For added safety, grab bars should be located around the toilet, tub and shower area. All grab bars should be installed according to the manufacturer's directions for firm, solid support. Some grab bars are attached through the tile or wall surface to structural supports in the wall. Others are fastened to the sides of the bathtub or shower.
Various types of grab bars are available. The choice of bars and the location of the bars depends on the person using the them, the available wall space and plumbing locations.
Once institutional looking, grab bars now come in decorative colors and designs. Grab bars can be made of stainless steel, nylon or plastic. Grab bars should have a textured finish to help prevent slipping. Regardless of the style you choose, it is important that the grab bar meets approved national standards.
Grab bars should be mounted 1 1/2 inches from the wall. Any greater distance would allow a hand to slip through. Any smaller distance might make it hard to get a hand between the wall and the grab bar. The diameter of a grab bar should be 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. Grab bars should be mounted to withstand 300 pounds of force in any direction.
Grab bars can be expensive, but they should never be substituted with towel rods or other devices not specifically designed for bathroom assistance. Substitutes are not strong enough to support the weight or pressure of an individual leaning or pulling on them.
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