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Accessible Bath Style

Universal Design

The latest bath trends and safety accessories offer barrier-free design with an emphasis on style. Universal design is an approach to the design of objects, facilities and environments intended to make them easy to use by all persons, not just those with disabilities.

In addition to universal design, the following bath safety accessories can improve the overall appearance of your bathroom while making it more accessible and functional for everyone.

Bathroom Safety Tips

Bathrooms are a unique mixture of both practical and aesthetic elements. The design should include a well-planned layout styled to reflect your personality and taste but no matter how cautious people try to be, accidents happen.

Taking the following additional precautions will ensure that your bath stays stylish and safe for everyone:

• Stick double-faced carpet tape on rugs or use non-staining anti-skid mats to ensure they don’t slide on a wet floor
• Use slip-resistant floor tile
• Make certain grab bars are anchored to the wall framing
• Set hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors on a wide surface away from water sources
• Ensure all electric outlets are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
• Use plastic glasses, soap trays and other accessories that won’t shatter if they hit a hard floor or countertop
• Lower the temperature in your water heater to 120 F and install anti-scald valves in faucets, tubs and showers
• Consider installing a cordless telephone in the bathroom, as it is a great aid for seeking assistance in cases of emergency

Playful and Practical
Children look at the bathroom as another place to play, so never leave them unsupervised in the bath. Designing a bathroom for children can be deceptively difficult. Before your children splish-splash in the bath, make certain the room is safe for lots of get-clean fun.

Consult the chart below to learn about products that make the bathroom safer and easier for them to use:

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As more and more people focus their home improvement efforts on the bathroom, expressive designs and luxury amenities are taking the place of drab white private sanctums.

EXPERT METHODS. For an impressive bathroom, it’s best to consult the experts. Architects, interior designers, remodeling contractors, and plumbing contractors may all be necessary for the most complex of projects, but an increasing number of homeowners are employing full-service design firms that both plan the room and make it come to life.

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Transform Your Bathroom

Whether your taste is contemporary, traditional or somewhere in-between, a vanity can provide a central focal point for your entire bathroom, offering both style and function. With a wealth of styles and a wide range of materials to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding a vanity that reflects your unique taste, style and personality.

In a larger bath, an ornate, intricately detailed vanity can make the room feel like an entirely different space, while smaller bathrooms will benefit from more practical vanities that feature plenty of storage for various necessities.

Selecting Your Vanity
Vanities come in a variety of styles including, single sink, double sink, corner, curved front, bow front and wall-hung. When selecting a vanity, you will want to choose one that is durable, stylish and maximizes available space.

With a wealth of designs and a wide range of materials to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect vanity for your bathroom project. Keep the following questions in mind as you shop:

• What material is the best fit for your bathroom?
• How high would you like the countertop to be?
• How large is your bathroom?
• How much space is available for the vanity?
• Who primarily uses the bathroom?
• Do you prefer a framed or frameless design?

Installation and Design Tips

Depending on how big the vanity is and how many pieces are involved, installing one can make for a great do-it-yourself project. Whether you decide to hire a professional or take the job on yourself, here are a few points to keep in mind.

With so many different types of vanities to choose from, it’s important to consider the primary function it will serve. Think about how many people will be using the bathroom, and whether or not multiple people will be using it at the same time.

In such cases, you may want to install a vanity that features two sinks instead of one to speed preparation time in the morning. If it’s being installed in a guest bathroom that’s used less frequently, you can worry less about storage space and focus more on aesthetic appeal.

Unless you’re putting it in a bathroom used primarily by younger children, consider a vanity height of around 34” inches high. Also for younger children, you’ll want plenty of space to store their favorite tub toys and a color scheme that fits in well with any decorative elements that adorn the wall or mirror.

Tools and Materials
Installing a vanity is almost the same as installing a kitchen cabinet. Some vanities have a back that will require you to cut access holes for pipes. Others have only a mounting rail, making installation much easier. The basic tools and materials you will need are: an electric drill, screwdriver bit, stud finder, a 2-foot level, utility knife, a hammer, nail set, wood screws, shims, finishing nails and a vanity. Additional accents such as trim moulding will give your vanity a more finished look.

