The True Cost of Washroom Downtime
When a washroom is temporarily closed, it’s easy to view it as a minor inconvenience. A maintenance issue. A broken lock. A plumbing fault. A damaged cubicle. Something that will be fixed in due course. But for the people responsible for managing buildings, the reality is often very different. Behind every unavailable washroom sits a […]
Single-Sex Toilet Provision: Current UK Guidance Explained
Separate male and female washrooms are now the default expectation across most UK settings, backed by four overlapping sources: Building Regulations in England, the Equality Act 2010 as clarified by the Supreme Court, the EHRC’s statutory services Code, and long-standing workplace and school premises rules. The position has moved quickly since 2024. A new Part […]
Why Do Washroom Sightlines Matter?
Conversations about commercial washroom design usually centre on capacity, accessibility, finishes and hygiene. However, one factor that shapes safety, user confidence and compliance just as much is often left until too late: sightlines. Sightlines refer to what can and cannot be seen into, out of and within a washroom. Getting them right means balancing two […]
A Complete Guide to Washroom Layout and Space Planning for Commercial Buildings
A well-planned washroom layout in commercial premises can help you make better use of your available footprint while providing accessible, hygienic facilities for customers or employees. Considering the different elements of your washroom early in the project can help create a layout that works for your requirements now while allowing for changing needs in the […]
The Complete Guide to Comparing Washroom Cubicle Systems
When specifying washroom cubicles, it’s easy to get drawn into colour charts, finishes and headline prices. But the most successful washroom projects are rarely judged on how they look on handover day. They’re judged on how they perform years later, often across dozens of sites and thousands of daily users. Whether you’re specifying for education, […]
Common Washroom Challenges Facing the Transport Sector
Transport hubs face some of the most demanding washroom environments in the built sector. From railway stations and airports to bus interchanges, service stations and operational depots, facilities must withstand relentless usage while remaining hygienic, accessible and available around the clock. For operators, a washroom plays a significant role in passenger experience, brand perception and […]
IPS Panel Systems Explained: Pre-Framed vs Site-Framed
A commercial washroom may only be one part of a building, but the quality of its design and installation can have a significant impact on project timescales, maintenance costs and the overall user experience. One of the most effective ways to create a clean, modern washroom environment is through the use of Integrated Panel Systems […]
Common washroom challenges facing the retail sector
Washroom facilities in a retail environment are one of the few parts of a store customers judge instantly. Unlike browsing the shop floor, there’s no product or promotion to distract from the state of the toilets. A customer instantly notices a broken door, tired looking facilities or a lingering odour within seconds of walking in, […]
Designing washrooms for volume, vandalism and maintenance
Every washroom is designed for someone. The question is whether it’s designed for occasional use, or for the demands of every day use for the next twenty years. Most washroom failures don’t start with bad materials. They start with an assumption made at the design stage that never gets tested against real conditions. A specification […]
Reducing Risk Throughout a Washroom Project
Washrooms rarely make the headlines on a project. But ask any project manager where the late-stage problems tend to surface, and washrooms come up more often than their size on the drawings would suggest. Tight service spaces, multiple trades converging in a small footprint, and a specification that has to satisfy compliance, durability, and design […]
Designing Safe and Inclusive School Washrooms: Best Practices for 2026
The Department for Education holds schools to specific standards for school washroom design so that the needs of all students are met. Pupils should have ready access to suitable toilet and washing facilities, with accessibility considered according to their needs and the applicable requirements. The appropriate approach will vary according to pupils’ ages and needs, […]
Toilet Cubicle Configurations Explained: Layouts, Types and Best Uses
There’s a lot to think about when specifying a new washroom. How should it look? Who is it for? Is it easy to clean and maintain? One of these considerations is getting the right toilet cubicle configuration for your space and needs. Getting your commercial washroom layout wrong will have a significant impact on privacy, […]
Preventing Brand Drift Across Multi-Site Retail Programmes
How to protect a brand standard across dozens, or hundreds, of live sites. Why consistency matters more than ever Walk into the same retailer’s store in London, then again in Leeds, then again in a small unit outside Bristol, and you expect the same experience. Same layout logic, same finishes, same feel. That expectation holds […]
