Most of the time, variety is a good thing, especially when it comes to things for the home. However, this can also bring some issues to the forefront. That makes choosing the best artisan hardware for your home, like a grab bar, pretty tricky. Besides choosing a good style, it’s key to figure out whether the grab bar will be one of your bathroom fixtures or used in some other capacity.
How to Go About Selecting a Grab Bar That Suits a Home Best
As previously mentioned, a good starting point is figuring out where an additional grab bar will be best. Typical locations are within the bathroom: by the shower, by the toilet, or in the shower. However, a good rule of thumb is to figure out where finding support is vital. Usually, this is by the toilet, entering or exiting the shower, or inside the actual shower area.
There are several features of the grab bar that need to be taken into consideration, such as:
- Bar installation
- Diameter
- Grip surface
- Length
Grip Surface and Diameter
There’s typically two diameters of grab bars available: 1 1/2 inches and 1 1/4 inches. If your hands are on the smaller side or you have problems with your joints, it’s easier to grip a grab bar whose diameter is smaller. The standard is typically 1 1/2 inches, typically found in any public space that makes use of grab bars. It would be particularly helpful to get grab bars that have a safety grip for people who have issues with their grip.
Length and Orientation
For the most part, grab bar installation can be diagonal, horizontal, or vertical. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
- Diagonal Installation – Pros include various heights without a particular, limited area being kept in focus. This also allows for a grip that’s poised at a more natural angle. For anyone who needs particular help with standing up from the shower chair or toilet, this is key.
- Horizontal Installation – The pros include a wider coverage area, which offers a wider area of support. Cons can be found in the extra wrist strain it involves. People who have issues with their joints will end up with difficulty instead of any assistance.
- Vertical Installation – Pros include being easily gripped, and it’s helpful when it comes to stabilizing balance in certain areas. The con lies largely in that support becomes limited along the wall, to a particular place.
Space
When the bathroom doesn’t have that much wall space, 2-in-1 options should be considered. When the toilet area isn’t really a space, but that’s where support is needed, a grab bar that doubles as a toilet paper roll holder is recommended. You can also replace a towel rack that’s been previously used for support with a 2-in-1 grab bar.
Conclusion
A grab bar is quite helpful in many parts of the home, but especially so in the bathroom. Choosing the right one for the home can be tough due to the variety available. Factors to consider when doing so include space, length, and orientation, as well as grip surface and diameter.
Looking into getting good-quality bath hardware? Contact Spec Hardware today! We are your destination for the finest collection of decorative and architectural hardware, plumbing fixtures, and fittings for extraordinary homes in Edmonton, AB. Our design experts can help narrow down the selection and work with you to select the right product for your space.