With massive crowds at subway and train stations, what materials should be used for restroom partitions?

Restrooms in subway and train stations are likely among the most frequently used public restrooms.
With daily passenger traffic ranging from tens of thousands to even hundreds of thousands, the partition doors are opened and closed hundreds of times every day. So the question arises: What materials should be chosen for restroom partitions in high-traffic transportation hubs?
HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) panels are one excellent option.
II. Why HPL Is One of the Best Choices for High-Traffic Areas
Many people wonder: HPL is a bit pricey, so why are airports, subway stations, and high-speed rail stations all using it?
That’s because the logic behind material selection for these types of venues isn’t “the lowest initial purchase cost,” but rather “the lowest total cost of ownership.” HPL is precisely the option that offers the best value in this regard.

1. Impact-resistant
2. Moisture- and water-resistant—does not swell or warp in humid environments
   Restrooms in subway stations have limited ventilation and are subject to high humidity year-round. Ordinary panels with high water absorption rates will develop edge swelling, delamination, and blistering within a few months.
   HPL (high pressure laminate) panels have a low water absorption rate, far below industry standards. They maintain dimensional stability even after prolonged exposure to moisture or immersion, and are resistant to warping and swelling.

3. Class B1 Fire Rating—Meets the fire safety requirements for public buildings
4. Easy to Clean + Antibacterial—Ensures Hygiene and Safety
   HPL (High pressure laminate ) panels feature a dense, non-porous surface that repels stains, making them easy to wipe clean. They also offer excellent antibacterial properties that effectively prevent bacterial growth, which is particularly important in public spaces such as subway stations.

III. Practical Recommendations for Purchasers
If you are selecting materials for restroom projects at subway or train stations, keep the following points in mind:
1.
Recommended thicknesses are 12 mm or 18 mm. 12 mm is the standard choice for train station construction projects, while 18 mm offers greater impact resistance.

Hardware is equally critical. No matter how high-quality the panels are, they’re useless if the hinges and locks are subpar. We recommend using 304 or 316 stainless steel hardware.

Summary
When selecting materials for restroom partitions in subway and train stations, one should not focus solely on the initial purchase price, but rather on how many years the material will “hold up” under frequent use and harsh conditions.
Thanks to its five core properties—impact resistance, moisture and water resistance, chemical resistance, Class B1 fire rating, and ease of cleaning—HPL （High pressure laminate） panels have become the de facto standard for transportation hubs such as airports, high-speed rail stations, and subway stations.
If you need to purchase public restroom partitions soon, please contact us. We have a professional team and designers ready to create a custom solution for you.