Bathroom handrail installation

With the latter type, install the handrail over the mounting flanges and secure it with the screws provided. Renee Miller began writing professionally in , contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper.

She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. Miller holds a diploma in social services from Clarke College in Belleville, Ontario. By Renee Miller. Related Articles. Toggler: High-Performance Anchors.

Seal around holes and screws with silicone caulk to prevent water from entering the wall. Handrails are measured from the center of one flange to the center of the other. The flange typically adds three inches to the overall length, so a handrail labeled as 16 inches is actually 19 inches long. Handrails can be mounted vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Vertical handrails installed in front of the tub are ideal for entering and exiting.

Read here about how to install grab bars on tile or fiberglass surfaces. Typically, grab bars in the shower should be installed 33 to 36 inches from the floor of the bathroom this is according to ADA Americans with Disabilities Act Standards. But I would strongly recommend to take into consideration the height and physical capabilities of the person you are installing these grab bars for. If possible, go through a few simulations with them.

Have them pretend to bath themselves, wash their hair, etc. Notice where a grab bar would be of assistance to them. It may be that for your older adult, only 2 grab bars would be necessary or perhaps four would be needed. The recommendations for where to install grab bars on the wall around the bathtub are the basically same as they are for showers which I mentioned just above.

The one addition that I would recommend is a clamp on bar. This great little device literally clamps on to the side of the bathtub — you can read more about them here. This works well if you are unable to install one on the wall to help you get in and out of the tub. When I was an Occupational Therapist there were very few choices when it came to grab bars.

But today — that has changed dramatically. They are not straight, instead they have a wave design it goes up and down and this can make it easier for some to grab and hold on to. The Flip — I mentioned one of these models above as an option to place by a toilet. Tension Rods — I also mentioned this model above as an option by the toilet but truthfully it can be placed anywhere in the home. It can accommodate up to lbs.

These are great for those very large walk in showers and could also work well for bathtubs too. Integrated Bars — These are really kinda cool. They are literally integrated with another item.

Things like handheld shower heads, toilet paper holders, soap dishes, towel racks, shower faucets, etc. Suction Bars — These are not drilled into a stud, instead they adhere to any flat and non-porous surfaces. Use a tape measure to find the centerline of the toilet, then place a pencil mark on the rear wall indicating the centerline of the toilet. Place this centerline mark along the horizontal line you drew in the previous step. Measure over 12 inches from the centerline toward the side wall closest to the toilet and make another mark on the wall.

This indicates where to install one end of the grab bar. Measure 24 inches from the centerline of the toilet toward the side wall that's furthest from the toilet. This indicates where to install the other end of the grab bar. Predrill holes for your grab bar fasteners at either end of the markings. Use a drill with a masonry bit if drilling through tile, concrete or brick. Always wear your safety glasses when drilling into masonry or tile.

Hold the grab bar against the wall and screw in the fasteners to hold the bar in place. Snap on cover plates to cover these fasteners, if provided. Draw a pencil line along the side wall of the bathroom parallel to the floor at this height.