Materials, by how they fail
Every catalog lists the same materials. The useful question is which one survives your room.
- Powder-coated steel
- The lowest cost and fine in a dry, lightly used restroom. It dents, and its maker rates it low for wet areas, so beside showers or under a hose it rusts from the bottom up.
- Plastic laminate
- A little more than steel, with more colors and patterns. It belongs in dry rooms; if it goes near water, ask for the moisture-resistant version.
- Solid plastic (HDPE)
- About twice the cost of steel and unaffected by water, steam and humidity. It does not rust or delaminate, and graffiti cleans off, which makes it a strong pick for schools and gyms.
- Phenolic
- Similar in cost to solid plastic or a little more. Its maker says it holds up to showers, pools, being hosed down and vandalism, which is why it is common in locker rooms.
| Material | Warranty | Cost (steel = 100) | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powder-coated steel | 3 years | 100 | Dry, lightly used restrooms |
| Plastic laminate, moisture resistant | 5 years | About 110 | Dry rooms where color matters |
| Solid plastic (HDPE) | 25 years | About 190 | Schools, gyms, rooms that get hosed down |
| Phenolic | 25 years | 200 to 250 | Locker rooms, showers, heavy abuse |
| Stainless steel | 5 years | About 255 | A premium look in a busy restroom |