One of the first things you might notice upon entering a restroom is that the stall doors stop short of the ground.

While this might seem like a peculiar design choice, it actually serves several important purposes.

TikTok creator @mattypstories, known for sharing lesser-known facts, has gone viral after explaining why it’s common to see restroom doors that don’t reach the floor.

His video starts with, “You’ve probably wondered at some point why bathroom doors don’t extend all the way to the ground. But there are actually many logical reasons for this.”

In addition to Matty’s explanation, WC Portables has highlighted the multiple purposes behind the gap.

Here are seven reasons why restroom doors don’t touch the floor:

1. Safety

Matty explains that one of the primary reasons is safety.

The gap allows for a quick assessment of the situation and provides a point of entry if someone were to fall unconscious or have a medical emergency inside a stall.

It also enables a user to escape the stall if the door lock becomes jammed – although crawling on a public restroom floor isn’t ideal, it’s much better than being trapped in a confined space.

2. Improves ventilation

It might be obvious, but public restrooms can often harbor unpleasant odors and bacteria.

The gap at the bottom of the stall doors improves air circulation, contributing to a fresher environment.

WC Portables explains: “It helps make your toilet experience bearable. Without the gap, the odor lingers in a stall and becomes unbearable for subsequent users.”

3. Enhanced cleanliness

A gap in stall doors can make it a little easier to maintain the cleanliness of a public restroom.

It allows custodial staff to clean the floors more thoroughly and efficiently.

4. Cost-effective

From a construction and maintenance perspective, shorter doors are more cost-effective.

They require less material to produce and are easier to install.

These doors are also less likely to suffer damage since they don’t touch the floor, reducing the frequency and cost of repairs or replacements.

Matty adds: “It’s a lot cheaper to buy a door that has part of it cut off than the full door itself.”

5. Prevents bad toilet habits and behavior

The gap at the bottom of the doors helps deter inappropriate behavior, such as graffiti or vandalism, as it increases visibility.

6. Easier to determine availability

In busy public restrooms, particularly in places like airports, malls, or stadiums, it’s essential to manage efficiency.

The gap allows people waiting in line to see which stalls are occupied without knocking or peeking through gaps.

This visibility helps reduce wait times and frustration for users.

7. Speeds up queue

Finally, individuals are much more likely to ‘wrap up’ their toileting needs if a gap allows people to listen to their business.

“Toilets with doors of this nature could negatively impact people’s privacy,” WC Portables adds.