Maybe You Should Consider Adding A Grab Bar When You Refinish Your Shower?
When it comes to home renovations, particularly bathroom upgrades, accessibility is often overlooked. A beautifully refinished shower is a pleasure to use, but safety should be a priority too. Adding a grab bar during your bathroom renovation might not only make your shower safer but also add a sleek and modern feature that blends effortlessly with your design. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons for adding grab bars, the benefits they offer, and some useful tips for installation in your porcelain bath and shower to enhance accessibility.
Why You Should Consider a Grab Bar in Your Shower Remodel
Many people think of grab bars as something only necessary for the elderly or those with disabilities, but they can actually benefit people of all ages. Slippery surfaces and wet feet can be hazardous for anyone. Grab bars provide an additional safety feature, helping to prevent falls and accidents. Installing a grab bar in your shower is a small addition that can significantly impact your bathroom’s usability, regardless of your age or physical abilities.
Grab Bars: Not Just for Accessibility, but for Safety
Grab bars are not just functional for older adults; they’re a practical safety feature for everyone. Accidents in the bathroom are surprisingly common, and most injuries result from slips in the shower or tub. These falls can cause serious injuries, including sprains, fractures, and head injuries. Grab bars reduce the risk by providing stability when entering and exiting the shower and offer support if you need to steady yourself mid-shower.
Future-Proofing Your Home
Whether or not you currently require the assistance of a grab bar, adding one when refinishing your shower is an excellent way to “future-proof” your home. As you or other members of your household age, this addition will ensure continued accessibility without the need for later costly renovations. In today’s home market, features that make a home accessible can also increase its value. Homebuyers appreciate forethought in accessibility as it saves them from additional upgrades in the future.
Types of Grab Bars for Your Shower
When selecting a grab bar, there are various styles, finishes, and materials to choose from. The right grab bar should blend well with your shower design and be functional and durable. Here are some popular options.
Straight Grab Bars
Straight grab bars are the most common type and come in various lengths. They can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at an angle, depending on your needs. Horizontal bars are helpful for stability when standing up, while vertical bars can provide assistance when stepping into or out of the shower.
Curved or Angled Grab Bars
Curved grab bars offer a more comfortable grip and are often more visually appealing than straight bars. They also allow for easier use in specific areas, such as around corners or near shower benches. These types of grab bars can add a modern touch to your bathroom, enhancing both accessibility and aesthetics.
Decorative Grab Bars
Decorative grab bars combine function with style, offering options that resemble towel bars or design elements in your bathroom. These bars allow you to maintain a seamless design without compromising safety. They’re available in various finishes, such as brushed nickel or polished chrome, to match other fixtures in your bathroom.
Key Considerations When Installing Grab Bars in a Porcelain Bath or Shower
Installing a grab bar in a porcelain bath or shower requires careful planning and attention to detail. Porcelain is a durable material but is also brittle and can crack if not handled correctly during installation. Here are some tips for safe and effective grab bar installation.
Pre-Installation Planning
Before installation, consider where you and other members of the household will most likely need support. Common locations include next to the shower entrance, near the showerhead, or on the wall where a person stands to shower. Thinking through these details ensures that the grab bar is installed in a location that provides maximum benefit.
Choosing the Right Hardware for Porcelain
When it comes to porcelain surfaces, using the right hardware is essential to prevent cracking or breaking. Choose stainless steel screws to prevent rusting, as the bathroom environment is moist. Additionally, use wall anchors specifically designed for bathroom use and rated to support the weight of a grab bar. Stud-mounted installation is generally recommended for stability, but wall anchors can be a reliable alternative in the absence of studs.
Drilling Techniques for Porcelain
Drilling into porcelain requires a diamond-tipped drill bit that can safely penetrate the hard surface without cracking. To begin, mark the areas where the screws will be drilled, then use masking tape over the area to prevent slipping. Start with a low drill speed, applying gentle pressure to avoid cracking the tile. Once the holes are drilled, insert anchors and screw in the grab bar, checking for stability before finalizing the installation.
Design Tips for Integrating Grab Bars
Adding grab bars doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Many modern grab bars are designed with aesthetics in mind, allowing you to match them with your overall bathroom theme. Here are some design tips for integrating grab bars seamlessly.
Match the Finish with Other Fixtures
For a cohesive look, match the grab bar’s finish with other fixtures in your bathroom, such as the faucet, showerhead, and towel racks. Brushed nickel, matte black, and polished chrome are popular finishes that can create a modern, sophisticated look in a bathroom.
Install Multiple Bars for a Balanced Look
Depending on your needs, consider installing multiple grab bars at different heights. This can enhance accessibility and add visual balance to your shower area. For instance, a vertical bar at the shower entrance and a horizontal bar near the wall can create an accessible, balanced design.
Use Grab Bars as Design Accents
Some grab bars come in unique shapes and finishes, such as bamboo-inspired designs or colored finishes, which can serve as accent pieces in your bathroom. Choosing a decorative grab bar can make it feel more like a design choice than a functional necessity, enhancing both the style and functionality of your space.
Benefits of Grab Bars for a Porcelain Bath and Shower
Grab bars offer many advantages beyond safety. They increase comfort and ease of use, particularly in porcelain baths and showers, which can be slippery. Below are some additional benefits.
Enhanced Safety and Stability
A grab bar provides peace of mind for anyone using the shower, reducing the risk of falls and helping to maintain balance. The smooth, often slippery surface of porcelain can make a bathroom more hazardous, but a grab bar adds a stable handhold to improve safety.
Increased Accessibility
For those with mobility limitations, a grab bar is essential for maintaining independence. Adding one when refinishing your shower ensures that the bathroom is accessible for all members of the household, including guests who may need additional support. It’s a small change with a significant impact on usability.
Long-Term Durability
Grab bars are typically made from materials such as stainless steel or aluminum, designed to withstand humid bathroom conditions. When installed correctly, they offer lasting durability and require little to no maintenance, making them a worthwhile addition to any bathroom.
Is a Grab Bar Right for Your Shower Remodel?
Incorporating a grab bar into your shower remodel is a smart, forward-thinking choice. While the initial thought might be to keep your shower design simple, the added functionality and safety of a grab bar bring long-term benefits. Plus, with today’s stylish options, grab bars can be integrated seamlessly into any bathroom design.
A grab bar not only enhances porcelain bath and shower accessibility but also provides a sense of security and ease of use. If you’re already investing in a shower renovation, take the extra step to install a grab bar—this small addition could be the detail that makes your bathroom both safer and more enjoyable for years to come.
Need Bathroom Remodeling Services in Glendale, AZ?
Welcome to A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass Service Co., L.L.C.! Since 1975, we have been providing bathtub and shower refinishing services in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding areas. Working on all bathroom fixtures, our experts will repair your tubs, showers, and sinks. We specialize in repairing cracked fiberglass tubs. We will also refinish tubs, showers, sinks, tiles, and vanities. Our happy customers also know to call us for maintenance including caulking, installation, and replacement of all bathroom fixtures. Call us today for all of your bathroom repair and refinishing needs!