Before beginning the installation, the following dimensions should be considered: stall depth, stall width, dimensions of the door, grab bar dimensions, stall, and door height.
ADA Bathroom Stall Dimensions
The ADA requires that bathroom stalls be at least 60 inches or 1.5 meters wide. They require ample space for wheelchair maneuvering and optimum positioning. If a wall-mounted toilet is being used, it must be 56 inches or 1.4 m deep.
On the other hand, a typical floor-mounted toilet must be at least 59 inches deep or 1.5 m. To ensure unhindered passage, doors should be 34 to 36 inches or 86 cm to 91.5 cm wide.
Without pilasters, the bathroom stall wall is typically 58 inches or 1.5 m high. Both doors and all the dividers should be 12 inches or 30.5 cm tall. A 12 inch or 30.5 cm clearance allows for more convenient cleaning and sanitation.
In ADA bathrooms, a grab bar must be at least 36 inches or 91.5 cm long and should be no more than 6 inches or 15 cm from the back wall’s corner. The grab rail facing the toilet should be placed at a distance of no more than 12 inches or 30.5 cm from the rear wall.
Furthermore, the average height of grab rails should be between 33 and 36 inches or 84 cm and 94.5 cm above the floor. In this manner, they will be safeguarded from the floor tiles. Moreover, take into account coordinating the radius of the bars and the appropriate materials per applicable rules.
Bear in mind that open space is critical within ADA bathroom stalls, which is why you must adhere to the required space measurements. Only in this manner can wheelchairs be maneuvered freely.
Standard Bathroom Stall Dimensions
There are several vital factors to consider concerning the dimensions of standard bathroom stalls.
The width of the bathroom stall must be at least 36 inches or 91.5 cm. Bear in mind that the interior portion must remain open to allow for unrestricted usage of space. Because there is no restriction as to the maximum width, you can place it in the available space.
Take measures to keep the toilet away for at least 15 inches or 38.1 cm from the left and right stall walls. Standard bathroom stalls must have a minimum depth of 60 inches or 1.5 m.
It should be at least 58 or 1.5 m inches in height for both the stall wall and the divider. You must also position both doors and dividers for 12 inches or 30.5 cm above the floor.