Public toilet cubicles: dimensions and characteristics

Public toilets cubicles are a right established by the WHO in 2010. In other words, it is compulsory for all citizens to have access to public toilets.

It is very interesting to see how, throughout history, this area, like many others, has been individualised and privatised. We are not going to deal with this topic here, but in order to get into the context of what the measurements of a public toilet are, you will like to know this curious note.

The evolution of public bathrooms in history began with the Romans, who established public baths as a place for social gatherings. Centuries later, hygiene began to be taken more seriously as a disease prevention measure and the aristocracy began to incorporate private baths into their homes.

The working classes continued to use the public toilets, which gradually followed the line of the private baths, separating men’s access to the public baths from the women’s baths. In addition, they adapted to the new custom of understanding the toilet as an individual space, in the form of public bathing cabins.

Nowadays, access to the toilet is anaesthetised by the WHO and the minimum dimensions of private and public toilets are regulated to ensure their purpose. That is, the maintenance and hygiene of people.

There are minimum standards for the minimum space measurements for a public toilet, as well as for the spacing between phenolic sanitary cabins. We review them.

Minimum measurements of a toilet:

As a rule, the minimum dimensions of a public toilet should be: 82 cm high x 70 cm wide x 50 cm deep.

In addition, the standard format of a public washbasin shall be that it is recessed into a marble or countertop. Likewise, between them, the washbasins must incorporate a separation of 80 cm (from axis to axis) and 20 cm from the axis to the wall.

At DESMON we recommend that you opt for worktops made of compact and melamine MDF panels. Undoubtedly, they are the best choice to place washbasins. The reason is that the material withstands the action of water and humidity. In addition, it withstands daily and continuous use very well.

Minimum dimensions of a bathroom with shower

Shower cubicles can be modular in any shape. However, the minimum dimensions of a shower tray (changing room or private) must be 60 x 60 cm and the height of the shower enclosures must be around 2m.

Take a look at our projects for some examples of shower enclosures made on site to get ideas.

What is the minimum space for a toilet or lavatory?

The dimensions of the toilets for public bathrooms (although they are also suitable for private bathrooms) are: 39.4 cm high x 50 cm wide x 70 cm deep.

For urinals: minimum 75 cm high x 45 cm wide x 35 cm deep. In addition, urinals should be placed at a height of 75 cm.

Of course, as in the case of washbasins, a distance of 20cm must be maintained between their axes and with respect to the wall.

Minimum measurements for changing rooms

The ratio of wc cabins per changing room should be 1 toilet for every 5 women and 1 for every 25 men. Depending on the number of people that congregate in the industrial or sports changing room space, it will be necessary to calculate and size the number and size of: toilets, washbasins, showers.

The truth is that the most important thing for the maintenance of the screens and furniture of public bathrooms is that they are made of materials that are easy to maintain, hygienic and durable over time.

We install toilets and showers for gyms, schools and public centres. Our experience has shown us that, in addition to an adaptable and customised design, bathroom and changing room equipment must be able to withstand vandalism, such as graffiti, fire and flooding.

At DESMON we manufacture public toilet cubicles with phenolic panels. This material is non-porous and we can ensure that our public toilet cubicles resist the appearance of fungus. On the other hand, they are very easy to clean, do not corrode and withstand humidity without deteriorating.

At DESMON we have an exclusive department in charge of the design of public bathrooms and their environment. As we have pointed out above, phenolic material is basic in the creation of public toilet cabins. However, we keep up to date with the latest trends and we also incorporate materials such as wood, stainless steel or aluminium profiles. Plastic polymers such as methacrylate can also be used as partitions and vinyl flooring is highly hygienic and resistant.

We only work with the best manufacturers and suppliers who provide us with excellent quality materials. In addition, we are very careful and precise in the cutting and assembly of all parts. Of course, we know that the materials chosen will also have an impact on the dimensions of a toilet cubicle or the capacity of a urinal space.

Always in agreement with the client, we try to choose the elements that best suit the project and the tastes of the person who commissions the made-to-measure work.

A poorly designed bathroom can be a big nuisance, and the changes you want to make afterwards will be very costly. That is why it is always best to put yourself in good hands before embarking on a renovation project.

Always in agreement with the client, at DESMON we try to choose the elements that best suit the project and the tastes of the person who commissions us to carry out the customised work.

If you want to get a proposal adapted to your company, do not hesitate to ask for a made-to-measure quote, we are waiting for you!