Best Design Practices
Bathrooms are a mixture of both practical and aesthetic elements. To create a room that meets your needs, the design should include a well-planned layout styled to reflect your personality and taste.

Safety
A good design checklist is invaluable, make sure you consider every detail during the planning process. Arrange the room so the placement of fixtures is related to how much you use them and how much space is available. Also take into consideration the best location for installing plumbing and electricity.

Follow generally accepted guidelines for clearance within the bathroom, particularly around fixtures. These guidelines should be available from your local building department. Ensure the room is well lit and safe for occupants of all ages. Include plenty of storage and plan for privacy.

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If you’re remodeling your bathroom or building a new house, you’ll find that your lavatory sink options are far more plentiful than they once were. Gone are they days when a simple white, round sink was your only choice. Pedestal sinks, wall-hung sinks and vanity-mounted sinks all offer a host of colors, sizes and shapes. If you’re remodeling, a new sink can be a budget-conscious way to completely alter a bathroom’s appearance. Consider how frequently the bathroom is used, what kind of look you’re going for, and keep the following questions in mind as you shop to find the perfect fit:

• What style of sink best suits your bathroom?
• What color will fit best with your décor?
• How big does the sink need to be?
• Do you need storage room underneath?
• What materials are available, and what are the advantages of each?

Design Considerations, Styles and Materials

The frequency with which you use your bathroom will help dictate which type of sink will fit best. Seldom used guest bathrooms, for example, probably won’t require as much storage or counter space, so a stylish pedestal sink could be a perfect fit. If you’re working with a large master bathroom, you may want to consider installing multiple sinks to make it easier for two people to get ready for work simultaneously in the morning. Choose a material that will wear well, look good and fit within your budget, and select a style that is both easy to clean and attractive.

Color, Shape and Size: Choosing a color for your new sink will depend on the surrounding décor, whether you wish the sink to blend in or stand out, and your personal preferences. Available shapes include round, oval, rectangle and asymmetrical designs. Some sinks are specially designed to fit into corners while others work better out in the open. If you need storage room, install a vanity-mounted sink. If you’re installing the sink in a smaller bathroom and want to conserve floor space, choose a pedestal or wall-hung sink.

• Colors range from muted earth tones to bold, bright blues and greens
• Deeper sinks minimize the chances of water splashing back out
• Choose the largest sink you have room for to maximize available space
• 34″ is a typical installation height

Pedestal, Vessel and Wall-Hung Sinks: In smaller bathrooms, powder rooms or guest bathrooms, pedestal, vessel and wall-hung sinks can provide style without taking up a lot of floor space. Because they do not provide storage room, however, they may not work well in large or frequently used bathrooms. Be sure that the faucet spout is long enough to reach the bowl, and bear in mind that freestanding sinks don’t usually have an overflow hole and must be fitted with a grid drain. Vessel sinks, also called countertop sinks, sit directly on a counter and make a bold design statement. Faucets are often wall-mounted above a vessel sink.

• Wall-hung sinks are economical and easy to install
• Wall-hung sinks can easily accommodate wheelchairs
• Pedestal sinks offer a range of styles from Victorian to contemporary
• Pedestal sinks may require a larger up-front investment
• Choose a toilet to complement a pedestal sink’s stylized leg
• Make sure a countertop sink doesn’t sit up too high

Vanity-Mounted Sinks: If you need storage space for toilet paper, cleaning products and more, a vanity-mounted sink is the perfect choice. They do require more floor space, so you’ll want to install them in larger bathrooms. There are a number of styles available, making it easy to choose one that best suits your bathroom. Self-rimming sinks are dropped into a hole in the countertop and are easy to install, though the rim joint can be difficult to keep clean.

Integral sinks are molded from the same material as the counter, usually a solid-surface material. They are stylish and easy to install and clean, though you’ll need to replace the entire unit if either the sink or counter gets damaged. Integral sinks are often oval or round, but they may be rectangular or even trough-shaped.

