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

Many people wonder why public restroom stalls have doors that stop short of the floor. Even though most of us would prefer more privacy, there are several practical reasons behind this design.

One major reason is safety. Public bathrooms are common places for medical issues, and a fully enclosed stall could hide someone who has collapsed. With a gap at the bottom, others can quickly spot if someone is lying on the floor and needs help.

Coastal Contract Hardware explains this clearly, noting that the opening makes it easier to notice if someone—especially an elderly person—has fallen or is struggling.

These gaps are also useful during emergencies unrelated to health. In situations like fires or building evacuations, a person trapped inside a stall could crawl out from underneath if the door jams. The opening also lets others see whether someone is inside and might need assistance escaping.

Cleaning is another big factor. Restrooms receive heavy use, and janitorial staff need to clean quickly and efficiently. With raised stall doors, they can mop floors without entering every stall, improving sanitation and saving time.

Cost plays a role as well. Smaller doors require less material, which lowers manufacturing and installation expenses—an important consideration for facilities with limited budgets.

So, while the design may reduce privacy, those gaps serve multiple important purposes—from safety to maintenance to affordability.