Restroom Floors

The restrooms are the most underrated aspect of the design and layout of the building. A public restroom has to offer fixtures, materials, and overall design that contributes to an overall sense of cleanliness and design appeal. The space should be large enough to accommodate multiple guests with subtle design accents.

Design Considerations

First, consider the use of the restroom area. What’s the traffic pattern? How often will the restroom be used? Where is the window located? How much square footage do you have to work with? All these questions will help you answer what design layout is right. 

Accesibilitiy: All public restrooms must meet the Americans With Disabilities Act  guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the space reaches mimimun space requirements and is accessible to those with physical disabilities. Enterances, doors, ramps, flooring surface, signage, and windows are just a few of the many elements designers have to consider when creating an accessible space for all.

Cleanliness: Restroom doors should be designed so that after one has washed their hands, exit is possiblewithout touching a surface. The American Restroom Association suggests installing restroom doors that swing outward so the guest does not have to grip any contaminated surface.

Essentials: A restroom should have all essentials: a hand dryer, towels, mirrors, ample counter space and sinks, private stalls (with shelves and coat hooks), lavatory fixtures, workable toilets, an area for storage, and plentiful lighting.

Material Considerations

Virtually any material can be used to surface walls and floors in a restroom as long as it's waterproof, either naturally or by means of an impervious finish, affirms TLC. Tile, moisture-resistant vinyl, laminated wood, and Wainscot make great materials for a restroom wall. If painting your bathroom, use high-gloss, water-resistant paint.

Intelligent Design

Proper ventilation is another behind-the-scenes design consideration that needs to be made. It not only shields unwanted smells, but it also protects occupabts from inhaling dangerous commercial cleaning products. Open ceilings or a ceiling with ventilation provide a conduit for sound. Also American Restroom Asociation suggests to add  sound dampening to assure overall privacy for restroom patrons.