• Self-rimming sinks sit just above counter level and can be matched to the faucet
• Self-rimming sinks may be more difficult to install and keep clean
• Under-mounted sinks have a low profile and emphasize the look of the countertop
• Countertops must be completely waterproof if you install an under-mounted sink
• Flush-mounted sinks are used with tile counters and have square edges equal in thickness to the tiles, allowing them to sit flush with the countertop

Materials: Most sinks are available in a wide range of materials, though some styles, such as under-mounted sinks, can only be made from certain materials. Use the chart below to learn more about some of the more commonly used materials.

Features

Shroud: If you choose to install a wall-mount sink and don’t like how the pipes look, use a shroud to cover them and provide a stylish look.

Painted Motifs: Hand-painted designs may add some cost, but they provide a unique, exquisite look. Designs may range from simple and classical to modern and intricate. You can even find animals and cartoon characters for sinks being installed into children’s bathrooms.

Etching: Glass sinks with etched bottoms are less likely to show water spots.

Console Sinks: Console sinks are a sort of hybrid mixture of a pedestal sink and a vanity. They feature a large basin and two-to-four table-like legs. Some models include storage space below for added utility.

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Adding a new faucet to your bathroom can provide a stylish accent that enhances the entire room. Select from a variety of options ranging from the economical to the elegant. High-quality faucets give you precise control, have few maintenance problems and don’t cost any more to install than less expensive units. Plan your bathroom décor around the faucet when building a new house or remodeling the bathroom. If you’re replacing an old faucet that has broken down, you’ll have no trouble finding a new one to complement your existing décor. With four basic styles and an array of finishes to choose from, you’ll be able to find the faucet that best expresses your personality while providing a high level of performance. Keep the following questions in mind as you shop:

• What faucet styles are available?
• What types of finishes can faucets feature?
• Would you prefer one or two handles?
• What type of valve should you install?
• Which spout type do you prefer?
• What features would you like to have?

Styles, Design, Finish and Installation Considerations

Faucets are generally available in four styles, including single-hole, center-set, widespread and wall mount. If you’re simply replacing an old faucet, your new faucet may need to be the same type as the old one, depending on the installation setup. If you are remodeling or building a new house, however, you’ll be able to choose from a wider range of styles and finishes. A good valve is crucial to long life, so consider installing the best one your budget will allow. Choose a finish that will look as good in ten years as it does now, one that will be at home with your current décor while providing versatility to fit in with future redecorating projects.

Styles: The design of your sink plays a large role in determining which style of faucet you decide to install. If a sink has only one hole, you’ll need to install a single-hole faucet. These units often have one handle connected to the spout, though some may have separate handles for hot and cold water. Center-set faucets combine the handles and spout on a 4″ base unit. These are the most commonly used faucets and are usually the least expensive and easiest to install. Widespread models feature hot- and cold-water valves that are separate from the spout. They are often more expensive than other styles but allow for a wide range of placement flexibility. For something different, choose a wall-mounted faucet. Pair one with an above-counter basin for an especially striking look. While they may be more difficult to install, wall-mounted faucets reduce clutter on the sink and make cleanup easier.

• Single-hole faucets are simple to install and maintain and are compact and easy to use
• Single-hole faucets are often used on smaller sinks and may have an optional cover plate
• Center-set faucets are ideal for smaller, predrilled or preexisting basins
• Widespread faucets have a standard spread of at least 8″
• Mini-widespread, or minispread, faucets have a spread of 4″

Design: Along with the style, you’ll also need to choose a spout, handle and valve for your new faucet. Spouts may be aerated or nonaerated. Aerated spouts mix air with the water and utilize a screen and restrictor to limit flow while simultaneously improving water pressure. Nonaerated spouts do not have a screen and allow water to flow freely, causing a waterfall-like effect. Handles come in a wide range of styles including ring-type cylinder, round, cross and lever and may be a single unit or separate for customized hot- and cold-water control. Touchless electronic handles help conserve water by shutting off automatically as soon as you’re done washing your hands. The internal valve mechanism is crucial to high-quality operation, as it governs the flow of water through the spout. Compression valves, which feature a rubber washer to stem the flow of water, are the most common type, but they tend to drip when the washers become worn. Consider choosing a ball, cartridge or ceramic-disc valve for better performance. The chart below details some of the features and a few points to consider for each type of valve.