Equality Act FAQs
What has actually changed? Following the Supreme Court’s 2025 ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers — which confirmed that “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 means biological sex — the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has updated its statutory Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations. This is […]
How to Standardise Customer Experience Without Disrupting Trade
For retailers, distribution centres and warehousing operators, washrooms play a bigger role in customer and workforce experience than many people realise. Used by shoppers, delivery drivers, contractors, office staff and warehouse teams alike, they often shape perceptions of the wider site. Clean, well-maintained facilities reflect professionalism, while poor or inconsistent washrooms can undermine an otherwise […]
Equality Act Update: What the New Code of Practice Means for Your Washrooms
Toilets don’t usually make national news. But over the last year, changes to equality law have put washroom design firmly on the agenda for offices, schools, hospitals, leisure centres, retailers and public buildings, basically any building that provides toilets for public use across the UK. And everyone is trying to understand what the latest EHRC […]
DfE Early Years Design Guidance 2026: What it means for School Based Nurseries
The Department for Education’s new Early Years Design Guidance (July 2026) provides an important insight into how nursery environments within schools may be designed in the future. However, before considering its implications, it is important to understand the scope of the document. This guidance has been developed specifically as a design primer for school-based nurseries […]
Part T Toilet Layouts Explained: Common Compliance Mistakes
Why Toilet Layouts Matter More Than Most Designers Realise When discussing compliance with Part T of the Building Regulations, many project teams focus on fixture numbers, accessibility requirements and sanitaryware specifications. However, some of the most common compliance issues stem from something far more fundamental: the toilet layout itself. A poorly planned layout can undermine […]
Reducing Refurbishment Cycles: Why Lifecycle Performance is a Key Driver in Washroom Specification
In high-traffic environments, washrooms are one of the most heavily used, and most frequently refurbished, areas of any building. Yet the market is shifting. Increasingly, specifiers and clients are prioritising durability and lifecycle performance over short-term cost savings. For organisations looking to reduce disruption, improve sustainability, and control long-term budgets, the goal is clear: extend […]
The Complete Guide to Wash Troughs for Commercial Spaces
Sinks are a mainstay in washrooms, but there is another option that has quietly been growing in popularity. Wash troughs provide a practical alternative for your handwashing needs, especially in high-traffic commercial washrooms that need a streamlined, efficient solution. They are designed to support multi-user handwashing, and are increasingly specified across a wide range of […]
Accessible Toilet Facilities: A Complete Compliance Checklist for Commercial Spaces
Accessible toilet facilities play a vital role in keeping commercial environments safe, inclusive and legally compliant. Whether you are a facilities manager, contractor, specifier or responsible for ensuring your washrooms are fully accessible, a full understanding of accessible washroom design goes far beyond just meeting basic standards. They require careful planning, practical layout decisions and […]
KCSIE 2026: What New Single‑Sex Toilet Guidance Means for Schools and How to Prepare
From September 2026, schools across England will need to comply with an updated version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) that brings clearer, firmer expectations around toilet provision for pupils aged eight and over. While this change is often discussed through a policy or cultural lens, for schools it is, at heart, a safeguarding […]
Beyond Anti-Bullying: Designing Out Vaping, Vandalism and Loitering
For many years, the conversation around school washrooms has centred on anti-bullying, and rightly so. Providing safe, inclusive spaces for students has always been a priority. But the reality schools are dealing with today has evolved. Across the education sector, a more complex set of challenges is emerging. Staff are increasingly dealing with vaping taking […]
Why Good Washroom Design Is the Foundation of Good Hygiene
When hygiene is discussed, the focus is often on cleaning routines, handwashing practices and maintenance schedules. All of these play an important role in keeping washrooms safe and pleasant to use. But, long-term hygiene starts earlier than many people realise. The design of the washroom itself has a significant influence on how clean and hygienic […]
When Was the Last Time You Looked at Your School’s Washrooms?
