The shower standing handle and the Bathroom grab bar should prevent fatal falls. They are bars hooked up to the bathroom wall that you can grasp for stability. Grab bars are generally equipped in shower or tub spaces where slippery floors can create a slipping risk.
Grab bars can likewise assist someone who has a tough time getting up from a sitting position on the toilet. These bars are supportive and should be capable of taking the strain of the individual handling them.
We have brought together this shopping list to help you analyze the best models, and we’ve added our top choices for the strongest grab bars on the market that are proven to increase showers’ safety.
Our favorite is from Moen and can take up to 500 pounds – the most we’ve encountered on the market.
Factors When Choosing Bathroom Grab Bars
Installation
The shower standing handle can either be briefly or permanently equipped. Removable shower handles usually have suction cups that catch firmly to smooth surfaces.
These bars commonly have moderate weight limits and do not come in the same range of dimensions as permanent grab bars.
However, they are cheap and easy to install. If you don’t feel you’ll require a grab bar long-term, provisional bars may be an appropriate alternative.
Permanently equipped bathroom grab bars give a high grade of bathroom safety. Many can tolerate the pressure of up to 500 pounds when installed on the studs of your walls.
The detriment is that the installation will anchor holes in your tile or walls. You may also want to appoint a professional to install these grab bars adequately.
Whether you prefer temporary or permanent grab bars, meticulously refer to the installation instructions. Minor changes, like installing a makeshift bar over a grout line, can distinguish the bath safety.
Installation Tricks
Installing a shower standing handle properly requires anchoring it to solid studs behind the bathroom wall, and finding the stud is the key to securing anything to it.
Most of the time, studs covered in wallboard are easy to locate. It is possible to find studs using a stud finder or tapping lightly with a hammer with some practice.
When you tap over a stud, the hammer’s sound will change from hollow to solid.
A straight shower standing handle can be attached to studs at both ends by installing them at an angle, but most people prefer straight bars.
The end of the bar that will be stressed the most should be attached to a stud, while the other end should be attached to the wallboard or plaster using wallboard anchors.
Installation Requirements
Installing grab bars requires careful attention to technical requirements to ensure safety and stability. The most secure method involves mounting grab bars directly on studs within the wall, as stud-mounted grab bars provide the necessary strength to support the user’s weight.
For installations where studs are not available in the desired location, wall anchors or backing plates can be used to create a secure hold in the voids of stud walls.
The appropriate height for grab bars is typically between 33 to 36 inches from the floor, but this can vary based on the user’s specific needs and preferences. In some cases, angled bars may be beneficial for offering support during different movements.
While adhesive mounts and suction cups are available for temporary installations, they do not offer the same level of security as stud-mounted bars and should be used cautiously.
Professional consultation is often recommended to ensure that all installation requirements are met, including the use of stainless #12 screws or other appropriate fasteners for a durable and safe installation.
Length
The Americans with Defects Law demands that shower and restroom grab bars in communal bathrooms be at least 36 inches and equipped 33 to 36 inches off the floor.
While you are not obliged to adhere to the same regulations in your home, these evaluations can be an outstanding guidebook.
Longer bars are suitable for inside your shower area or if you are anxious about losing your foothold as you go around the bathroom.
Shortened grab bars are commonly installed vertically and should be used solely for aid when going in and departing the shower or bath or rising up from the toilet.
Grab Bar Orientation
When it comes to grab bar orientation, choosing between vertical and horizontal installations is more than just a design preference; it has practical implications for safety and ease of use. A vertical grab bar may offer a more secure hold for those with limited hand and wrist strength, providing a reliable grip while standing or transitioning.
On the other hand, a horizontal grab bar can support balance maintenance during movements like sitting or standing from a seated position. Diagonal shower grab bars are also an option, providing a versatile solution that combines aspects of both orientations. The space between the bar and the wall should be carefully considered to ensure a secure grip.
At the same time, caregiver consultation can help determine the best fit for user needs and preferences. Ultimately, the suitable orientation depends on individual requirements, and selecting the right grab bar layout is crucial to fostering a safe, user-friendly environment.