Finish: Once you’ve selected a style and design, you’ll need to select a finish. Many manufacturers offer lifetime finishes that won’t tarnish over time to ensure that your faucet stays looking great for years. Commonly used finishes include chrome, brass, colored, gold plate, nickel, stainless steel and PVD. The following points identify some of the primary benefits and considerations of these finishes.

• Chrome may have a polished, brushed or matte finish and is durable and economical
• Brass is ideal for traditional styles, and faucets with lifetime finishes resist fading, scratches and corrosion
• Colored finishes may be epoxy or baked-on enamel coating and are easy to clean
• High-quality gold plate won’t tarnish, though it is more expensive
• Nickel may be brushed or satin and is stylish, durable and easy to clean
• Stainless steel is stylish and won’t show water spots, though it is often more expensive
• PVD, or physical vapor deposition, is highly durable and resists abrasion and discoloration

Installation and Care: When installing a new faucet, there are a few points you’ll want to consider. Wall-mount faucets will require a longer spout for extended reach. If you wish to install a new faucet that doesn’t utilize all of the holes in your existing sink, use metal plates called escutcheons to cover the holes. Taller faucets are easier to get your hands under for washing, but shorter faucets will minimize splashing.

• Avoid using harsh, abrasive cleaning chemicals that may damage the finish
• Gentle soap and warm water will generally be sufficient for cleaning faucets
• Extra sink holes can be utilized for sprayers, soap dispensers and more

Features

Anti-Scald Protection: If you have young children or elderly parents in your house, you may want to consider installing a faucet with built-in anti-scald protection to protect them from accidentally burning themselves.

Filtering: Sinks with filtration systems provide high-quality drinking water, helping you save money on bottled water.

Common-Valve Setup: Some newer sinks feature common-valve architecture that fits a number of different faucet styles, allowing you to remodel or upgrade your existing faucet simply by unscrewing the handle and spout from the top. Not having to reinstall the valve system under the sink will save you time and effort.

Adjustable Flow-Rate Restrictor: If you’re concerned about conserving water or live in an area where your water supply is limited, an adjustable flow-rate restrictor will give you complete control over how much water you use.

Find the right solution for your needs

Whether you are a new homeowner or an avid woodworker with a busy shop, the right wet/dry vac can go a long way toward making your daily cleanup tasks easier. When making your selection, you’ll want to seriously consider issues such as frequency of use, capacity requirements, existing storage space, typical cleaning duties and special features. Before you make your final choice, ask yourself these questions:

• How often will you use your wet/dry vac?
• What types of applications do you need it for?
• What size capacity best meets your current and future needs?
• Where will you store the unit when not in use?
• Are there special features or accessories you require?

Size, Capacity and Power

Wet/dry vacs are available in a wide range of types and sizes from portable and handheld units to large 18-gallon professional vacs. You’ll want to look at both the capacity (measured in gallons) and the peak horsepower (hp). These two pieces of information can provide a good indication of just how suitable a match it is. Though it is often the case that higher capacity and higher hp go hand in hand, this is not always so. Small units with a high horsepower and low capacity often serve in demanding environments with restrictive space requirements.

Light-Duty Tasks: For small tasks and light household chores, look for a low-capacity unit in the 2-6 gallon range with a peak hp of 1 to 4.5. These vacs often feature a compact and lightweight design that is perfect for storing out of the way. Smaller, cordless units offer handheld convenience that is ideal for the car, boat or home. Others are mounted on casters for easy maneuvering around your kitchen or playroom.

