Designing or refurbishing toilets means not losing track of the small details. These can be more important than you think. For instance, you’ve likely planned out how the plumbing will work, the framing of the space, and the aesthetics in mind, but have you thought about if the cubicle doors should open inward or outwards?
It may seem a simple choice, but it can affect everything from user safety and comfort through to building regulations, and even accessibility needs. That’s why it can’t be an afterthought: It should be part of your design from the start.
Pros and Cons of Outward Opening Cubicle Doors
Outward opening bathroom doors are growing more and more popular, even in commercial designs where space is at a premium. While there are options to help make small commercial toilets look bigger, having the doors open outwards is a choice made because, for many, the pros outweigh the cons:
These include:
- More internal space – As the door opens into the communal zone, this keeps the inside of the toilet area more open
- Easier to clean – Opening the door outwards means nothing obstructs mops and hoovers. It also stops cleaning products splashing on the door as much
- More safe – In an emergency situation, e.g. someone has collapsed inside a cubicle or is stuck inside, it’s easier to remove the door for paramedics or on-house staff if it opens outwards with less risk of further harm to the person inside
However, it’s important to not lose sight of the downsides that outwards opening bathroom cubicles have:
- Corridor obstructions – Narrow bathroom spaces may not have the floor space to begin with, which means doors swinging out aren’t feasible
- Potential hazard – While the risk is low, there is a chance that an outwards opening cubicle door could hit someone passing by
Pros and Cons of Inward Opening Cubicle Doors
For years, inward opening bathroom cubicles were common for traditional toilets, thanks to the clear pros of:
- Clearer walkways – Since the door stays within the cubicle, the communal areas remain unobstructed, which is ideal for high-traffic environments like cinemas or shopping centres
- Instant privacy – It is often quicker and more intuitive for a user to pull a door shut behind them as they enter, providing an immediate sense of security
However, some are debating switching out with refurbishments to have the doors swing the other way, because:
- Safety and access risks – In the event of a medical emergency, a person’s body can easily block an inward-swinging door, making it much harder for first-aid staff to reach them
- Less space inside – With bathroom space already a premium, especially for disabled and women’s spaces where medical bins need to be included, having the door open inwards can make it feel very cramped and hard to move about in
Considerations for Disabled Toilets
Under Building Regulations Part M (Access to and use of buildings) and the Equality Act 2010, disabled cubicles must be designed to allow for easy entry and exit for wheelchair users. In almost every scenario, this means the door must open outwards.
If an outward swing isn’t possible due to space, a sliding door is the only other legal alternative. An inward-opening door is generally not compliant because a wheelchair user wouldn’t have the space to turn around and close the door behind them.
On top of that, Doc M packs and accessible layouts require specific “clear opening” widths to ensure the washroom is inclusive for everyone.
It’s important to keep these in mind to make sure every aspect of your build is friendly to disabled toilets, and those who need them.
Managing Cubicle Doors With MP Fittings
Choosing the right direction for your doors is only half the battle; you also need the right hardware to make sure those doors operate smoothly, safely, and for years to come.
At MP Fittings, we specialise in high-quality commercial washroom hardware and commercial toilet cubicles designed to withstand the heavy use of B2B environments. Whether you are installing outward-opening doors that require robust indicator bolts or inward-opening doors that need reliable hinges, we have the stock to help.
Browse our full range of cubicle hardware here or contact us today for expert advice on your next washroom fit-out.