Do You Need a Grab Bar?
A bathroom grab bar is a sturdy bar meant to prevent falls in the shower, bathtub or next to a toilet. It attaches to your bathroom wall and is useful for anyone who might need extra support.
Since bathrooms can be slippery, especially the bathroom tub areas and shower floors, bathroom and shower safety bars can be particularly useful. The kind of grab bar you choose depends on your requirements and preferences.
Important Considerations
When choosing a bathroom or shower bar, focus on the ideal length for ease of access. The amount of weight the grab bar can support is also an important factor. This grab bar guide can help you find the perfect addition to your bathroom.
Shower Grab Bar Length
The ideal shower grab bar length depends on the space available in your shower area. Measure the width of your shower walls to get a shower grab bar that fits optimally. Your personal requirements also play a big role. Your hand size is a deciding factor since the grab bar should be easy to grasp in your hand. The level of stability you require is another factor to consider. If you have good balance, a shorter bar might suffice. Alternatively, if you require more support, a longer one might offer varied hand placements and accessibility. The length of a grab bars can extend up to 49.99 inches.
Shower Grab Bar Height
There are ADA guidelines that prescribe what an accessible design should be. Ideally, a horizontal shower grab bar’s height should be between 33 and 36 inches above the floor. This is supposed to provide optimal support and stability for most individuals. The heights of people intending to use the grab bar also determines the placement of the grab bar.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a grab bar can range from 200 to 900 pounds. As per ADA and IRC codes, any grab bar should be able to support at least 250 pounds in weight. It’s always better to choose one with a higher weight capacity to ensure safety and support. You can decide the weight capacity based on individual needs.
Shapes
- Straight grab bars: These can be installed horizontally, diagonally or vertically. They are also available as free-standing models.
- Wave grab bars: These are considered more stylish in their design due to their slightly curved body.
- Round grab bars: With a circular diameter that is easy to grab, these grab bars offer a thick and secure grip.
- U-shaped grab bars: This is a horseshoe-shaped shower grab bar that creates two grab bars at either end. This offers additional support. Some models might consist of a folding feature, allowing you to flip it against the wall when not in use.
Materials for Bathroom Grab Bars
The materials used for shower grab bars depend on personal preferences as well as features like durability and water resistance. Some common materials include:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel grab bars are a corrosion-resistant option that offers durability and easy maintenance. It’s available as a chrome grab bar and brushed nickel grab bar that can elevate the look of your shower space. Known to be strong and sturdy, this material is ideal for a shower grab bar.
Brass
A brass grab bar offers an elegant and luxurious appearance. It is also naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a long-lasting option.
Aluminum
Aluminum grab bars are affordable, lightweight and rust-resistant, making them the perfect choice for shower grab bars. To ensure a secure grip, make sure to get one with a thick diameter since this material might not be as sturdy as other options.
Plastic
Plastic grab bars are budget-friendly and lightweight making this ideal for temporary use or mild support needs. But, they might not be as durable and tough.
Types of Bathroom Grab Bars
The mounting mechanism changes depending on each type of bathroom grab bar. We'll show you where to put grab bars in the shower, bathtub or next to a toilet.
Wall-Mounted
This is the most versatile and common type of shower grab bar available. Wall-mounted grab bars are accessible and sturdy, providing stability and preventing slips. They are securely mounted to the wall of your shower space with screws and anchors. They also save space and are a good addition for small bathrooms. You can get a U-shaped bar if you need multiple grab points for better support.
Bathtub-Mounted
Getting in and out of the bathtub can be difficult due to the slippery surfaces of the tub. Installing a bathtub-mounted grab bar to the rim of your bathtub can provide the additional support needed. The base of the grab bar is mounted with adjustable clamps. This is best in cases where wall mounting isn’t possible due to tile placement, fixtures or weak walls. Make sure that your tub’s rim can handle the weight of the person using the grab bar. This is to avoid cracking and breaking of the tub or the bar detaching from the rim. Cast-iron tubs and acrylic tubs are sturdy and durable. Wider and thicker rims also offer more stability.
Folding
These are designed to fold down or flip up when not being used. They are ideal for small and narrow spaces. These consist of hinges at the mounting point on the wall. They also have a locking mechanism that helps the bar stay stable when it is lowered. Folding shower grab bars offer a sleek and clutter-free look.
Freestanding
Freestanding grab bars are usually floor-to-ceiling tension bars that are placed next to the tub or shower area for support and stability. These don’t require permanent installation, so they don’t leave drill holes in your walls. These consist of a vertical pole that may be fixed or adjustable to accommodate various shower configurations. A grab bar is attached to the pole horizontally to provide a secure grip.
Bathtub Grab Bar Placement
The ideal location for a grab bar is near slick and slippery surfaces like the shower or bathtub. The correct bathtub grab bar placement enhances its functionality.
Install them in wall studs for added safety.
Tub/Shower
If you're deciding where to place grab bars in showers or tubs, it's a good idea to install one along the inner edges of your bathtub or near the door of your shower. This makes it accessible and easy to grab in case of any imbalance. Make sure the tub or shower grab bar is installed correctly and can bear the weight of the users.
Vertical or Horizontal
When determining where to install grab bars in a shower or bathroom, a vertical grab bar can help. It provides stability when someone is going to stand or sit in the shower area or tub. Alternatively, a horizontal one helps maintain balance while showering. Combining the benefits of the two, a diagonal grab bar is versatile and offers a firm grip for most individuals.
Features of Bathroom Grab Bars
Other than decorative grab bars and ADA-compliant grab bars, look out for these additional features to make the most of your bathroom grab bars.
Non-Slip Grip
Perhaps the most significant feature of a shower grab bar is its grip. A round grab bar can provide a power grip for ensuring stability even in wet conditions. You can find non-slip grab bar designs like textured surfaces, rubber grip and contoured surfaces.
Waterproof
Being resistant to water damage, corrosion and rust is essential for grab bars since they are always in contact with water. Aluminum, stainless steel and brass are all great choices for the perfect waterproof grab bar grip.
Multifunctional
Other than providing stability, these can have multiple useful features. Some shower grab bars are designed to hang towels and toilet papers. These consist of a built-in arm or shelf with grab bars to hold the towels and are available as toilet paper with grab bars as well.