Grab bars shape, diameter, and angle?

5 years ago

I will have a vertical grab bar near the shower head for getting in/out of the tub (21-22" tall). What length should I buy? We are adding braces soon, so I need to choose a length. What diameter should I choose?

I am also putting a grab bar low on the back wall so I can grab something getting in/out of the tub. How high above the tub should it be to be most helpful? How long should this one be? Should it be a straight one or an angled one? Which way should it be turned? The part closest to the tub's back higher or lower than the front bar?

Does there need to be another bar higher and horizontally or vertically on the back wall? I will have a pony wall with glass on the end so there will not be a towel bar on the end.

What can I use for a towel bar?

Thanks.

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Comments (2)

badgergal
5 years ago
I used 24” grab bars in my tub/shower. They are 1-1/4 inches in diameter. My vertical bar is on the far end of the tub. I wanted it there instead of by the shower controls. I thought if the water was turned on prior to getting into it the shower, there would be less chance of water escaping if one got in at the far end. The center of the lower mounting bracket is 26” above the tub. I used the 24” bar so that my grandkids would be able to grab the lower part of it easily and adults of any height could grab the bar anywhere higher up that worked for them.

The center of my horizontal grab bar is 16” above the tub. A good size area of blocking was put in the wall before tiling. Before actually putting up the bar, our tile guy had me sit in the tub and pretend to reach and grab the bar. He marked where it seemed to work best for me and installed the bar there.

My tiler also mounted my shower slide bar with heavy duty mounting hardware. He said it’s technically not a grab bar but that it won’t come off the wall if someone does grab it.

If you want more hard and fast rules for placement of grab bars you should probably check the ADA website
Peke thanked badgergal
Peke
Original Author
5 years ago
That's a great idea. Sit in the tub and reach. I can't put a bar on the end of my tub due to the glass panel.
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