Glossary · Bathroom terms

Grab Bar

Definition

A wall-mounted safety bar anchored into blocking for support near the toilet and in the shower/tub. Even where not required, in-wall blocking should be added during any bath remodel.

Source: U.S. DOJ — ADA.gov

Where this comes up on this site

  • Granite

    Natural stone used for vanity tops; durable but porous and needs periodic sealing. Small bath quantities make premium slabs more affordab…

  • GFCI (Bath)

    Ground-fault circuit interrupter protection, required by code on all bathroom receptacles, that cuts power instantly on a fault near wate…

  • Half Bath / Powder Room

    A bathroom with only a toilet and sink, no bathing fixture. Adds resale value and is the smallest, lowest-cost bathroom to add.

  • Full Bath

    A bathroom with all four fixtures — toilet, sink, bathtub, and shower (or a tub-shower). The configuration that defines a 'full' bath for…

  • Hand-Held Shower

    A showerhead on a flexible hose, often on a slide bar. Valuable for cleaning, bathing children/pets, and seated/accessible bathing.

  • Freestanding Tub

    A standalone sculptural tub not attached to walls, a focal point of high-end baths. Requires floor-space, structural floor capacity (full…

  • Heated (Radiant) Floor

    Electric mats or hydronic tubing under the tile that warm the floor. A popular bath upgrade installed during the floor build; electric ma…

  • Frameless Shower Door

    A thick tempered-glass door/panel with minimal hardware. The premium modern enclosure; requires precise opening tolerances and solid anch…

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