If you’ve tackled a university bathroom renovation before, you know how quickly traditional materials like tile, metal and laminate start showing wear. Cracked grout. Chipped tiles. Dented stall doors. Grout that never truly looks clean.
These common headaches not only demand constant upkeep but also pull your resources and budget away from other projects. Given the high-traffic nature of campus facilities, every component—showers, toilet stalls, vanity surfaces and partitions—must deliver uncompromising durability, hygienic performance and aesthetic appeal for years to come.
That’s why more universities are choosing Meridian Solid Surface®, manufactured by Tower Industries, as the smart alternative for their bathroom partitions, showers and vanities.
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Campus Facility Materials
Tile, laminate and metal might seem like cost-effective choices up front, but in university settings, they tend to wear out their welcome quickly.
- Tile: Grout lines become a breeding ground for mold and mildew in humid environments, requiring constant scrubbing and re-caulking. Tiles chip and crack under heavy use or improper cleaning methods. And once moisture gets behind the wall, you’re looking at costly repairs and potential downtime.
- Laminate: A common material used for bathroom partitions and countertops, laminate edges peel, surfaces scratch and seams begin to swell from moisture exposure.
- Metal: Stalls and partitions made of metal might seem tough, but dents, rust and corrosion tell a different story. Cleaning chemicals and graffiti removal efforts often damage the finish, leading to a worn-out appearance that doesn’t reflect the quality of your campus environment.
With student expectations rising and facility teams stretched thin, these constant repairs aren’t just frustrating, they’re expensive.
What Makes Meridian Solid Surface® Different?
Meridian Solid Surface® is an engineered material manufactured from a blend of natural minerals and acrylic resin, resulting in a nonporous, seamless and highly durable surface. Unlike traditional campus facility materials, solid surface is resistant to mold, mildew and water damage.
Meridian Solid Surface® is designed specifically with institutional settings in mind, making it ideal for university bathroom renovations, residence hall showers and other high-traffic campus spaces.
It’s also highly customizable, available in a wide range of colors and finishes to match your facility’s design aesthetic.
The Long-Term Benefits of Meridian Solid Surface® for Campus Facilities
1. Low Maintenance
Because solid surface is completely nonporous, it doesn’t absorb moisture. That means no sealing, no grout lines to scrub, no hidden water damage and no specialty cleaners. A quick wipe-down with standard cleaning products is all that’s needed to keep Meridian Solid Surface® looking like new.
For facility managers, that translates to lower labor costs, fewer repair tickets and more time to focus on other upgrades around campus.
2. Hygienic by Design
In residence halls and shared restrooms, hygiene is non-negotiable. Meridian Solid Surface® is naturally resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew. With seamless construction there are no joints or crevices where germs can hide.
This is especially important in today’s health-conscious environment, where universities are expected to uphold high sanitation standards year-round.
3. Durability That Withstands Student Life
Let’s face it—college students aren’t always gentle on their surroundings, so your restroom surfaces need to be built tough.
Meridian Solid Surface® won’t chip, crack or dent. And if damage does occur, it can often be buffed away. That’s a huge plus for minimizing disruption and staying within budget.
4. Design Flexibility and Modern Aesthetics
Today’s campuses are increasingly investing in welcoming, thoughtfully designed facilities that enhance the student experience and reflect institutional pride.
Meridian Solid Surface® is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, from classic neutrals to modern stone-like patterns. Whether you’re renovating historic buildings or building new residence halls, solid surface brings a sleek, contemporary feel that elevates any space.
It also allows for custom sizing, seamless integration and creative layouts, giving architects and designers the freedom to bring their vision to life without compromise.
5. Enhanced Privacy Options
Privacy in campus restrooms is vital. Meridian Solid Surface® offers full-height solid surface shower stalls and toilet partitions with clean lines and durable construction. Unlike metal or laminate dividers that leave large gaps or awkward sightlines, solid surface panels offer more privacy with a modern look that today’s students appreciate.
6. Accessibility and ADA Compliance Built In
Meridian Solid Surface® makes it easier to meet ADA requirements without sacrificing aesthetics or durability. Shower stalls, vanities and toilet partitions can be fabricated to exact specifications that support wheelchair access, transfer supports and other ADA design criteria.
With seamless construction and customizable sizing, you can confidently build inclusive facilities that meet legal standards and offer a comfortable experience for all students and visitors.
A Smarter Investment, Backed by Proven Support
Tower Industries has decades of experience working with universities across the country, and our team understands the demands of institutional environments.
Whether you're tackling a full campus-wide restroom renovation or a single residence hall upgrade, we can help guide your selection, customization and installation process with confidence.
Request a sample of Meridian Solid Surface® for your next campus project and see the difference for yourself.
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