Restrooms have their origins in the Roman era when they were central to social development but they have evolved in design drastically since then. Following a global health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of hygienic restrooms has only increased. Before you begin designing toilet cubicles in a public restroom, the last thing you want to do is make it inaccessible for the user's needs. In India, Guidelines on Community Toilets, GoI, 1995, Swachh Bharat Guidelines and Central Public Works Department guidelines are followed for designing toilet cubicles. Continue reading as we discuss the right cubicle dimensions for public restrooms.

1- Standard Toilet Cubicles

Standard toilet cubicles are designed for everyone, from children to adults. When it comes to installing cubicles in public restrooms, you need to make sure there is enough space for people to finish their business conveniently. As per the Guidelines on Community Toilets, GoI, 1995, an optimum standard toilet cubicle should be 900mm wide X 1200 deep. Internationally, this is usually around 1000 metre wide, and 1200 metres deep. The doors should ideally open inwards. 

2- Enlarged Toilet Cubicles

As the name implies, enlarged toilet cubicles are more spacious than standard cubicles. Changing a newborn's clothes is a tedious job, which is why 'extra space' is required to support the parents' 'extra efforts.' Generally, one enlarged toilet cubicle is recommended in a restroom with four standard cubicles. In India, there are no separate guidelines, but the width of an enlarged toilet cubicle is usually around 1200 mm. An enlarged cubicle should have an outward opening door so that it does not take up space on the inside where a person is attempting to enter

3- Wheelchair Accessible Toilet Cubicles

These cubicles are designed for independent use for people confined to wheelchairs. It features special requirements such as grab rails and space for wheelchairs. A wheelchair accessible restroom cubicle is designed to be more spacious than an enlarged cubicle. In India, as per the CPWD 2014 guidelines, a wheelchair accessible toilet cubicle should be around 2200 X 1750 mm. The doors should have push-type or lever type handles. There should also be at least two grab rails between 35 mm-500 mm in external diameter and 600 mm in length. 

Final Word

When it comes to installing public restroom stalls, these guidelines should be followed to provide easy access to the users and their needs. Restroom cubicles, be it shopping malls, cafeterias, or even hotels, must be wide enough to support the person (and a wheelchair, if required), as well as offer enough space at the sink for everyone to move around comfortably. Apart from toilet dimensions, restroom cubicles should also be constructed with a durable material. If you are looking for premium quality, durable complete modular restroom cubicle solutions in a variety of exciting designs and patterns, consult a leading manufacturer of laminate restroom cubicles that thrives to amalgamate design with superior functionality in their products.