Zero Sightline: A Privacy Solution for Commercial Restroom Partitions

Design Details, Industry Insights
March 19, 2025
A close-up view of a partially open beige drawer with a silver metal countertop surface above it, offering a sleek privacy solution.

Privacy is a key consideration in commercial restroom design. Small details make a difference in creating functional and comfortable spaces for users.

One option for improving privacy in restroom partitions is Zero Sightline (ZSL). This design eliminates visual gaps at door and pilaster connections, improving privacy and creating a cleaner appearance.

The public restroom features wooden stall doors and a white tiled floor, offering an excellent privacy solution. On the left, sinks with mirrors ensure convenience, while the design incorporates a zero sightline for enhanced discretion and comfort.

What Is Zero Sightline?

Zero Sightline features an innovative rabbeting technique that creates overlapping lap joints between doors and pilasters. This design eliminates visual gaps at connection points, ensuring privacy and a sleek, seamless appearance in commercial restrooms.

Cross-section diagram revealing a pilaster and door with specified measurements: .125 inch typical, crafted from varying materials. This privacy solution ensures discretion, ideal for designing commercial restroom partitions with zero sightline features.

If you’re considering Zero Sightline for your project, contact Ironwood today to discuss options and find the best fit for your restroom design.

Zero Sightline

Our Zero Sightline approach includes:

  • A full-length rabbet along the edges of doors and pilasters
  • A uniform appearance from top to bottom
  • Privacy maintained at all heights

Material Options

Most manufacturers limit Zero Sightline to Compact Laminate, Ironwood offers this feature in all materials:

MaterialMax Door HeightStandard Thickness
High Pressure Laminate108″1.25″
Wood Veneer108″1.25″
Compact Laminate84″0.75″ (slab) or 1.00″ (stile & rail)
Solid Surface96″1.00″
Engineered Stone96″3cm

What sets Ironwood apart?
We offer Zero Sightline in High Pressure Laminate, Compact Laminate (Phenolic) and Wood Veneer without the need for extrusions, providing more flexibility while maintaining privacy standards.

Benefits of Zero Sightline

  1. Improved Privacy – Eliminates sight gaps.
  2. Lower Maintenance – No additional strike hardware, reducing wear points.
  3. Cleaner Appearance – No visible gaps for a more polished look.
  4. Reduced Noise – When paired with silicon bumpers, doors close more quietly.
  5. Material Flexibility – Available in multiple materials to match different design needs.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Project

When deciding whether Zero Sightline is the right fit, consider:

  • Privacy needs: Is maximum privacy a priority?
  • Material selection: Height limitations and thickness vary by material.
  • Installation and maintenance: Reduced adjustability in installation tolerances.

Zero Sightline provides a practical solution for restroom partitions by eliminating sight gaps with overlapping joints. This improves privacy and enhances the overall appearance of partitions.

Ready to Move Forward?

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