MDF TOILET PARTITIONS

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Author Message Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 803 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 05:52 pm:    A client wants us to specify "MDF toilet partitions with wood veneer finish and louver doors" for a residential rental project - seems like a high priced product if even available, not to mention the concern with using MDF in a Restroom at an apartment building. I've never specified MDF in a louver configuration, hopefully others on this board can provide some insight or a manufacturer? Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1479 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, May 18, 2012 - 10:08 am:    Well, there's Marlite: http://www.marlite.com/photo-gallery.aspx?Prods=9 And I don't know if any of the higher end wood locker manufacturer's like Hollman or Famous would do toilet partitions, but it might be worth talking to someone about that. There's a place to start with 10 5130, and the manufacturers that offer wood lockers seem to always mention "custom" and "call us with your design". I'm not sure there's much difference in a toilet room partition and an athletic locker in a high school or college environment. Both will be subject to abuse and moisture/water. But I'm sure the experts would be able to discuss this with you. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 805 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Friday, May 18, 2012 - 10:19 am:    yea, I got the same result from old google too, Marlite is a trusted manufacturer, but their product line is too institutional/commercial looking for my client. I managed to get them to agree to incorporate the toilet partition fabrication in Custom Casework section, I tried to get them to approve cladding a HDPE panel, but they are insisting on solid wood. You are right, Hollman or Famous might fabricate the partitions, so I will offer that info as well. Thanks for the info...on to the next battle. Randall A Chapple, AIA, SE, CCS, LEED AP Senior Member Username: rachapple Post Number: 58 Registered: 12-2005 Posted on Friday, May 18, 2012 - 02:29 pm:    The last time that I did this I think that we either specified these as style and rail doors with slatted wood louvers or they we made by a custom woodworker. We did have a little trouble with them warping. Steve Taylor Senior Member Username: steveatwi Post Number: 49 Registered: 07-2008 Posted on Sunday, May 20, 2012 - 10:07 am:    Specify water resistant particle board grade 155-MR50. There are three levels of water resistance for particle board, based on two different tests. MR50 is the highest level. MR50 MDF has to pass both a swell test and an internal bond test. I would specify type 1 (water proof) adhesive for the veneer, and a water resistant finish such as a marine varnish. The louver doors should be solid lumber stile and rail doors with louver panels. I would suggest they be 1 3/8" thick. The doors should also be made with type 1 glue and finished with a marine finish. I think specifying this under casework makes sense, I doubt the toilet partition manufacturers will be interested. John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1393 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2012 - 04:24 pm:    I agree that it's casework. If it's residential rental, I'm assuming these are in some sort of common area. They are not likely to get the kind of heavy use that may be encountered in retail or commercial, so I wouldn't be all that worried about durability. Sometimes looks really is more important. John Regener, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: john_regener Post Number: 555 Registered: 04-2002 Posted on Thursday, May 24, 2012 - 11:13 pm:    I think its "woodwork" and not "casework." There's no "case". I believe "casework" is part of "architectural woodwork" according to Masterformat, just as "wood paneling" is "woodwork." See the AWI - Architectural Woodwork Standards and check out the range of products included. The interpretive key here, I think, is that it is custom-fabricated and made of fine finished wood, rather than a manufactured, purchased "Specialty" product as would be other toilet partitions. Recalling other "upscale" toilet rooms in restaurants and hotels, I expect that the finishes on these toilet compartments would be expected to match other woodwork in the room. So, Division 06 rather than Division 10. Steve Taylor Senior Member Username: steveatwi Post Number: 50 Registered: 07-2008 Posted on Friday, May 25, 2012 - 05:23 pm:    John, Architectural Woodwork Standards is AWS. Woodwork Institute is WI; AWI is that other woodwork trade association. (We do collaborate with them on the AWS. Steve