Bathroom grab bars are bars that are installed for the purpose of allowing a person to keep their balance, reduce fatigue when they are standing in the bathroom, hold their body weight, or simply work as something an individual can hold upon in the event of accidental slips or falls in the bathroom. They are highly recommended for homes that have a family member with mobility problems.
Let us have a look at bathroom grab bars in detail-
Types of Bathroom Grab Bars
Variety of bathroom grab bars are available in the market. However, some of the most common types are mentioned below-
• Straight Bars- These are simple wall-fixed bars that run in a single direction. Horizontal, vertical, or even inclined angle are some of the most common positions for their installation. They can be installed near the mirrors, shelves, bathtubs, showers, and toilets are the common areas of its installation.
• Angled Bars- They too are wall-fixed, but have an angled construction. Most of the times their top part is in a vertical position, whereas the lower part is angled and doubles up as a support to provide both horizontal and vertical support to the users. Like standard straight bars, angled bars can also be installed at various places in a bathroom.
• Ceiling to Floor Bars- These are vertical rails that have one of its end installed in the floor and another to the ceiling. They are normally positioned next to bathtubs to work as a support while entering or exiting the tub.
Finish of Bathroom Grab Bars
Apart from the looks, the finish of the grab bars is also important for offering an enhanced grip. You can choose from plastic, epoxy, paint, chrome, ribbed, and slip resistant finishes. Make sure you test the surface before choosing a grab bar to avoid any sort of inconvenience later.
Color of Bathroom Grab Bars
Bathroom grab bars are available in a wide-range of colors to choose from. You can choose the one that matches with the decoration of your bathroom to maintain a themed look. High contrast or bright colors are recommended if you have a family member with low vision.
Installation of Bathroom Grab Bars
Bathroom grab bars are fairly easy to install. You can screw them directly into the wall or can also use special anchors that confirm with the minimum building code standards. These anchors will allow you to directly install the grab bars in tile or sheet rock. Some bathroom grab bars also have mounting plates that allows you to use multiple anchors and screws for a safer installation.