Not during a planned refurbishment, inspection, or emergency repair but as a day‑to‑day environment used by hundreds of pupils and staff, every single day. Washrooms are among the most frequently used spaces in a school, yet they’re often one of the most overlooked. And when they stop working well, the impact can be immediate and […]
Toilet Phobia in Schools: Why Washroom Design Must Be Part of the Conversation
For many pupils, the school day is measured in lessons, friendships, and achievements. For others, it is shaped by anxiety, particularly around something most adults take for granted: using the toilet. Toilet phobia in schools is a widespread and well‑evidenced issue in the UK, with significant implications for pupil health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes. Despite […]
The Psychology of Privacy: Why Cubicle Height Matters More Than You Think
When we think about washrooms, we tend to think about durability, hygiene, and design. But there’s something far more influential that often gets overlooked: how the washroom makes people feel. Privacy isn’t just a nice to have, it’s one of the biggest drivers of comfort, confidence, and overall user experience. Whether it’s a nursery pupil […]
Why Customer Experience Starts in the Washrooms
We’ve all been there. You finally arrive at the event you’ve been looking forward to for weeks. After travelling, queuing, and rushing to get inside, there’s usually one thing people want to do first: Find the toilet. You follow the signs, only to be met with a queue that seems to stretch forever. You can’t […]
What UK Schools Should Know About Washrooms Ahead of 2026 Ofsted Inspections
As Ofsted prepares to roll out its 2026 inspection cycle, schools across the UK are reassessing the environments that shape pupils’ daily life. While classrooms, corridors and playgrounds typically get the spotlight, one area increasingly influencing inspection outcomes is the state of school washroom facilities. Washrooms play a subtle yet significant role in a school’s […]
Antibullying in Schools: How Washroom Design Can Create Safer Spaces
School washrooms play a far bigger role in student wellbeing than many people realise. When washrooms are outdated, dimly lit, or poorly maintained, students may feel anxious or unsafe, and these environments can quickly become hotspots for negative behaviour. Recent data shows that 21% of pupils in Years 7 to 13 report experiencing bullying within […]
Dunhams Washrooms Celebrates Win of Excellence in Manufacturing Award
Dunhams is proud to announce that they’ve been recognised with the Excellence in Manufacturing Award, marking an important milestone in our long-standing commitment to quality, innovation, and customer‑focused manufacturing. This achievement reflects decades of continuous investment in advanced production technologies, meticulous engineering, and a dedication to delivering washroom solutions that set industry standards. As a […]
Washroom Panel Guide
This panel guide gives a quick, easy breakdown of the main parts that make up a washroom system. Each label points to a specific component so you can immediately see what’s what, ideal if you’re not familiar with terms like duct panels, pilasters, or duct shadows (shadow gaps). For example, duct panels hide the pipework, […]
Specifying Cubicles for High-Traffic Washrooms
High-traffic washrooms are some of the most demanding environments in any building. From shopping centres and airports to schools, caravan parks, and commercial offices, washroom cubicles must withstand constant use, moisture, cleaning chemicals, and occasional misuse, while still looking presentable year after year. For architects, designers, and facilities managers, specifying the right cubicle material is […]
Shaping the Future of School Washrooms – What The New Standards Mean
School washrooms are no longer simply functional spaces tucked away at the edge of the estate. Today, they play a crucial role in safeguarding, wellbeing, accessibility, hygiene, and the overall learning environment. As regulations evolve and expectations rise, schools and multi‑academy trusts are under increasing pressure to ensure their washrooms are safe, compliant, durable, and […]
5 Washroom Design Trends Shaping 2026 and Why They Matter for Modern Commercial Spaces
Commercial washrooms have changed more in the last few years than in the previous decade. They are no longer simply functional spaces but are seen as a direct extension of brand experience. As buildings evolve to support wellbeing, sustainability, hybrid working and stronger brand storytelling, washrooms are becoming a critical part of the overall experience. […]
What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Shelving for Your Commercial Washroom
There is no single piece of UK legislation that explicitly states that all commercial washrooms must contain shelving. However, several standards and regulations either indirectly require it or strongly recommend it, particularly where accessibility, medical needs (e.g. Colostomy Bag Shelf), or family use are concerned. Depending on the type of washroom, shelving moves from being […]
Buy Cheap, Buy Twice: Why Cutting Corners on Washroom Systems Costs More in the Long Run
When it comes to managing budgets, every business faces tough decisions. Facilities managers, architects, and contractors often look for ways to reduce costs without compromising quality. But when it comes to washroom systems, choosing the cheapest option is rarely the smartest move. In fact, it can lead to higher costs, more headaches, and even reputational […]
Haunted by Outdated Washrooms? Why Retailers Shouldn’t Let Frightful Facilities Scare Customers Away
In retail, first impressions count, and not just on the shop floor. This Halloween, while your stores might be filled with pumpkins, cobwebs, and ghosts by design, the last place your customers want a scare is in the washroom. At Dunhams, we’ve seen our fair share of ‘horror stories’ lurking behind retail doors. Broken cubicle […]
How Lighting and Colour Can Help Children Feel at Ease in Washrooms
When we think about toilet facilities and washrooms in nurseries or early years settings, our minds often jump straight to hygiene, durability, and safety. And while those are all absolutely vital, there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: how lighting and colour make children feel. For little ones, the toilet isn’t just […]
How to Reduce Breakdowns and Vandalism in Your Washrooms
Creating a washroom that is both durable and vandal-resistant requires thoughtful design, materials, and maintenance. Here’s how we approach this challenge: 1. Design for Visibility and Supervision Open-plan layouts Position communal hand-wash areas facing external corridors which enhances visibility, making it harder for vandalism to occur undetected. Doorless or semi-enclosed designs for communal areas further discourage […]
How many toilet cubicles do you need?
