Grab bars are some of the most important elements of a bathroom design when it comes to maximizing the safety of a bathroom. Safety is such a crucial part of a bathroom environment. There are several ways grab bars can be effectively implemented in order to correctly set up a comfortable environment. This guide will go over everything you need to know about the importance of a properly installed and perfectly placed grab bar in order to make your bathroom design safe, comfortable and accessible.
Importance of Grab Bars
There are several key reasons why a grab bar may be important to a bathroom design. Especially when it comes to safety. Grab bars mainly help with access to certain areas or fixtures. They also aid with overall stability and mobility. For some, this is an incredibly important consideration. Grab bars are most helpful for bathrooms that will be used by individuals with any type of disability that may need help moving around.
Grab bars are required for commercial bathroom stalls dedicated to handicapped individuals. This is in order to properly and comfortably accommodate said individuals. Aside from commercial bathrooms, residential bathrooms utilize grab bars just as effectively. For example, grab bars will boost the accessibility of a bathroom design. No matter what type of bathroom you plan on designing, grab bars should absolutely be considered to increase the overall safety of your bathroom.
Different Types of Grab Bars
Grab bars come in various different designs that can be used to fit in various situations. For example, there are several different shapes and sizes of grab bars. Especially those that are specifically designed for certain areas or locations. Below are the main types of grab bars that you can find and implement into your bathroom design.
Straight Grab Bars
Straight grab bars are definitely the most common types of grab bars. This is simply because the straight and sturdy design can be implemented in essentially any area of your bathroom. For example, the most common place for a straight grab bar will be on any flat wall or surface. In addition, they can be installed essentially anywhere in your bathroom. If you are working in a corner, consider putting on a straight grab bar on each wall of the corner. This same line of thinking can be applied to any other situation in which you may need a grab bar as well. They are extremely versatile and very useful in terms of safety. Of course, if you are working with a commercial bathroom or any other bathroom that will be accommodating individuals with disabilities, you will need to mount your straight grab bar in accordance with ADA compliant regulations.
Corner Grab Bars
If you are working specifically with a corner of your bathroom, a corner grab bar is exactly what you should be looking to implement. They designed for installation in a corner. However, they are generally more affordable than buying two or more straight, single grab bars and using them instead. Corner grab bars wrap around a corner in order to properly accommodate anybody who may need to use it. They are perfect for single corners. However, they are extremely effective if you need grab bars in multiple corners of your design.
A perfect example of this is a shower area. Especially a walk-in or roll-in shower. Consider the installation of a corner grab bar in two corners of your shower or bathtub area in accordance with ADA compliant regulations. This is one of the best ways to maximize comfort and accessibility in areas of your bathroom.
Shower Grab Bars (L-Shaped)
In a shower area, specific types of grab bars may be more effective than others. With that being said, many different types of grab bars will have their place in a shower. Grab bars made specifically for a shower will ultimately be the best option for you. Shower grab bars will typically be in the shape of an “L”. This gives an individual access to both a vertical bar and a horizontal bar.
This is an incredibly useful feature to have. It combines two sturdy grip positions for maximized grip and comfort, as well as high levels of accessibility into the shower. Much like corner grab bars, it will be a more reasonable idea to implement a shower bar rather than two separate straight grab bars. Both of these options are definitely viable. A shower specific grab bar will likely be more affordable and easier to install.
Hinged Grab Bars
Hinged grab bars can add a great level of safety into your bathroom. They are also high quality design elements. A hinged grab bar will not only increase safety in your bathroom design greatly. However, they are also great for saving space. Hinged grab bars will be hinged to open horizontally or vertically in order to provide your bathroom space with a sturdy and convenient grab bar. It is recommended that this type of grab bar is used in a toilet area or similar location. Because of ADA compliant regulation, you may want to implement straight fixed grab bars in certain areas like bathtubs to maximize safety. However, hinged grab bars have their place in your preferred areas.
Grab Bar Features
A grab bar can have multiple features. All of which make them worth incorporating them into any bathroom design. These additional features not only add to the safety of the grab bar itself, but they can also add additional levels of functionality and design to the area. The additional features a grab bar can offer should absolutely be considered. They will almost always prove to be worth it in the long run. Below are some of the most common and effective features that are available on grab bars.
Baskets
The incorporation of a basket on a grab bar is one of the most convenient elements of design you can possibly have on a grab bar. Although this will be commonly used in a shower grab bars, a grab bar with a basket can be used in essentially any location of your bathroom. For example, a grab bar with a basket works incredibly well next to a toilet, in a bathtub area or simply anywhere you think you need it. This way you get the dual function of a safe grab bar with a convenient storage solution for some of your smaller bathroom items or toiletries. In a shower area, consider storing your soap or shampoo in a basket on your grab bar in order to eliminate the need to purchase any additional shower baskets. Of course, additional shower baskets will always be helpful, so do not write them off.
Non-Skid Coating
A non-skid coating is a very effective feature that some grab bars utilize in order to make the bathroom accessory as safe as possible. This coating can be found on essentially any type of grab bars, although it is not found on every single one. The non-skid coating will help with grip on the bar, allowing for safe and secure movement in and out of whatever area you choose to incorporate your grab bar. This should definitely be something to consider when looking for a new grab bar, especially if you do not want a grab bar with a black hand grip. That being said, grab bars with black hand grips can also utilize a non-skid coating, so that is also something that you should consider.
