The bathroom is one of our most used rooms in the house. It must be safe and accessible to everyone, no matter their age or ability. Modern bathroom tiles are the key to making your bathroom a safe place for children and elderly family members and future-proofing it.
You can further enhance the safety of the bathroom by adding several features. Ten fittings and accessories will improve the security of your bathroom:
- Anti-skid tiles with a slip-resistant rating above R10 are recommended.
- Make sure that the floor slopes evenly and adequately to drain water and soap scum.
- After using the bathroom, ensure that it is properly ventilated.
Although anti-skid tiles are common in bathrooms, it is important to choose the right size tile to ensure proper slope. Small bathrooms may use tiles as small as 30x30cm and 40x40cm. Larger bathrooms, however, can start with 60x120cm tiles.
H&R Johnson has a wide range of anti-skid bathroom tiles to suit all bathroom sizes. Johnson Endura R10A or R12C tiles with Max-Grip are the best option for anti-skid flooring.
Full Clad Bathroom Walls With Tiles
The walls of the bathroom are constantly exposed to moisture. Regular bathing can cause them to deteriorate and encourage fungi and bacterial growth. The walls of the bathroom can be completely covered with tiles to ensure that no moisture or water is absorbed. The tiles will also enhance the appearance of your bathroom and increase its light usage.
For bathroom walls, glossy ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles work best. The low porosity of these modern bathroom tiles makes them easy to maintain.
H&R Johnson offers hundreds of coordinated tile patterns to meet your wall cladding as well as anti-slip floor requirements.
Grab Bars
Installing grab bars near the bathtub or shower and beside the toilet can make all the difference to bathroom safety. These bars provide stability and support for all users, helping to maintain balance and avoid falls.
Adjustable Showerheads
Install a shower head with adjustable heights. It allows the user to customize their shower experience to suit their individual needs.
You can also install handheld showers, which are more flexible and available to everyone in your family.
Walk-in showers and step-in tubs
Step-in showers and walk-in bathtubs are more accessible for people with mobility issues than traditional bathtubs. These options are beneficial to older adults and people with disabilities.
Adequate Lighting
Lighting is essential to prevent accidents. Make sure your bathroom is well-lit, both day and night. For added convenience, consider motion-activated lighting. It would be best if you chose wall tiles that take into account natural light and make them work for you.
If you don’t have enough natural light, stick to lighter and warmer colors. Stick to more generous and softer colors if you don’t have enough natural light in the bathroom.
Anti-Scald Devices
Install an anti-scald device on your faucets. This will prevent accidental burns. Single-lever faucets are also a good way to avoid accidents.
Water Closet Accessibility
The height of the water closet should be comfortable for all users. Consider installing raised seats on toilets to increase accessibility. Standard toilet seat heights are typically 15 to 17 inches (38-43 centimeters), measured from the floor up to the top of the seat. This height is deemed comfortable and accessible by most adults.
Clear Pathways
To ensure users are able to move safely, keep the bathroom free of clutter and clear paths. It is especially important for people who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers. Having enough storage in your bathroom can help you to keep it clean and organized.
To achieve this, you can use mirror cabinets and bath cabinets. Use wall-mounted cabinets in a small space to create more floor space.
Childproofing
If you have small children at home, it is important to childproof the bathroom. To prevent accidents, lock medicine cabinets, secure cleaning supplies, and install locks on toilet seats.
Maintaining Tiled Bathrooms
Simple modifications in the construction materials and changes to your bathroom can transform it into a space that is safe and accessible for all users. Building a safe bathroom requires ongoing maintenance to maintain its original design.
Regularly inspect your bathroom to check for hazards and wear. Repair any loose tiles or leaky faucets as well as other safety concerns immediately. It is important to use agents that will not damage the grout line when cleaning the limescale off the tiles. The tiles can lose their shine if they are covered in limescale. They may also retain water and become moist, which leads to mold and bacteria growth.
You can use manufacturer-recommended products or household solutions like vinegar and baking soda mix to free your bathroom tiles from limescale and soap scum. Use epoxy or unsanded grout to repair any broken grout lines quickly.
For more information, you can contact a tile expert at H&R Johnson.