When planning a washroom refurbishment or new project, it is important to understand the regulations governing the number of toilets and facilities required for any given space. There are regulations in place to cover everything from offices and places of work to schools, educational institutions and leisure facilities. These guidelines cover the minimum number of […]
Do You Know Your SGL from Your LRV?
When it comes to designing a commercial washroom, whether it’s for a high-end office building, a hotel, or a public space, the details matter. From selecting the right materials to ensuring proper compliance with regulations, washroom design involves a complex set of considerations. Added to that are numerous abbreviations and acronyms that can add even […]
IPS Duct Panels vs Tiling: There’s a clear winner
When designing or renovating washrooms, choosing the right materials and construction techniques can significantly impact hygiene, installation speed, and long-term maintenance. IPS (Integrated Plumbing System) ducts are an alternative to traditional wall tiles, offering several benefits in terms of cost, efficiency, and cleanliness. Here’s why IPS ducts are a superior choice. 1. Improved Hygiene & […]
Common Washroom Problems and How to Avoid Them
It is often said that you can judge the quality of a place by its washrooms. Attractive, hygienic washroom systems will make a great impression on your visitors and demonstrate to your staff that you value their wellbeing. Washrooms in commercial establishments generally have a high footfall. This is an important factor when designing a new […]
SGL or HPL: Choosing the Right Material for Your Washroom Project
When specifying materials for washrooms, Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) and High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) are two of the most commonly used options. While both feature the same decorative laminate face, the panel composition differs significantly, affecting durability, water resistance, and suitability for different environments. What is HPL? At Dunhams Washrooms, our HPL specification consists of a […]
Choosing the Right Washroom Colours for Your Business: Creating a Positive First Impression
When designing a commercial space, it’s easy to overlook the importance of washrooms, but they are often one of the first places visitors and employees experience. A well-designed washroom reflects the professionalism and overall aesthetic of your business. Among the many factors to consider, the choice of colour plays a significant role in shaping the […]
Understanding Approved Document M
Approved Document M is a vital part of the UK Building Regulations, focusing on access to and use of buildings for all individuals, including those with disabilities. One of the key aspects addressed in Approved Document M is the provision of accessible toilet facilities, which play a crucial role in ensuring that public and commercial […]
Understanding Approved Document T
Introduced on 1 October 2024, Approved Document T serves as an addition to the existing building regulations in England. It provides technical guidance for the design and provision of toilet facilities in non-residential buildings, ensuring they cater to diverse user needs with a focus on accessibility, privacy, and dignity. Approved Document T responds to a […]
Understanding LRV and Its Importance in Designing Commercial Washrooms
When it comes to designing commercial washrooms, functionality and aesthetics often take centre stage. However, one factor that’s sometimes overlooked is Light Reflectance Value (LRV). Understanding LRV and its role in design can significantly impact the usability, safety, and accessibility of commercial washroom spaces. What Is LRV? LRV, is a measure of the amount of […]
Thinking About Upgrading Your Washrooms? Let’s Talk Through the Common Concerns
At Dunhams, we understand that upgrading your washroom facilities is a significant decision. Whether you’re managing a school, a retail chain, a distribution centre or a corporate office, you’re likely to be balancing tight budgets, operational pressures, and high expectations. Washrooms might not always be top of the list, but they play a vital role […]
Biophilic Design in School Washrooms
In today’s evolving educational environments, well-being is no longer confined to the classroom. From collaborative spaces to outdoor learning areas, schools are reimagining how every part of the environment supports student health and development. One often-overlooked area for innovation is the school washroom, and at Dunhams, we believe biophilic design can transform it into a […]
EYFS 2025 Update: Balancing Privacy and Safeguarding in Early Years Toileting
From September 2025, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework will introduce important updates focusing on nappy changing and toileting in early years settings. These changes emphasise a balanced approach to safeguarding, child privacy, and hygiene standards. At Dunhams, we specialise in creating safe, hygienic and child-friendly washroom environments that meet the highest standards of […]
Best Vanity Units for Commercial Washrooms
A vanity unit is just a vanity unit, right? Not quite. While it might seem like a simple washroom fixture, not all vanity units are created equal. Solid surface vanity units are a top choice for commercial washrooms due to their durability, hygiene, and seamless design. But what exactly does ‘solid surface’ mean? It refers […]
Ensuring Brand Consistency in Multi-Site Washroom Designs
We’ve all been told brand consistency is key. You’ve put time, energy, and money into making sure every part of your business reflects who you are. From your website and signage to brochures and uniforms. But there’s one spot that often gets left behind, and it’s one that almost every customer will visit: the washroom. […]
Navigating Approved Document T: Modern Washroom Design and Compliance Made Simple
Approved Document T (Part T), effective from 1 October 2024, is a cornerstone of the UK Building Regulations, reshaping the standards for toilet facilities in non-domestic buildings in England. This statutory guidance underpins Requirement T1 of Schedule 1 in the Building Regulations 2010, emphasising the provision of safe, private, and accessible toilet accommodations. There is […]
Can Your Washrooms Affect Your Brand?