Grab Bar Placement
Grab bar placement is a key consideration for enhancing safety in bathroom setups, whether it’s a standalone shower, a bathtub/shower combination, or the toilet area. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design provide guidelines on recommended grab bar locations, such as placing a horizontal bar along the back wall or the side wall for added stability.
A vertical entrance bar near the shower entrance can assist users with stepping in and out safely, while a grab bar at the faucet end wall can aid in maneuvering within the shower or bathtub. Proper placement around the toilet area is also essential for support when sitting down or standing up.
The installation cost may vary depending on whether professional installation is needed and whether wall studs are available for secure mounting. It’s vital to assess the user’s specific needs when determining the ideal locations for grab bars and consider adding features like a shower seat for extra comfort and security.
Grab Bar Specifications
Grab bar specifications are essential for ensuring both safety and functionality. Grab bars come in various lengths, with a typical choice being the 24-inch grab bar, although other lengths may be preferred depending on the space and user needs.
The weight capacity of a grab bar is a crucial factor, often dictated by ADA and IRC codes, which typically require bars to support at least 250 pounds, ensuring stability during use.
Materials like stainless steel, brass, and aluminum are commonly used for grab bar construction, offering different benefits such as corrosion resistance and durability. Stainless steel bars are trendy for their strength and resistance to rust, while brass can offer an elegant appearance with similar sturdiness.
Plastic grab bars may be a more affordable option, though they are generally less durable. Texture is another important consideration, as a textured surface can enhance grip strength, especially for individuals with smaller hands or limited mobility.
Ultimately, selecting the right grab bar specifications—balancing length, material, and weight capacity—ensures a safe and secure solution for any bathroom.
Importance of Grab Bars
Grab bars play a crucial role in enhancing bathroom safety, especially for individuals with mobility issues or those facing temporary mobility limitations. Bathrooms, mainly showers and baths, are high-risk areas for slips and falls, which can result in severe but non-fatal injuries.
Installing grab bars or safety rails in these spaces significantly improves balance and stability, offering essential support during movements like entering and exiting the shower or bathtub. These assist bars are not only vital for those with long-term mobility concerns but also for anyone recovering from surgery or dealing with temporary physical limitations.
Compliant with building codes, grab bars come in various material options to suit both functionality and bathroom design, making them a practical addition to remodeling projects focused on improving safety.
Their significance in reducing the risk of falls makes grab bars indispensable in bathroom safety, providing peace of mind for users of all ages.
Popular Brands
Regarding grab bars, several popular brands dominate the market, known for their balance of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Moen, Kohler, and Delta are among the top brands offering ADA-compliant grab bars, ensuring safety standards are met while providing a range of design options.
Moen is particularly well-regarded for its corrosion-resistant stainless steel grab bars, which are durable and available in various finishes to complement any bathroom décor.
Kohler is another leading name in the bathroom fixture industry, offering sleek designs that integrate seamlessly into modern bathroom aesthetics without sacrificing strength.
Delta, known for its high-quality fixtures, provides grab bars emphasizing style and functionality. These brands often offer a variety of lengths, finishes, and materials, making it easy to find a grab bar that suits both the user’s safety needs and the overall bathroom design.
With well-known names leading the market, customers can trust these brands to provide reliable, long-lasting grab bar solutions.
Regulatory Standards
A variety of regulatory standards govern the installation of grab bars in showers to ensure compliance and safety. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets specific requirements for grab bars in public and commercial spaces, including placement, height, and support strength guidelines.
For residential settings, the International Residential Code (IRC) also provides specifications to ensure that grab bars are securely installed, often requiring that they support at least 250 pounds.
Local building codes may further refine these regulations, dictating specific requirements for corrosion resistance, slip-resistant surfaces, and appropriate mounting hardware to ensure durability and safety in wet environments.
Properly installed grab bars must provide reliable support and be positioned at a height that accommodates user needs while being securely attached to walls, often requiring installation into studs or the use of specialized mounting hardware.
