You’re wondering…what is the best material for my project?
Below is a brief explanation of all of the types of materials available. Hopefully you will glean enough information to make a decision. If not, feel free to contact me and I’ll walk you through it. As a woman, I am always ready to give my opinion.
Powder Coated Steel
Powder Coated Steel is the least expensive material and the industry standard. This material is the most widely used material in the United States for a reason—it is reasonably priced and it performs. The basis is galvanized steel. The partitions are fabricated with roll formed crown molding and a honeycomb core. The final step is to apply a thermoset hybrid powder finish, commonly known as powder coat which makes them highly resistant to corrosion, grease, acids, caustics, mars and stains. A broad range of contemporary colors are available to complement any interior.
Powder Coated Steel will keep their finish looking new for years if they are washed periodically with a mild soap and occasionally polished with a good automobile wax. Are these a good fit for your establishment? They are if you are a church, restaurant, health care center, office building, library or other location that doesn’t experience high traffic – what we call a Standard Use Building. The warranty is 3 years
Plastic Laminate
Plastic Laminate combines design flexibility with aesthetic appeal and economy. The laminate is applied to the particle board using glue and high pressure. The result is a smooth surface, resistant to grease and stains. However, it is not recommended for high moisture areas. Plastic Laminate is recommended if you have a budget-sensitive project and need a certain designer look. The warranty is 2 years
Solid Plastic
HDPE (high density polyethylene) also known as Solid Plastic is highly resistant to stains, common acids and cleaning agents, as well as moisture, steam, and corrosion. It never needs painting, will not rust, rot, delaminate or absorb odors. The HDPE panel has homogenous color and material compound throughout. Additionally, it contains an aluminum heat sink strip to negate vandalism attempts with lighters or other flame. The strip is applied to the bottom edge of all doors and panels as a standard feature. The finish is similar to a basketball which makes it easier to resist pens and markers of graffiti artists. These HDPE panels are also perfect for showers and other high moisture areas.
They are Class B fire rated. The warranty is 15 years
Phenolic-Black Core
Phenolic-Black Core panels are impact, moisture, and corrosion reistant, the surface is smooth and easy to clean. An important feature is non-ghosting graffiti removal. The core is multiple layers of resin-impregnated kraft paper cured under heat and high pressure resulting in the hardest, toughest most vandal resistant material available for partitions. A full array of surface colors is available to complement the black solid phenolic resin edges. The actual finishes available are numerous and offer the same design flexibility as a laminate yet offers longer life. They may be used in saunas, showers or when maintenance includes hosing down. They will not mildew. Ideal for where vandalism is a problem. The warranty is 10 years
Phenolic – Color thru Phenolic
Color thru Phenolic panels offer the same benefits as the Black Core phenolic, however, there is no black edge. The surface and core color are the same. It has excellent screw holding power and all the advantages of black core phenolic. The warranty is 10 years
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel panels offer gleaming beauty indefinitely. Stainless steel will complement any design scheme. A honeycomb core is glued to #304 stainless steel sheets and then assembled with roll formed crown molding. The corners are welded and ground smooth for extra strength. The corrosion resistant benefits of #304 stainless steel are widely known. They are easily maintained, even scratches can be buffed out. Finishes available are #4 satin, diamond texture and leather texture. They are best used in high moisture areas and upscale areas. The warranty is 5 years
I hope this overview has made it easier to choose the correct bathroom/toilet partition for your next project. Be sure to contact LockersNMore for the best pricing in the industry.
