Toilet Partitions for Churches

Candles used in religious worship

Places of worship have unique needs when it comes to bathroom stalls and washroom accessories. Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other religious facilities all need toilet partitions for their public bathrooms – like any other high-capacity, shared space. However, for many individuals, churches are distinctive facilities that are unlike any other building they regularly visit.

Because there are many different styles of religion, there are many forms of religious facilities. Some churches are small, while others are large. Religious structures can be austere, lavish, or anywhere in between. Both formal and informal houses of worship are popular with large portions of the United States population. Regardless of the details, the fact is that many faiths – established rites and new observances alike – require gathering space. Whatever the size, form, aesthetics, and ambiance of these physical locations, they will likely need public bathrooms. This requirement, of course, necessitates toilet partitions. As a leading online source for bathroom stalls, Partition Plus is glad to supply – and, in some cases, install – a partition system in any place of worship.

We mentioned that there are many types of religious facilities. This statement is true on several levels. For instance, even a localized group of worshipers may need several different buildings. Examples include a church itself, reception hall, school (that may consist of multiple structures), gymnasium, living quarters, and support facilities. On a separate level, there are usually differences in size, appointment, and formality between structures used by similar groups in the same religious tradition. Some of these differences, as they relate to restroom facilities, include the following:

Religious Practices

Certain faiths provide direction on toileting and hygiene habits. Toilet partitions in an applicable community’s facilities must accommodate such customs.

Maximum Capacity

Each tradition of worship involves a different number of people. Religious ceremonies can include a handful of participants, while other gatherings might fill a stadium. Keep the capacity of your building in mind when making choices about bathroom partitions. Building capacity influences not only the number of stalls, sinks, and accessories but also the material and design of those items.

Group Makeup

Some congregations are more diverse than others in terms of gender, age, and family structure. For instance, a given ministry might have specific facilities used by groups of worshipers: families, singles, couples, seniors, young adults, children, infirmed, or immobile. Perhaps the church’s population is composed of combinations of all these groups. This kind of information can guide the selection of restroom stalls. Elderly and infirmed individuals benefit from accessibility features. Parents with small children may require baby changing stations and “family” restrooms. The makeup of your group can influence more than the equipment selected for a bathroom. It can also inform the design elements of the bathroom accessories.

Visual Style

Worship experiences are often multisensory. Thus, the architecture and interior design of a church contribute to the effectiveness and comfort of the facility. As is true of secular facilities, aligning the design scheme of the restrooms with the structure’s overall aesthetic yields a better overall result. Earlier, we said that religious structures can be austere, lavish, or anywhere in between. Some belief systems shun ornamentation, regarding it as a distraction. Many of these systems also limit inessential conveniences and luxuries. Simple, durable bathroom partitions and accessories best serve these traditions. On the opposite end of the spectrum, other belief systems use visual embellishment as a means of tribute and celebration. For these adherents’ facilities, toilet partitions and bathroom accessories are available with sophisticated, worldly designs.

Budget

Many religious organizations rely heavily on charitable contributions and operate on tight budgets. Given this, these organizations shop carefully and seek out high-value products and services. Understandably, they want to get their money’s worth whenever they spend – stretching their gifted resources as far as they can go. Because of the practical nature of washroom accessories and toilet partitions, most Division 10 products, regardless of their actual cost, offer a solid value proposition. The price of the item is proportionate to the measurable benefits it provides.

Hand dryers are an excellent example of this situation. For example, Dyson Airblade hand dryers are relatively expensive but a good value, given their brand cachet, appealing looks, and excellent performance. Less costly models – think about a white enamel-finish, push-button World Dryer – are priced lower as they have fewer features. Assuming the cheap dryer fulfills the shopper’s needs and is reasonably durable, it is another example of a good value. Accordingly, faith-based groups with limited resources won’t find themselves excessively restricted. Even buyers unfamiliar with bathroom stalls, washroom accessories, and division 10 products will see a discernible budget, mid-range, and high-end for each product type.

Building Use

A religious center’s “campus” may include a large number of publicly accessible structures. A partial list of possible facilities could consist of the following: the church itself, meeting hall, school rooms, athletic spaces, living quarters, and support facilities. Each of these buildings will see different usage. An assessment of intended usage is prudent before purchasing washroom accessories and toilet stalls.

Perhaps, less expensive, less resilient equipment is appropriate for living quarters because they are not public-facing and used by just a few, conscientious individuals. Conversely, a meeting room or reception space may call for heavy-duty products with striking visual designs. If the rooms are accessible to the general public or large numbers of outsiders, the potential for dirt accumulation and significant vandalism rises. Both soil and damage are paramount practical concerns.

Keep in mind that “putting your best foot forward” is a wise action for all but the most budget-oriented, decoration-averse worship facilities. It isn’t difficult to imagine how a sensibly upscale restroom could positively influence public opinions of a new or renovated building and the group that owns it. Such facilities would increase the comfort of those within the group as well.

Geographic Location

Organized religions and their requisite gathering spaces are everywhere around the globe. Worshipers gather in rural areas, small towns, big cities, and suburban communities. These locales may be hot, cold, dry, damp, stormy, or temperate. Typically, buildings are built and outfitted with the climate in mind – places of worship are no different. When equipping the bathrooms of a religious facility, be sure to assess the level of moisture and extreme weather they may encounter. Solid phenolic, HDPE plastic, and SCRC partitions are ideal for bathrooms in these environments.

In Summary

For value-minded organizations, budget options are readily available. Though inexpensive, these bathroom stall systems are popular because of their relative durability. Many toilet partition designs are understated yet attractive, making it easy to find an excellent fit for church facilities. Most thoughtfully designed toilet partitions demonstrate their quality without looking ostentatious. For situations where either high style, ADA compliance, low maintenance, or extreme durability partitions are required, several manufacturers offer suitable options.