These regulatory standards are critical in preventing accidents and ensuring shower spaces meet essential safety criteria.
Types of Safety Bars
On the other hand, assist bars are often used for lighter support, such as helping with balance or providing a handhold in areas where full grab bars may not be necessary. They are available in materials ranging from metal to plastic, offering flexible options for different needs and environments.
While assist bars may not always meet the stringent requirements of grab bars, they are still practical safety features, especially for those with temporary mobility concerns.
Understanding the differences between these two types of safety bars is vital for selecting the right solution based on individual needs and the specific risks associated with each location.
F.A.Q.
Q. Will one bathroom standing handle be sufficient for my bathroom?
A. You might invest over one bathroom grab bar. Two or three grab bars arranged horizontally, vertically, and at an angle will give optimal coverage for most bathrooms.
Q. How do I estimate the width that’s best for my hands?
A. Bathroom grab bars are between 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches in width and 24 inches in length. Thinner bars can be better for people with smaller hands. Thicker bars are better for people who have issues with grasping, which is typical when suffering from arthritis.
Bathroom Grab Bars, We Propose
Best of the best: Moen R8916 Home Care 16-Inch Grab Bar
Our take: This strong choice is economical and comes in several lengths to fit your bathroom area.
What we like: Bars support up to 500 pounds. They have a stainless surface and can be equipped at an angle if needed.
What we dislike: You may require an extra hand to install this permanent bathroom grab bar.
Best Bang For Your Buck: AquaChase 2-Pack 17 “Suction Shower Grab Bar
Our take: These safety grab bars are a solid choice if you have temporary mobility limitations or visitors who may require the extra stability of a grab bar during their stay. Belongs to the amazon basics category.
What we like: Tool-free install. Suctions to any smooth surface, anti-slip feature. The color index confirms the bar is installed correctly. Temporary, but can uphold up to 300 pounds.
What we dislike: It only comes in one length, which is on the limited side.
Choice 3: Franklin Brass Concealed Mount Shower Standing Handle
Our take: A quality bathroom grab bar with various finishes and lengths.
What we like: Simple installation. It has end covers to obscure screws. It can hold 500 pounds of pressure. Take from several finishes to match your alternative bathroom accessories.
What we dislike: Thinner than alternative grab bars, which may not be excellent if you have trouble grasping.
3 Places To Install Shower Standing Handle To Help Prevent Falls
When installing a shower standing handle for a loved one, check for places where they are most likely to lose stability by raising, lowering, or resting on one foot.
- Tub/Shower – Place the shower standing handle lower to support bathers with lifting and lowering. A grab bar at the waistline or somewhat higher is excellent to help with stepping in and out of the tub and keep extra stability while washing, sliding the shower curtain, and shampooing.
- To eradicate clutter, install a bar up higher and a Shower Valve Ring at the lower height.
- Toilet – Install a grab bar on the wall near the toilet for aid when raising and lowering. Consider designated toilet paper holders designed to double as safety bars for a more ornamental look.
- Towel racks – A famous routine for seniors is to hang on to a towel rack while wiping off or leaning to take clothes. Ordinary towel racks aren’t constructed to hold the load of someone leaning on them. They will slacken over time and ultimately disengage from the wall, which could contribute to severe injury.
Install security towel bars and/or towel racks that are applicable in a collection of sizes, shapes, and colors to fit your bathroom area to provide needed assistance.
People Also Ask
Where In The Shower Should Grab Bars Be Placed?
A: Shower Standing handles can be used anywhere there is space for them. They could cause someone to trip if they are too small.
If they are oversized, people can hurt themselves while they move about.
Installing grab bars next to the toilet, at the end of the tub, and along the wall across from the door in a bathroom without a bathtub is typically safe.
What Qualities Should I Look For In A New Shower?
A: When shopping for a new shower, search for models with the following features:
- An adjustable showerhead so you don’t have to stoop to change the water flow.
- It has a retractable sprayer and a shutoff valve that automatically shuts the water when the drain is opened.
- Waterproof drain cover.
