Grab bars are usually placed where a person sits down, stands up or steps in or out: beside the toilet, at the entry to the tub or shower, and along the wall inside the shower. Before you buy, decide where each bar will go, measure the wall space, and check what the wall is made of. That decides whether a wall-mounted bar, a suction bar or a clamp-on tub rail fits your bathroom. You can compare options in our bathroom grab bars collection.
Common places for grab bars
- Beside the toilet: a horizontal bar on the side wall, or a toilet safety rail that attaches to or stands around the toilet if there is no wall nearby.
- At the tub or shower entry: a vertical or angled bar near the edge, or a clamp-on tub rail that grips the side of the tub.
- Along the back wall of the tub or shower: a longer horizontal bar, often 24 to 32 inches.
- By a shower seat: a bar within reach of where the person sits.
For reference, the ADA accessibility standards for public buildings place horizontal grab bars 33 to 36 inches above the floor. Homes are not required to follow these standards, but many people use them as a starting point and adjust for the person using the bar.
Types of grab bars and rails
| Type | How it attaches | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted grab bar | Screwed into wall studs or with mounting hardware made for the wall type. Moen SecureMount bars, for example, use their own anchor system. | Length, finish (chrome, stainless, knurled or textured grip) and the installation instructions |
| Suction grab bar | Suction cups on smooth, non-porous tile or glass | The manufacturer's instructions on what it is designed for, and checking the suction before each use |
| Clamp-on tub rail | Clamps onto the side wall of the bathtub with no drilling | Tub wall thickness, and whether it fits fiberglass or cast iron tubs |
| Toilet safety rail | Mounts to the toilet or stands on its own around it | Width adjustment and height range |
Sizes and features to compare
- Length: common sizes run from about 11 inches for small suction bars to 16, 18, 24 and 32 inches for wall bars.
- Grip: knurled or textured surfaces are easier to hold with wet hands than smooth chrome.
- Diameter: many bars are 1.25 to 1.5 inches thick. Choose a size the user can wrap their hand around.
- Weight rating: check the rating listed for the bar and its mounting method.
Installation
A wall-mounted grab bar is only as secure as its installation. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and use a qualified installer if you're not sure how your walls are built.