Off The Record

Do You Know Why Doors In Public Bathrooms Don’t Reach the Floor?

Published on August 9, 2024

Have you ever wondered why the doors to public restrooms don’t reach the floor?

Your click on this article suggests that the answer is in the affirmative.

The problem is, especially in a public restroom, I’m quite content to remain completely hidden.

I don’t need to worry that one broken lock could mean that a stranger finds me with my trousers down, or that I’ll be spotted trying to find a free stall.

I’m sure there are others that share this sentiment, however, most public restroom doors have a large opening at the bottom and occasionally even on the sides.

It turns out that there are several good reasons why whoever is in charge of installing public restrooms chooses to use short doors, even though it might not be the most comfortable place to release yourself.

Emergencies in the stall

Health problems can arise anywhere, including in public restrooms. It is very feasible that hours might go by in a completely concealed restroom before anyone realizes you are in trouble.

If someone had fallen to the ground and required assistance, it would be visible from the outside thanks to the space between the door and the floor.

This reason was backed in a blog post by Coastal Contract Hardware, which explains: “It is not an uncommon scenario for an elderly person to have trouble in an unfamiliar bathroom and end up with an injury.”

“The stall doors enable you to see if someone is on the floor and in need of medical attention.”

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And now you know!🚽#bathroom #facts #themoreyouknow
♬ Paris – Else

Emergencies outside the stall.

I don’t want people staring at me while I urinate, but I also don’t want to be stuck in the stall in the event of a fire or other emergency.

In an emergency, someone could be able to crawl under the door if the lock became jammed, or at the very least, they might signal for assistance.

Cleaning

Additionally, it is considerably simpler to swoop a mop underneath the doors of public restroom stalls due to the space between them, which facilitates easy cleaning.

Furthermore, since public restrooms often see a lot of foot traffic, cleanliness is preferable.

Cost

It should come as no surprise that there is a financial component to the mystique around little bathroom doors, but the explanation is actually rather straightforward: since smaller doors require less material, they are probably less expensive to make than doors that extend to the floor.

Thus, keep in mind that there are valid reasons why the bathroom door doesn’t reach the floor the next time you wish it did!