Standard Bathroom Grab Bar Heights

The bathroom can be a dangerous place where seniors are prone to slips and falls. Adding grab bars inside the shower, along the bathtub, and beside the toilet area can keep the area safe for your loved one. But where should toilet grab bars be placed? What is the standard shower grab bar height? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this post.

Bathroom Grab Bar Facts

Before we get into the standard bathroom grab bar heights, let’s go over some information on bathroom grab bars. Below, you will find some quick facts you should know.

• Grab bars should be mounted to wall studs rather than sheetrock. This keeps the grab bars steady. Speak with a contractor about the best installation options.

• Towel bars and soap dishes are never good substitutes for grab bars. These items are not designed to bear weight and could be dangerous for your loved one should they collapse.

• Grab bars come in various styles and lengths. The lengths of grab bars can range from 9-42 inches. They also come in different styles to help them blend in varying types of home decor.

• Grab bars should be placed in locations that can assist users in preventing slips and falls. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides guidelines for what you can consider in your remodeling plans.

• Most grab bars meet or exceed ADA standards. Many grab bars are labeled to show their compliance with ADA standards. These products meet the following specifications:

  • Capable of supporting 500 lbs.

  • Diameter is 1¼-to-1½ inches in width

  • The space allowance between the wall and the bar is 1½ inches

  • Made of heavy-duty 18-gauge brushed satin stainless steel with round snap on covers

  • Flanges are fabricated for durability

Download Our Bath Safety Guide

Standard Bathroom Grab Bar Heights

When installing grab bars in your bathroom, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This includes watching for obstructions like toilet tanks or window sills. ADA guidelines require a minimum of 1.5 inches of clearance below a grab bar, and 12 inches above. Below are some guidelines for handicap grab bar heights to keep the bathroom safe for your elderly loved one.

• Shower Grab Bar Height: The height for a shower bar should be 8-10 inches from the rim of the tub and the other parallel to it should be 33-36 inches from the base of the tub.

• Toilet Grab Bar Height: The recommended height for a toilet grab bar is between 33 inches and 36 inches maximum above the finished floor to the top of the gripping surface.

• Vertical Grab Bar Height: Vertical grab bars should be placed 39 to 41 inches above the floor.

• Horizontal Grab Bar Height: Horizontal grab bars should be placed 33 to 36 inches above the floor.

Diagonal Grab Bar Height: Position the diagonal grab bar so the top of it is no higher than 42 inches above the floor. Make sure it is angled so it can be securely attached to the existing stud frame that is 16 inches on center.