Commercial bathroom renovations for hospitality venues

While it might seem as though all bathrooms are equal, there is no doubt that bathrooms in commercial facilities, such as in hospitality or retail, have greater demands on their fixtures and fittings than those in residential settings.

Having clean, well-maintained and efficient restrooms can add an important layer of comfort to a restaurant, store or entertainment business. Additionally, quality fixtures last longer, resist wear and tear and provide a more hygienic experience for customers.

Common challenges

With daily (and occasionally hourly) cleaning schedules, commercial bathrooms need to be tougher and more resilient to harsh chemicals and heavy use.

“Commercial bathrooms need to work harder than residential ones because they’re used by more people, more often,” explains Simon Croft, Chief Executive Industry and Policy at the HIA.

“That means the design has to focus on durability, accessibility and safety, not just looks.”

“In Australia, they also need to meet the National Construction Code, which covers things such as ventilation, waterproofing, accessibility, and how many toilets or basins are required based on how many people use the building.”

“From a practical point of view, you also need to think about slip-resistant floors, easy cleaning access, good drainage, and layouts that allow enough space for accessibility or ambulant facilities.”

Commercial‑grade fixtures for commercial spaces

Commercial-grade fixtures and fittings are more expensive than those used for residential purposes – but there’s a good reason for that. Materials in commercial bathrooms need to be tougher because of the frequency of use.

“Commercial bathrooms often utilise purpose-designed fittings and fixtures for commercial applications,” says Croft.

“Materials need to be easy to clean, resistant to moisture, and able to handle frequent use.”

“This can include accessibility features such as grab rails and even specific colours of fixtures and signage to support visually impaired individuals.

“Tapware, toilets, partitions and hardware can be purpose-designed for commercial bathroom applications.”

Touchless and hygiene‑focused technology

Technology has come a long way in bathrooms, especially in commercial applications and hygiene is a big driver in the design of these types of facilities. Touch-free fixtures are popular and a great way of prolonging the life of the space.

“Many commercial bathrooms use touch-free tapware, soap dispensers and flush systems where possible, as these help reduce the spread of germs and make cleaning easier,” says Croft.

“Good ventilation is essential to reduce mould and odours, and proper drainage prevents water pooling on floors.”

Surfaces and finishes

When looking at wall and floor materials, choose durable, low‑maintenance options. There are lots of choices that support both hygiene and style, such as large-format tiles, slip‑resistant flooring, and stainless steel finishes.

“Floors should be slip-resistant, particularly in wet areas, and materials should be able to withstand frequent cleaning without deteriorating,” says Croft. “Tiles, sealed concrete, compact laminate panels and stainless steel finishes are commonly used because they hold up well in high-traffic spaces.”

Beaumont Tiles has a wide variety of tiles available suitable for commercial application – and PowerPass members now get access to exclusive benefits at select Beaumont Tiles locations. Check out the options available today.

Lighting and atmosphere

Most commercial bathroom facilities look to moodier lighting for atmosphere, but some task lighting should be included, especially near the hand basins. Low-cost LED strip lighting is popular, especially under basins, while sensors and touchless switches can help keep both costs down and provide better hygiene.

It can be helpful to have two layers of lighting – one brighter option for cleaning and daytime use and one softer, moodier option for nights. Retail facilities will need bright lighting, as will accessible bathrooms and baby changing facilities. Again, these can be sensor-controlled to save on energy costs.

Accessibility and compliance

An important differentiation of commercial bathrooms is the requirement for accessibility. This is often dictated by local councils, as well as the Australian Standard. Most commercial spaces will need to include accessible bathrooms, as well as baby changing facilities.

Australian Standard 1428.1:2021 (Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access) is the mandatory Australian Standard for new building work, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities. It dictates design requirements for continuous paths of travel, ramps, walkways, handrails, doors, and sanitary facilities.

Installing compliant facilities should be done by a professional.

“Because commercial bathrooms are regulated spaces, the work usually needs to be done by licensed trades and often overseen by a registered builder,” says Croft.

“For example, plumbing must be completed by a licensed plumber, waterproofing needs to meet Australian standards, and electrical work must be done by a qualified electrician.

“Commercial bathrooms aren’t a DIY job – compliance and certification are essential.”

And Bunnings is equipped to support upgrades – whether it’s a partial or full renovation – with a wide range of fit-for-purpose products that meet the appropriate standards.

Practical renovation tips for commercial bathrooms

Another challenge of renovating a commercial bathroom is that it may need to be done in odd hours, to minimise disruption to the business.

Many businesses schedule work during off-peak periods such as during winter in holiday areas, or over Christmas in CBD locations. Some also do the bulk of the work on a weekend, or on Monday to Wednesday for restaurants or night clubs.

Work can also be staged, by tackling the areas in small chunks, such as renovating the shower area first, before the toilet stalls, and adding in an accessible bathroom before renovating the old one. Temporary facilities can also be arranged while the work is being done.

The ROI of a well-planned upgrade

Clean, well-maintained bathrooms speak to how a commercial business runs, especially in hospitality venues. Customers often rate the cleanliness of a bar, restaurant or café on how the bathrooms present, believing that a dirty or badly maintained bathroom reflects a slap-dash approach to cleanliness by management.

A well-planned restroom upgrades should also reduce maintenance costs, save water and electricity.

Want to learn more?

Connect with your trade team at your local Bunnings or email the Organisations team for tailored advice and solutions.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most durable surfaces for commercial bathrooms?

Materials like compact laminate panels, sealed concrete, stainless steel and large‑format tiles are ideal because they withstand heavy traffic, frequent cleaning and moisture exposure.

How can I improve hygiene in a commercial bathroom?

Touch‑free tapware, soap dispensers and flush systems help reduce germ spread, while good ventilation, slip‑resistant flooring and proper drainage support ongoing cleanliness.

Do commercial bathrooms need to meet Australian standards?

Yes. Commercial facilities must comply with the National Construction Code and Australian Standard 1428.1 for accessibility, covering layout, signage, handrails and sanitary requirements.

When is the best time to renovate a commercial bathroom?

Many venues schedule renovations during off‑peak periods – such as winter, early weekdays or outside trading hours – to minimise disruption to customers and staff.

Should commercial bathroom upgrades be D.I.Y. or completed by a professional?

Licensed trades are required for plumbing, waterproofing and electrical work to ensure compliance and certification, making professional installation essential.