- Got a dispenser for soap
- built-in bench
- portable shower wand
What is the Optimal Size Of Shower Standing Handle
A: The dimensions of grip bars vary. One includes some showers, but you must purchase additional ones for others.
Alternative Method Of Installing Bathroom Grab Bar
“Nie wieder bohren” (Never Drill Again) is the German company that purchased the patent.
Manufacturers have used adhesives before but need access to air during the hardening process for them to cure.
This system holds the adhesive in place by an adapter layer that allows air to reach it while the adhesive cures.
While the adhesive cures, a temporary band holds the mounting plate to the wall.
Use the wipe included in the package to clean the shower wall before installing the bars.
Next, loosely screw the nuts that hold an adapter plate to each mounting plate at the bar’s ends, remove the protective cover on an adhesive ring on each plate, and press it on the wall.
There is no risk of the mounting plates not aligning correctly since they are both attached to the bar.
After unscrewing the nuts, you remove the shower standing handle, leaving behind the mounting plates and their adapter plates.
A little tube of adhesive is included in the package for gluing them in place.
Two holes are present: one for pressing in the adhesive and one for observing when there is enough space between the adapter and the mounting plate.
Stop filling when adhesive is visible in the second hole. In the same way, add glue to the other adapter and mounting plate.
After 24 hours without putting pressure on the plates, reinstall the bar, tighten the nuts, and install the end covers.
After that, the bar is ready for use.
Take down the bar by loosening the end covers and rotating the adapter and mounting plate with an adjustable wrench.
You can then use a razor scraper to remove the adhesive residue. Acetone or silicone remover may be necessary on rough surfaces.
Bathing with grab bars is much safer than without them.
An 18 to 24-inch vertical bar, positioned close to the outside edge of the tub and 32 to 38 inches above the ground, is probably the most effective, especially if you have to step into the bathtub.
You might be able to use a shorter rod if there are no children in the shower. Place it where you would naturally grab it.
In addition to the vertical bar above the shower valve, a horizontal bar can also be helpful.
It is recommended that grab bars are installed on the back wall of the tub if you or others bathe there.
Approximately 6 to 10 inches above the tub and at an angle of about 45 degrees, install one at an angle.
Alternatively, you can install two bars: a horizontal one 12 inches above the lip of the tub and a vertical one near the end.
Conclusion
In bathroom fixtures, the Shower standing handle has become an indispensable tool for many, especially older adults and those with limited mobility. When it comes to ensuring accessibility in the bathroom, choosing the correct shower handle can be the best choice to offer peace of mind.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that individuals at a higher risk, such as older adults, require extra support when showering. With so many different types of shower handles in the market, the Gotega and Leverloc shower safety handles have gained popularity due to their robust design.
Wall-mounted standing bars and shower handles are a good start for those who require a handle that can bear total weight. On the other hand, suction cup handles, like suction cup bars, may not support as much weight but offer versatility in positioning. One must always be wary of the fine print in the product description to ensure that the handle supports the desired weight.
The size of the shower, as well as the average shower valve height, are essential considerations when determining the correct height and location for installation. Detachable shower handles can be handy, but a fixed shower handle, usually made of chrome with brackets and flanges, often offers much support.
Adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions is paramount to avoid excess water buildup and ensure a firm grip. Consulting a handyman is a good idea if you’re unsure about installing it.
Younger people may not think much of it, but for those with a higher risk, ensuring that a shower handle is of the right height, whether standard size or a more extended shower handle, could mean the difference between a relaxing shower and a hazardous situation.
Additionally, wall-mounted handles and suction cup bars ensure that everything is within easy reach, providing both safety and convenience. It’s also worth checking with the local Area Agency for recommendations on the right type of shower handle for your needs.
To sum it up, when it comes to picking the best shower standing handle for your type of shower, whether it’s for extra support or just ensuring enough room for easy access, always prioritize safety and adherence to guidelines.
This ensures that the handle is placed at the right height and guarantees the user a sense of safety and confidence every time they step into the shower.
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