Urinal Screens: What to Consider and How to Specify

Design Details
October 13, 2025
A row of urinals in a public bathroom, featuring urinal screens for added privacy and hygiene.

Urinal screens (also called urinal dividers or privacy screens) do two jobs. They create privacy for users and help the restroom feel cohesive. A well-chosen screen can match the partition material and color, help carry the design across the room, and hold up to daily use.

What this guide covers

  • Materials and where each works best

  • Mounting options and when to use them

  • Basic ADA considerations

  • Custom options

Materials

Choose material for durability first, then appearance. Environments and cleaning practices will drive the decision.

  • Compact Laminate (Phenolic): Very durable, impact resistant, and highly water resistant. Best for high use or wet areas such as schools, stadiums, parks, transit hubs, and recreation centers.
  • High-Pressure Laminate (HPL): Broad decorative range and budget friendly. Best for dry spaces such as offices, churches, libraries, and administrative facilities.
  • Solid Surface: Uniform appearance and easy cleaning. Best for premium interiors such as corporate headquarters, boutique retail, healthcare, and hospitality restrooms where a refined look is desired.
  • Engineered Stone: Visually consistent with a stone like finish. Best for high-visibility, high-traffic settings such as airports, museums, arena suites, luxury hospitality, and flagship retail.

Mounting options

The mounting method affects stability, cleaning, and the visual line in the room.

  • Wall Hung – cantilevered from the wall for a clean look and easy floor cleaning.
  • Floor Mounted – anchored to the floor and the wall for added stability or heavier panels.
  • Floor to Ceiling – floor to ceiling support at the open end adds rigidity for busy restrooms.

ADA basics

The ADA Standards do not require urinal screens. If used, they must not reduce the clear floor space or obstruct approach to the urinal. Confirm local amendments and coordinate screen width, projection, and mounting height so the required clearances remain fully available.

Custom options

Ironwood can build to the project. Custom sizes, shapes, and materials are available to match project requirements and site conditions. If you would like Revit content for coordination, you may download here:  BIM Objects page or BIMobject library.

Specify with confidence

If you would like help choosing material and mounting for a specific project, send the room layout and the intended use of the building.

Ready to Move Forward?

Connect with partition specialists who understand the balance of aesthetics, functionality, and code compliance in commercial restroom design.