Restrooms are typically an afterthought when planning an event, but they can be a critical factor for guest experience and event hygiene. There are two main options, restroom trailers and porta potties. Each option has variations however there are broad advantages and disadvantages of each when it comes to guest comfort, cleanliness, aesthetics, and cost. Most rental companies offer both, and a good porta potty rental company should be able to guide you to the best fit for your event and budget.
Table of Contents
Comfort
Porta potties are small single-person plastic units with a non-flushing toilet. They have a reputation for being dirty, smelly, and uncomfortably hot or cold depending on the season. The functional units are widely known but not widely loved. They get the job done but don’t offer the most pleasant experience to guests.
Restroom trailers are large portable bathroom facilities that contain anywhere from 2 to 12 stalls. They offer flushing toilets, running water, and a more premium experience than porta potties. Many restroom trailers have AC, heat, and music. Separate sides for men and women are common. Quality can vary depending on age and unit type, but the experience is often comparable to a typical indoor bathroom in a restaurant or hotel. Guests almost unequivocally prefer to use a restroom trailer than a porta-potty.
Some restroom trailers are more utilitarian with fewer frills and an experience that is only marginally better than a porta potty, but the rental price should reflect these differences. It is important to evaluate pictures of the unit you are planning to rent to determine if the price and quality are appropriate.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a critical difference between restroom trailers and porta potties. The flushing toilets and sinks of restroom trailers leave guests feeling more clean and refreshed after use, and smells are kept to a minimum. Porta potties on the other hand often leave guests feeling gross and uncomfortable, especially if the units are overused or not well-maintained. The smells of porta potties can be unbearable, especially in the heat of summer when the event industry peaks. Hand wash stations can help improve the experience but the foot-pump sinks are notorious for running out of water at events and being difficult to use.
Restroom trailers have increased in popularity in the wake of COVID-19 as consumers are more mindful of cleanliness habits. The idea of simply using hand sanitizer after using a porta potty has become less appealing and event planners do not want to disappoint or upset health-conscious customers.
Aesthetics
Restroom trailers have a sleek, modern design and usually come with white fiberglass exteriors. Some even have creative wraps or premium materials like real wood siding on the exterior. The restroom trailers offer a more inviting appearance and do not look out of place at more luxurious events like corporate events or within a VIP area. Many are equipped with elegant fixtures, lighting, and even decorative features like wallpaper or art. People have started to expect restroom trailers at events with suits and dresses or higher ticket prices.
Porta potties have plain plastic exteriors in bright colors, almost always pasted with the logo of the rental company. Dirt, mud, or minor damage are not unusual to see on porta potties. Porta potties are synonymous with jarring blue or green colors and they would look extremely out of place at a high-end gala or any other expensive event. Their appearance is not detrimental to the event vibe at an outdoor concert or fair, but it certainly does not improve the visual experience for guests. Privacy fencing and sequestered areas are good strategies for minimizing this disadvantage of porta potties. Most porta potty areas are kept in the corners or fringes of an event, to be seen only when necessary.
Cost
Restroom trailers offer a more premium experience than porta potties, but that luxury comes at a significantly higher price point. Prices for both restroom types vary wildly based on location, time of year, number of units, and event duration but expect to pay more for restroom trailers in all cases. A typical weekend rental for a 2-stall restroom trailer ranges from $800-$2000. Premium units with air conditioning, music, and luxury finishes such as porcelain sinks and hardwood floors will be at the higher end of the scale while bare-bones functional units will be at the lower end.
Porta potties have much less variation in unit quality and prices range from $175-$300 for a weekend rental. Most porta potties do not come with hand-wash sinks or hand sanitizer so those will often have to be rented separately for $200-350. Effectively, an event planner will pay $550-950 for two porta potties and a hand-wash station to handle the same event crowds as a 2-stall restroom trailer.
Choosing the Right Option For Your Event
Cost is typically a critical factor in the decision between restroom trailers and porta potties, and porta potties are the clear winner. Porta potties present clear disadvantages in terms of comfort, cleanliness, and aesthetics that should not be overlooked when making the decision. The bathroom situation at your event can leave a lasting impression on attendees, good or bad. Event planners should avoid spending on a premium venue and decorations while attempting to save money on bathrooms by choosing porta potties. Guests may be disappointed to see porta potties at a wedding, but restroom trailers may be an unnecessary expense at a local farmer’s market or concert. It is important to be cognizant of the event type and crowd expectations for your event.
Many rental companies offer both porta potties and restroom trailers. A good provider should ask questions about your event and guide you to the best option for your budget and event type. Thoroughly evaluate the pros and cons for your venue and guests, and do not overlook the value of premium restroom options.
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