How-To Guides
It is not easy to get in and out of a shower if you have a sore knee or a sprained ankle. It is also tougher for older people and people with disabilities to enter and exit safely. That is why you will need to install safety bars. In this article, we’re going to share how to install grab bars in tile showers and tell you the proper height for grab bars.
Where Should You Place the Grab Bars in Shower?
Installing grab bars and where to place them is a common home improvement to make the house safe for older adults.
Before you know how to install grab bars in tile showers, you must know where you put them in the bathroom? You can place one or two grab bars in the toilet for optimum protection, up to three in the douche or bathroom. You can place safety bars anywhere in the bathroom who wants support to stabilize themselves when standing up.
A standard shower room should feature a minimum of three grab bars. They will be placed in the positions below.
- You may place a grab bar at the door to the shower. It is commonly in a vertical position; a small grab bar is enough.
- You can install a grab bar on the wall. It is lengthier and horizontally placed ring.
- Around or next to the handles of the faucet. You can install another small bar vertically.
These are recommended positions for testing it with the individual who will use it.
What Is the Proper Height for Shower Grab Bars?
You can mount bathroom grab rails from 33 to 36 inches according to ADA Americans with Disabilities Act Standards. But you may want to consider the height and physical strength of the individual with whom you are building those grab bars.
Go through some exercises for them, if necessary. Make the elders step in or out of the bath or tub. Let them attempt to take a drink, wash their face, etc. Note that a grab bar will support them.
It could be that only two grab bars will be appropriate for your older person, or maybe four might be required.
The Consideration to Shower Grab Bar Installation
Grab Bars, aka Safety Bars, are the simplest tools to make it more comfortable for your loved ones. Before you learn how to install grab bars in tile showers, there are some standards you must consider first.
Here are a few general guidelines on their setup:
- Take the time for the individual using the grab bars to determine where they will be placed, and in what place.
- To guarantee optimum protection, use ADA-compliant grab bars. The program meets the requirements of the building standards and the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
- The bulk of the handrails must accommodate 300lbs. If the individual weighs more than 300lbs, some safety bars are easily accessible that can support up to 500lbs.
- You must fasten the grab bar brackets with bolts to the wall studs.
- When installing a bar in a nearby fiberglass shower, you will use a different form of grab bars. You must use mounting brackets that are specially built for fiberglass setups.
How to Install Grab Bars in Tile Showers
We suggest that you employ a helpful specialist to do the job for you. This might sound like a straightforward task, but if you break the tile or use the wrong wall anchors, it may cost you more and trigger damage.
The steps on how to install grab bars in tile showers are much like replacing them on drywall or surrounding fiberglass toilets.
Steps to Install Grab Bars in Tile Showers
- Measure where the right area(s) for the grab bar will be before installing the bars. Also, that depends on the individual who would need it.
- If the holes are labeled as to where you intend to dig, you can put the nail and press it to make a slight dent with your hammer. Be mindful not to crack the tile.
- Use your masonry drill bit and cordless drill in the same place but gradual, and ideally, you won’t break the stone.
- Tape your hammer through the opening in your hook.
- Place your screw into its anchor by the grab bar. You can tighten this in with a screwdriver or your drill. Do not hold the screw stiff.
- Repeat this procedure on the tile wall, with the other notes.
You’re not finished until you yank the bars for testing. Bring a solid jerk to the shower bars to check its structural strength. With an assistant standing by, pull with your intensity in case the bar gets loose. Now is the chance to build sure that the shower bar holds up when it needs to be.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Grab Bars
The expense of installing the grab bars depends on the number of grab bars you choose to mount and where they are attached. Costs do differ according to where you live. The cost range may be between $88.00 and $254.00 per unit. Be mindful because the more bars you mount, the lower the cost of labor.
Replacing grab bars in a shower takes a little experience since they are mounted on a tiled or fiberglass wall. Having stated this, the handyman will typically do the work, meaning that the expense will vary based on their pay rate.
Conclusion
Mounting the bars to the right location and height is essential. Mount a vertical bar near the edge of the tub to help get in and out. Also, mount one on the back wall at an angle beginning about 6 to 10 inches above the tub. Considering the height and angle on how to install grab bars in tile showers is essential, especially if you are living with people who are having difficulties maneuvering around the bathroom. Find out more about Grab Bars.