• Used to clean wet and dry spills around the house
• Perfect for apartments, small work areas and other limited spaces
• Handles debris standard vacuum cleaners can’t pick up

Medium-Duty Chores: Medium range wet/dry vacs run anywhere from 8-14 gallons and are useful around the house, workshop, garage and more. With anywhere from 5 to 6 hp of power, you can be assured of great suction coupled with versatile performance. Some units convert to blowers for easy handling of lawn and garden tasks such as leaf collection and clearing grass clippings or for inflating air mattresses and basketballs. Use the unit to take care of wet basements or clean up spills in the garage. This multipurpose tool is designed to tackle a wide range of tasks.

• Standard household cleanup from home to garden
• Perfect for your garage, workshop, basement and more
• Picks up everything from fine dust to larger debris
• Can convert to a leaf blower for more versatile use

Heavy-Duty Applications: Heavy-duty and commercial applications that need intense cleaning power should look for a peak hp of 6 or more. These units usually have an impressive 14-18 gallon capacity and are perfect for busy shops, industrial cleaning and more. These vacs feature a sturdy cart or are mounted on large casters for increased mobility. A wide array of included attachments enables you to tackle a variety of surfaces and substances.

• Commercial cleaning for offices, warehouses and more
• Perfect for busy mechanical workshops, garages and jobsites
• Collects large, heavy debris, dust and other materials

Features

Quiet Operation: Gone are the days when you needed ear protection just to run your wet/dry vac around the shop. New motor technologies have introduced quieter operation without sacrificing airflow, providing strong suction that won’t disrupt your environment.

Filters: The filter on your wet/dry vac helps trap dirt, drywall dust and other debris and prevents it from recirculation. Those who suffer from asthma and allergies will appreciate the extra protection of HEPA filters, available on some units, which harness more than 99% of dust mites, pollen and other allergens to help ensure that the air around you is clean and irritant free. Many filters also feature antimicrobial treatments to help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and other harmful substances that can get into the air and create health risks. Pay close attention to the number of stages in the filtration system. The more stages available, the more control for maximizing performance with a wide range of debris types.

On-Board Tool Storage: Make sure you always have that needed attachment right at hand with built-in storage for all your nozzles and cleaning accessories.

Portability: Many units feature a high-end motor with smaller capacity to deliver the same quality cleaning power as your large wet/dry vac in a small, portable format.

Storage: When you have a small workspace, but you need powerful wet/dry cleaning capabilities, look to convenient wall-mounted units and other space-saving designs. These units often feature higher horsepower ratings with a small capacity for heavy-duty performance in more restricted spaces.

Cleanup: For larger capacity units, make sure that emptying liquid content is simple and easy with a built-in spout or drain for hassle-free cleanup.

Hoses, Nozzles and Attachments: To ensure continuous operation, consider the size of the hose and nozzle. With large, wide passageways, you greatly reduce the potential for clogs and blockages. If you plan to use your wet/dry vac on large substances like wood chips or other chunks of debris, make sure the hose and nozzle have a wide enough diameter to accommodate typical usage.

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Features to Consider

NSF Ratings
Filters with NSF/ANSI standard 53 certification have been independently tested to show that they can reduce levels of certain pollutants under specified conditions.

Ultraviolet Light
Kill viruses and bacteria in water, but they don’t filter out chemicals. They can be used in conjunction with carbon filters.

Filter Change Indicator
Look for a water filter that has a flashing light or color-changing indicator that lets you know when it’s time for a new filter.

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Put cooking convenience in easy reach

Wall ovens are a great alternative to a traditional range unit. They are designed to provide an excellent fit in any kitchen, no matter the layout or space restrictions. They offer tremendous placement versatility and can better utilize space in smaller kitchens. Wall ovens also eliminate the need to bend over when removing heavy dishes from the oven, helping to minimize strain on your back and making it easier to keep an eye on what you’re cooking. Paired with a sophisticated cooktop they can provide a stylish, modern look for your kitchen. Consider the following questions to learn more about what types of wall ovens are available and which one might be right for you:

• What are the characteristics of gas ovens?
• What are the characteristics of electric ovens?
• What heating mechanisms do wall ovens use?
• How large of an oven do you need?
• Are there any special features you’d like to have?

