Universal design, also known as aging-in-place design, is the concept of designing a safe and functional space for the many years ahead of you. Often, people are concerned that the aesthetics of universal design features make a home feel unattractive. We are here to tell you not to worry! These spaces can be functional, safe, and beautiful. Below are five of our favorite features to prove just that.
Grab Bars
Grab bars have come a long way. They are stylish and provide stability when entering and exiting a shower. You may also consider them along the back wall of the shower for stability while in the shower itself. Depending on their location, grab bars can be positioned horizontally or vertically.
There are even small grab bars that can be incorporated into mounted soap dishes in your shower. If you are considering adding grab bars to your shower, be sure to talk to your contractor first. The shower's framing will need to include blocking to secure the bars in place.
Folding Bench
Folding shower benches are often overlooked as a universal design feature, but they are a great option. When needed, the bench can be left down to serve as a shower seat.
As time or medical conditions change, they can be folded up to allow more room in the shower for a possible walker or wheelchair. As with the grab bars, be sure to talk with your remodeler about your bench preference early on in the project's design. Wood blocking must be placed behind the tile to secure the bench.
Zero Threshold
Zero threshold, or curbless shower entries, means no step up and over into the shower. While this may not be something you are concerned about at the moment, it may change in the future. A full threshold makes shower entry difficult and unsafe if you use a walker or wheelchair.
A zero-threshold entry allows someone to safely walk or wheel into the shower. The shower layout will need to be adjusted for a zero threshold entry. A small pitch will be put toward the center drain to prevent water from pooling and you may even consider additional draining at the entry.
Tile and Grout Considerations
Tiles that have texture help to create an anti-slip surface. A tile such as a tumbled stone is great for this purpose. You will want to ensure that the tile has soft edges to allow for easy movement for a wheelchair or walker. Another consideration is a smaller format tile with more grout lines. The grout will help to add traction to the floor. When shopping for tile, remember that the surface will change when wet, so it’s better to err on the side of caution regarding tile texture.
Open Bottom Vanity
When designing the vanity area of your bathroom, consider leaving a portion of the vanity open on the bottom. This allows you to still have storage but also to have a space that is wheelchair accessible. You can design the open vanity portion with a lap-style drawer, similar to a pencil drawer on a desk, to store daily essentials.
There are plenty of considerations when designing a universal bathroom, but these are a great starting point to discuss with your design-build remodeler. Be sure to be honest with any safety concerns that you have now or may have in the future. The more information you can provide your designer, the better he or she can create a safe and functional space for you.
