Grab bars are crucial in commercial spaces, providing safety, support, and stability in restrooms, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges. Grab bars must be ADA compliant by meeting certain standards. For example, they must have specific bar widths and distances from walls. However, the material of the grab bars is one aspect you can customize to suit your specific needs and preferences. Read on to learn more about the best materials for your commercial bathroom grab bars.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most common material for grab bars in commercial restrooms, primarily due to its strength and durability. The material’s robustness ensures that the grab bars can withstand substantial force over time, enhancing their longevity. Moreover, stainless steel offers excellent resistance against rust and corrosion, which are vital attributes, considering the damp environment in bathrooms. However, stainless steel is not without its downsides. While it boasts impressive strength and longevity, this material can become quite cold to the touch, which might be uncomfortable for some users.
Copper
Copper presents a unique advantage as a material for grab bars: it has remarkable antibacterial properties. Copper surfaces are incredibly hostile to many common viruses and bacteria, which helps reduce cross-contamination and the spread of illness throughout your building. This inherent characteristic makes copper attractive for hygiene-focused environments like commercial restrooms. Copper grab bars can help minimize the spread of bacteria, contributing to a healthier restroom environment.
Despite these benefits, there are also some drawbacks with copper. Firstly, it’s generally more expensive than other materials, which might make it less suitable for budget-conscious projects. Furthermore, while copper has a beautiful, warm aesthetic, it does require more maintenance to prevent tarnishing and maintain its shine.
Plastic
Plastic is gaining popularity as a material for commercial bathroom grab bars. It’s important to distinguish between standard plastic and the heavy-duty plastics in commercial fixtures. Standard plastic may not provide the necessary strength and durability, whereas heavy-duty plastics, such as reinforced polyethylene, offer superior strength, resistance, and longevity, making them appropriate for commercial applications.
Plastic grab bars come with a range of benefits. They’re typically warmer to the touch than metal alternatives, providing a more comfortable user experience. They’re also available in various colors, allowing for better aesthetic integration into different bathroom designs. However, plastic grab bars may not offer the same high-end look as metal options, and their durability, while impressive, might still fall short compared to materials like stainless steel.
Understanding the best materials for your commercial bathroom grab bars can help you when selecting the ideal fixture for your commercial spaces. Whether you opt for the strength and durability of stainless steel, the antibacterial properties of copper, or the warmth and color flexibility of heavy-duty plastic, your decision should align with the specific needs of your business and those who use your facilities.
