Designer Trimscape ADAscape Grab Bars
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Templeton 12” Grab Bar, Polished Chrome
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Templeton 12” Grab Bar, Polished Brass
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Templeton 12” Grab Bar, Satin Nickel
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Metropolitan 24” Grab Bar, Oil Rubbed Bronze
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Metropolitian 24” Grab Bar, Polished Brass
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Metropolitan 24” Grab Bar, Polished Chrome
According to the CDC, every second of every day in the United States an older adult falls, making falls the number one cause of injuries and deaths from injury among elder Americans.
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In 2014 alone, older Americans experienced 29 million falls causing seven million injuries and costing an estimated $31 billion in annual Medicare costs in accordance to a new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Having adequate safety equipment in the bathroom could potentially be a life or death situation. Although just because you need a functional piece of hardware for your bathroom, it does not mean that it has to look completely utilitarian, not that there is anything wrong with utilitarian if that’s the look you’re trying to achieve.
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Selecting a grab bar should be a well planned process as it involves the safety and well-being of those who will be using it. With this walk-through on grab bars, it will hopefully
make the selection of an ideal grab bar a very simple process. Location and Size Normally it would have been said that the first factor should be the size, but to know the size you should first plan the location, since that is what determines the size. The appropriate location for a grab bar is that spot where it will be of the best use for the intended user, getting up from the toilet, getting in or out of the tub, inside the tub, etc. Once you have selected the general area, you should find the location of the wood studs in the wall. Since these grab bars will be supporting weight, it is imperative that you secure them well and the best way is to secure them is with the wood studs. Generally wood studs are placed at 16” on center from each other, and there are 16”, 32” and 48” grab bars available in the market. Also, keep in mind that you can also place the grab bars at an angle, which would allow you to install a longer grab bar within the same space . You may also install them
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Camelon 24” Beaded Grab Bar, Polished Brass
vertically, as such depending on the location this may allow the user to have equal access while getting up from the toilet or getting out of the tub. Don’t let the lack or placement of the wood studs deter you from installing the necessary safety equipment in your bathroom. There are many anchors in the market designed to offer the structural support needed to properly secure a grab bar, one in particular that comes to mind is the Wingit brand of anchors. In any case, it is recommended that you consult a qualified professional to assist you with the installation. Diameter Grab bars can be found in diameters from 1”, 1-1/4” and 1-1/2”. The most
Manhattan 24” Contemporary Grab Bar, Polished Chrome
common is the 1-1/4” diameter as it gives you plenty of grip area. In this case the decision depends largely on how it feels to the intended user. A diameter of 1” is generally not recommended as it puts excessive strain on the users’ hands, in addition the 1” diameter does not meet ADA guidelines. Concealed or exposed mounting This is one of the differences between decorative and commercial grade grab bars. Generally all decorative grab bars are designed with a decorative flange that covers the mounting screws, while commercial grade grab bars give you the option of concealed or exposed mounting. Material
Decorative grab bars are usually fabricated from brass, as it is easier to electroplate. The commercial types are generally stainless steel, as this material is typically more resistant to tarnishing and does well in high humidity settings. Since different finishes have different characteristics, its longevity depends on the finish that was applied, Polished Chrome and PVD Polished Brass being the most hardy . Colors and Textures The commercial grade stainless steel grab bars are available in satin and polished finish with textured or smooth surface, satin and smooth being the most popular. On the other hand the decorative grab bars are available in many finishes to match your baths décor.