Gas vs. Electric, Heating Type, Construction and Maintenance

Before choosing an oven, you’ll want to assess your cooking needs and how frequently you plan to use the unit. Wall ovens are available with a vast array of special features that will help save you time in the kitchen and improve the quality of your cooking, such as a delayed-start mechanism or hidden bake elements. Choosing the right combination of features, oven size and heating type will ensure that you can prepare all of your favorite dishes just the way you like them.

Gas vs. Electric: The first decision you’ll need to make when purchasing a wall oven is whether you want a gas- or electric-powered unit. There was a time when electric ovens took a little longer to heat up than gas ovens, but modern machines don’t tend to have that problem. As a result, which one you choose is largely a matter of personal preference and what type of connection you have available. If you don’t have a gas connection handy, you may end up choosing an electric model by default. Consult the chart below to learn more about the characteristics of each type and a few points of consideration.

Heating Type: Many wall ovens use standard, or thermal, heating technology. It is not, however, the only option available. You can also choose from microwave and convection cooking ovens. Some units even combine different cooking technologies for increased versatility. Convection heating involves moving air around with a fan to cook food evenly from all sides, allowing for a nicely browned exterior and a fully cooked inside. Though convection cooking can prepare food more quickly, the fan may take up room within the oven cavity, slightly reducing the amount of usable space, and it can add a significant amount to the total cost.

• Some ovens feature standard cooking power combined with a separate built-in microwave while others combine the two technologies into one unit
• Some models utilize standard, microwave and convection heating technology at the same time to reduce cooking time
• Ovens with a convection recipe converter automatically adjust cook times for convection heating to ensure the best results

Construction and Maintenance: If you have a big family, your cooking needs will differ greatly from people who only have to cook for one or two people. Wall ovens are available in both single- and double-oven configurations. Double ovens provide twice the cooking space, making it easier to prepare large meals. If you tend to cook several dishes at once, look for units with multiple rack positions for maximum cooking flexibility. Multiple rack positions also allow you to accommodate larger cookware. When it comes time to clean up after a big meal, you’ll appreciate the ease and convenience of a self-cleaning oven. Removable oven bottoms will also make cleaning easier, as you can pop out the bottom, wash it and then slide it back into place. Ovens are often made of tempered glass or stainless steel, so make sure to use appropriate cleaners for each. Avoid using abrasive cleaners on delicate surfaces and make sure to rinse thoroughly.

• Some wall ovens feature a one-and-a-half oven configuration, with the half oven providing room for such functions as warming, grilling and reheating
• Double ovens may offer convection cooking in one of the units
• Make sure shelves are level to prevent food from sliding forward
• Width is generally 24”, 27” or 30”
• Wall ovens often come in black, white or stainless-steel finishes
• Removable doors make it easier to get inside ovens to clean them thoroughly
• Oven knobs can often be removed to make cleaning them easier

Features

Accurate Preheat: Many ovens monitor preheating based on a set period of time. Some, however, actually measure the temperature of the oven, indicating that it is fully preheated and ready for use only when it actually reaches the preset temperature.

Delayed Start: When you’re leading a busy life, it’s hard enough finding time to eat dinner, let alone prepare it. A delayed-start feature lets you program your oven to begin cooking even when you’re not home, meaning dinner will be hot and ready as soon as you walk in the door.

Safety Lock: Safety locks are particularly important if you have little ones who like to help bake their favorite treats. A safety lock feature prevents the oven from being used unless it’s turned off, meaning your children can’t turn the heat on and accidentally burn themselves.

Large Window: With a large window, you’ll be able to clearly see food as it cooks without having to open the door repeatedly, helping to prevent overcooking while providing a tantalizing preview of the meal to come.

Electronic Controls: For maximum effectiveness, look for wall ovens that feature electronic controls, which make it easy to set precise temperatures and program timers while helping you take advantage of all of your oven’s functions.

Hidden Bake Element: Cleaning the oven can be a pain, especially if you have a manual-clean oven. If that’s the case, look for one with a hidden bake element, which makes the bottom of the oven easier to wipe down.

Steam Oven: Steam cooking is a newer technology that combines steaming power with standard thermal cooking to heat foods thoroughly all the way through while helping them retain moisture and succulence.