As homeowners get older and into their senior years, modifications are often necessary to make bathrooms safer to use. One modification most often requested during bathroom remodeling is grab bars. Many homeowners don’t know what size they need or all the places they might need them, but a remodeling company can help you plan.
The size of the grab bar you will need depends on where you need to use them. If you’re looking for a bar to steady yourself getting in and out of the bathtub or shower, you can get away with a standard bar that is 12 to 16 inches long. These bars are usually installed on the shower walls vertically.
Horizontal bars are usually installed during bathroom remodeling on the back wall of the shower or tub and can be 24 to 36 inches long. These bars are useful for pulling yourself up out of the bath. You can place the length of your arm along the bar for leverage and to steady yourself while getting out. In a tub, these bars are angled, and in a shower, only they are straight across.
The best time to install grab bars is during bathroom remodeling, obviously, but if you aren’t ready to commit right away, you can also retrofit them later. Some grab bars are also very versatile and can be used to hang handwashing towels. You can also camouflage grab bars around shampoo shelves or even around valve trim set to make them more discreet. Many families love this style of grab bar because they look trendy but can still assist with kids and others getting in and out of the shower. Grab bars are not just for senior citizens or disabled people. These bars can be very decorative and useful in the shower or tub and can help reduce slips and falls for adults and children.
If you’re interested in bathroom remodeling, call The Bath & Kitchen Gallery at 813-933-8000.
