Grab Bar Guidelines

Most grab bars are made of stainless steel to resist corrosion. They come in various sizes, but the most common bars are 18 inches long or 24 inches long and are usually 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Texture is added to some bars for additional safety.

• Choose a bar 18 inches long or longer for vertical placement at the edge of the tub.
• When mounting at an angle, be sure to locate the studs to fasten the bar to and measure accordingly. Angled bars are usually 24 inches long.
• Choose a bar 32 inches long or longer for a horizontal bar.
• Choose bars that are 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
• Steer clear of bars that leave more than a 1 1/2-inch space between the bar and the wall.

How And Where To Install Grab Bars

Grab bars should be installed in the safest and most convenient area of the shower or tub. They must be connected to wall studs. It might be beneficial to eye-ball the correct placement for grab bars by having family members stand inside the bath or shower to ensure that everyone will be able to reach it when needed.

Shower Stall Grab Bar Placement

Here are a few rules of thumb for where to place grab bars in your shower.

• Vertical entrance bar should go close to the shower door jamb.
• Horizontal bar should go along the side wall, 34-36 inches above the floor.
• Vertical bar on the faucet end wall should go near the faucet handles.

Bathtub/Shower Combination Grab Bar Placement

For placing grab bars in your bath tub or bathtub shower combination, use these tips.

• Vertical entrance bar should be installed on the wall opposite the faucet.
• Horizontal bar should be attached to the side wall and should be as long as possible. It should be about 30 inches up from the tub floor.
• Another vertical bar should be attached to the faucet end wall near the faucet handles.

It is not possible to prevent every accident. However, by installing grab bars in your tub and/or shower, you will greatly reduce the chances that someone in your home will fall and be injured.