October 17, 2023

What is a Peened Grab Bar?

A peened grab bar is a type of grab bar that has a brushed or polished stainless steel finish with a textured surface. This textured surface is created through a process called peening, which involves sandblasting metallic balls with high pressure air onto a large portion of the grab bar’s metal surface, which then produces thousands of slight indentations. This significantly enhances the gripping surface of the grab bar by increasing friction and reducing slippage. This textured surface is especially useful in wet environments like showers or bathtubs when hands are wet and soapy.

                

What are the key features of a peened grab bar?

• Textured surface: The peening process creates a rough, textured finish on the grab bar, providing enhanced grip.   
• Slip resistance: The textured surface helps prevent slipping, especially in wet environments like showers and bathtubs.  
• Safety: The increased grip significantly enhances safety for users.   
• Durability: Typically made from stainless steel, peened grab bars are built to last.   
• Aesthetic appeal: While the focus is on safety, many peened grab bars have a modern and stylish appearance.

By combining safety, durability, and a modern look, peened grab bars offer an excellent choice for enhancing bathroom safety without compromising on style.

Where and how are peened grab bars typically used?

Peened grab bars, with their enhanced grip, are primarily used in wet environments where safety is paramount.   

Typical Locations:

• Showers: Peened grab bars are commonly installed inside shower enclosures to provide support while showering. They are often placed near the shower head or at the entrance for added stability as well as next to a shower seat to provide assistance with sitting down and standing up. 
• Bathtubs: These grab bars can be mounted near the tub’s edge to assist with entering and exiting the tub.
• Poolside areas: Peened grab bars can be installed near pools to help prevent slips and falls.
• Commercial settings: Hospitals, nursing homes, and public restrooms often use peened grab bars for safety reasons.   

How They Are Used:

• Support: Peened grab bars provide a secure grip to help individuals maintain balance and prevent falls.   
• Transferring: They can assist with transferring in and out of the shower or bathtub.   
• Stability: Peened grab bars offer added stability while showering or bathing.   

Due to their slip-resistant properties, peened grab bars are essential for enhancing safety in areas prone to moisture and wet conditions.

       

Are peened grab bars ADA-compliant?

Yes, peened grab bars are generally ADA compliant.   

The peened texture on the grab bar does not affect its compliance with ADA standards. The key factors for ADA compliance are the dimensions, mounting requirements, and weight capacity of the grab bar. As long as these criteria are met, a peened grab bar can be considered ADA compliant.   

It’s important to note that while the federal ADA standards provide guidelines, local building codes may have additional requirements. Always check local regulations to ensure full compliance.

All peened grab bars on GrabBars.com are ADA-compliant and made from high-quality stainless steel. Take a look at them here: Grab Bars

Who can benefit from peened grab bars?

Peened grab bars, with their enhanced grip, are particularly beneficial for individuals who require extra stability and support in wet environments. This includes:   

• Seniors: As mobility and balance decline with age, peened grab bars can significantly reduce the risk of falls in the bathroom.   
• Individuals with disabilities: People with mobility impairments can benefit from the added security provided by the textured surface.   
• People recovering from injuries: During rehabilitation, peened grab bars can offer extra support and stability.
• Caregivers: Peened grab bars can assist caregivers in supporting individuals with limited mobility.
• Families with young children: The added grip can help children maintain balance while bathing.
• Residents in care facilities: Peened grab bars are commonly used in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities to enhance safety.   

Essentially, anyone who values safety and stability in wet environments can benefit from the use of peened grab bars.

Is peened the only textured grab bar option?

No, while peened grab bars are a popular choice for their textured surface, knurled is another common type of textured grab bar. Knurled grab bars feature a more pronounced, grooved pattern compared to the finer texture of peened grab bars. They offer maximum grip but can be less comfortable for some users.   

Both peened and knurled grab bars offer enhanced grip compared to smooth grab bars, but they have distinct characteristics:

Peened Grab Bars

• Softer texture: The peened finish provides a gentle grip without being overly aggressive.   
• Easier to clean: The smoother texture is less likely to trap dirt and grime.
• Aesthetically pleasing: Often considered more visually appealing than knurled bars.
• Peened Grab Bars

Knurled Grab Bars

• Deeper texture: Provides maximum grip, ideal for those with weaker grip strength.
• More aggressive: The deep grooves can be uncomfortable for some users.   
• Cleaning challenges: Dirt and grime can accumulate in the grooves, requiring more frequent cleaning.
• Knurled Grab Bars

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Both peened and knurled grab bars provide enhanced safety in wet environments, but the choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user. If you prioritize comfort and ease of cleaning, a peened grab bar might be preferable. If you require maximum grip and are less concerned about aesthetics, a knurled grab bar could be a better option.

Check out a few videos of Peened Grab Bars below:

• What are Peened Grab Bars?
• Standard Grab Bar – Peened

Overall, peened grab bars are primarily known for their enhanced grip and safety. The textured surface provides excellent traction, making them ideal for wet environments like showers and bathtubs. This feature significantly reduces the risk of slips and falls, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking to improve bathroom safety.

If you are looking for an anti-slip grab bar to enhance the safety of your residential or commercial restroom or shower, grab bars in peened finish are a great choice!

If you are also in need of shower seats, you can find those here: Shower Seats

                

As with any grab bar, it is highly recommended to hire a professional installer to ensure they are mounted properly and securely to your wall. If you are in need of a local professional installer, just fill out this form: Grab Bar Installation Request Form

If you have any questions or need help deciding which grab bar is right for your bathroom, email us at [email protected], live chat with us on GrabBars.com, or give us a call at 704-800-4629 and we’ll be happy to help.