Hand Grips
Many grab bars will have some type of grip to maximize safety in your bathroom design. There are some grab bars that will feature black hand grips for a clear and accessible location for you to place your hand. This is a great feature to have, no matter what type of grab bar you are looking for, due to the effective functionality and increased level of safety it brings into the area. Black hand grips are used on any type of grab bar, whether it is a shower grab bar or a simple straight grab bar. As mentioned previously, they can also utilize a non-skid coating, further increasing the overall safety and stability of the bathroom accessory.
Hinge
If you are working with a smaller bathroom, or you simply want to save a little space in your design, a hinged grab bar will definitely be something you will want to consider. A hinged grab bar is an incredibly efficient and effective way to implement a grab bar into your design. These grab bars will typically be mounted on a wall or surface that has space to accommodate the bar when it is hinged either horizontally or vertically. This makes them great for any small spaces, which is great for any small bathrooms such as guest bathrooms.
Different Angles and Shapes
When thinking of a grab bar, many people think of just a straight grab bar mounted either horizontally or vertically on the wall. However, grab bars can be uniquely shaped and designed to fit in a variety of different situations. For example, previously mentioned shapes include the “L” shaped grab bars that are used in corners or showers. Additional shapes and angles can also be used as well. There are grab bars angled at 45 degrees that will work in a shower or bathtub area. This gives you a unique and effective grip style that works in many different areas. There are also round grab bars and rectangular grab bars. This will ultimately come down to personal preference and how your hands feel on the bar.
Installing a Grab Bar
A grab bar is installed using one of two main installation methods. The first, and most traditional way to install a grab bar, is through a hardware installation. This is a very secure and safe installation method for a grab bar. There are several things to take into consideration before installing the grab bar however. For example, make sure your grab bar is mounted on a solid surface. In addition, make sure the screws are being installed on a solid surface as well.
This can be a little difficult depending on the area in which you need to install it. The other installation type will be a self-adhesive installation. This installation process is quick and easy, making it very appealing. You do need to make sure that your self-adhesive grab bar can hold 250 pounds, in accordance with ADA compliance regulations. Both of these installation methods are viable, so choose the method you are most comfortable with.
Common Grab Bar Finishes
Grab bars are very similar to other types of bathroom accessories in terms of the most common finishes they use. For example, one of the most common finishes you will find in a grab bar is chrome. This can be either your standard chrome or polished chrome, both of which are very common. Another elegant finish is the matte finish. Grab bars will generally be available in matte white and matte black. Other finishes are used as well, mainly in the form of metallic finishes. Metallic finishes are generally easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for any area of your bathroom.
ADA Compliance Regulations
Mounting an ADA Compliant Grab Bar
ADA compliant grab bars need to be mounted using specific guidelines and regulations. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires grab bars to be mounted using specific measurements in order to properly accommodate individuals who will be using them. With that being said, ADA compliant grab bar mounting specifications will vary depending on where they will be mounted. Below is a list of the main mounting locations for ADA compliant grab bars and the exact specifications for each area.
ADA Compliant Grab Bars - Toilet Area
In a toilet area, ADA compliant grab bars will be quite common, especially in commercial bathroom designs. Because this is one of the most important places for a grab bar, ADA compliance regulations must be followed. The side wall grab bar should be 42” long at a minimum. It should also be a maximum of 12” away from the rear wall. In addition, the grab bar should also be extending 54” minimum from the rear wall. The rear wall grab bar should be at least 36” long and extend at least 12” on one side, and 24” on the other side from the centerline of the toilet. Grab bars should be installed at a height between 33” and 36”.
ADA Compliant Grab Bars - Transfer Shower
A transfer shower is a shower setup that has a permanent seat that is easy to access by transferring yourself or another from a wheelchair, into the shower. A transfer shower’s dimensions should be 36” by 36”. A grab bar should be installed on the length of the control wall. Another grab bar should be installed on the back wall, half the length of the back wall. Grab bars should be mounted at a height between 33” and 36”.
ADA Compliant Grab Bars - Roll-In Shower
A roll-in shower should be 30” wide and 60” long. A grab bar must be installed on the back wall with 6” of space on either side. A grab bar should also be installed on either side wall, with 6” of space on either side. Grab bars can be installed on both side walls in order to maximize safety and efficiency if you choose to go that route. Do not install a grab bar above the seat if your roll-in shower does include one. Grab bars need to be mounted at a height between 33” and 36”.
ADA Compliant Grab Bars - Bathtubs With Permanent Seats
Two grab bars must be installed on the back wall of the bathtub area. These grab bars will be parallel to each other. The top grab bar should be 33” to 36”, and the bottom grab bar should be underneath it, being 8” to 10” from the rim of the bathtub. These grab bars must be installed at least 12” from the back and control walls. A minimum 24” grab bar should be installed on the control wall.
ADA Compliant Grab Bars - Bathtubs Without Permanent Seats
On the back wall, two grab bars must be installed exactly how they would be installed in a bathtub with a permanent seat. Each grab bar must be a minimum of 24” long and should be installed at least 24” away from the head wall of the area and 12” from the control end wall. A 24” grab bar should be installed on the control end wall. A 12” minimum grab bar must be installed on the head end wall.