When customers walk into your business, they notice the big things. But sometimes, it’s the small things that leave the biggest impression. Like your washrooms. Step into a retail space, office or any workplace, and you take in the atmosphere. The decor, the staff, the overall feeling of the place. But head to the toilet, […]
Designing Toilet Facilities for Nurseries: Balancing Privacy, Safety, and Hygiene
Creating a safe, comfortable, and functional toilet environment for young children is a top priority for nursery schools. With the latest changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, there is now an even greater emphasis on ensuring children’s privacy, safeguarding, and the maintenance of hygienic, appropriately supervised nappy changing and toileting areas. Balancing […]
What is Solid Surface?
When it comes to choosing the right vanity tops for washrooms, solid surface materials are an increasingly popular choice. Solid surface vanity tops are used for their durability, aesthetics, and functionality. But what exactly are solid surface vanity tops, and why are they a preferred option? Understanding Solid Surface Vanity Tops Solid surface vanity tops […]
Choosing Colours For Your Washroom Project
When planning a new washroom project or refurbishment, choosing the right colour scheme should be a key consideration in your design process. Carefully chosen colours can create an inviting atmosphere and compliment the feel of your four walls. Most commercial buildings provide functional washrooms. The colours used tend to be stark or dark, creating clinical […]
4 Signs Your Washroom Needs Refurbishing
Washroom and toilet facilities can often be overlooked when it comes to allocating budget and resources for building improvements. As washroom manufacturing expertss, we see countless examples of dilapidated toilet facilities that should have been updated years ago. The importance of high-quality washroom facilities cannot be underestimated for your business or workplace, regardless of who […]
Recycled and Sustainable Washrooms at UEA
Every day people talk about going green and the positive impact that decision can have on the planet. It’s not easy to understand how we affect the environment as individuals, but it’s vital to try to recognise the importance of sustainable living. At Dunham’s, we understand the importance of caring for the environment and aim […]
Washroom Colour Trends for 2020 – Blue
2020 brings Classic Blue as the colour – ‘Instilling calm, confidence and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era’ How can this be reflected in the washroom? The timeless and enduring blue hue ‘Marine’ […]
Promoting Anti-Bullying Through School Toilet Design
Bullying remains an important issue within schools, and according to The Annual Bullying Survey 2018, 22% of all young people experienced some form of bullying in the preceding year. Modern washroom design is playing an increasing role in helping schools address bullying and anti-social behaviour in toilet facilities, through innovation in anti-bullying toilet and washroom […]
Top 10 Unusual Washroom Locations
At Dunhams, we’ve designed and supplied thousands of washroom products and we know that not all washrooms are created equal. When it comes to locations, we have worked with architects, contractors and clients to design and manufacture washrooms and toilet cubicles in some rather interesting and sometimes random places. From an oilfield in the […]
Is your Washroom Turning Customers Away?
Gone are the days of functional, merely fit for purpose washrooms. Today, quite the opposite applies. Customers expect much more from their consumer experience and the washroom is an integral aspect of that. In fact, the state of a company’s toilet facilities can play a pivotal role in customer satisfaction. Washrooms with the wow factor […]
The Importance of Washrooms in Building Design
As an architect or designer, your approach to washroom design and placement within buildings should be two-fold. First of all, serious consideration must be given to washroom specification to ensure it aligns with the latest date design standards and requirements. Designers should also ensure the design of the washroom environment is comfortable and welcoming for […]