Adding grab bars to your shower is an easy way to improve safety and accessibility. Whether for seniors, those with mobility challenges (like me), or anyone wanting extra support, grab bars provide stability and peace of mind.
I know because I have a grab bar in my shower.
The key is to determine the right placement, drill into the wall, and then use the proper hardware to secure the grab bars to the wall or wall studs. Cover screw and seams with silicone for a watertight fit, then test to be sure they will hold fast.
This guide will walk you through installing grab bars in the shower like a pro.
Tools and Materials
To install grab bars in the shower, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Drill and drill bits: You’ll need masonry bits for tile, fiberglass bits for pre-fab setups, and standard bits for wood or drywall.
- 12 stainless steel sheet metal screws: You can use the No. 10 screws that probably came with your grab bar, but the pros use larger No. 12 screws.
- Stud Finder: Dad jokes aside, you’ll need this to locate wall studs for secure mounting.
- Level: Because uneven bars are for gymnastics, not your bathroom.
- Measuring Tape: Measure twice and drill once for perfect placement and spacing
- Marker or Pencil: X marks the spot where you plan to drill.
- Masking Tape: Tape protects your tiles when drilling.
- Safety Gear: Remember your protective eyewear and gloves.
- Grab Bars: Choose rust-resistant, ADA-compliant grab bars.
- Mounting Hardware: Use wall anchors if you’re not drilling into studs.
- Sealant: Seal the deal with waterproof silicone sealant to prevent rotting wood and drywall.
Where to Place Grab Bars
ADA requirements dictate that grab bars in public spaces be 33-36 inches from the floor, but in your home, grab bars should go wherever you need them.
Pro Tip: Most falls occur when transitioning in and out of the shower, so a grab bar immediately inside the shower is a great place to start.
Thankfully, grab bars attach to virtually any surface, so drywall, tile, cement, and fiberglass shower attachment is possible (with the correct drill bit.)
Check out these diagrams I created for placement ideas:
How to Install Grab Bars on Wall Studs
It’s easier to trust wall studs with your body weight, so let’s talk about how to find these sturdy framing beams.
Use a stud detector to find the studs in the wall
If you don’t have a stud finder and are feeling lucky, there is another way to find studs: Look for light switches since they hang on a stud. In most homes, studs are 16 inches apart.
Mark the location of the studs
Use your level to draw a line for your grab bar. There are usually two sets of metal disks on your grab bar; one set with holes for screws and another set with no holes to cover the screws and prevent rust and wood rot. These discs, called flanges, attach the grab bar to the wall.
Mark where you plan to drill
Hold your grab bar up to the wall and mark inside the flanges indicating where you plan to drill in your screws.
Use masking tape
If you are drilling into concrete, marble, fiberglass, or anything other than drywall, you’ll need to tape. Make a cross over the spot you plan to drill. The masking tape keeps your drill bit in place and your shower tiles from cracking.
Drill pilot holes into your markings
By predrilling pilot holes, you reduce the risk of the stud splitting.
Line up the grab bar with the holes and secure it using screws
Use your drill to tighten the screws 95%, then finish with a screwdriver to avoid over-tightening or stripping the screw.
Add a thin layer of sealant
Use silicone caulk around the screws and cover with the second flange. Allow at least two hours for the sealant to dry, and test your bar to ensure it is stable.
How to Install a Grab Bar Without Studs
Installing grab bars without the support of wall studs sounds implausible, but all you need are wall anchors.
- Determine the placement of your grab bars
- Use a level to draw a straight line
- Use a drill bit to predrill holes
- Insert wall anchors
- Screw in your grab bar
- Add sealant
- Test your grab bar
Insert wall anchors into the drilled hole
Push the folded toggle through until it opens behind the wall. For snap-toggle anchors, push the toggle through the hole, pull the ratchet cap flush with the wall, and snap off the excess plastic.
Ensure the toggle bolts or snap-toggle anchors have a high weight capacity (at least 250 lbs).
Pro Tip: Use anchors designed to withstand moisture. Rust-resistant anchors are best for bathrooms.
Tighten the screws into the anchors
Use a screwdriver, not a drill, to avoid stripping the screws.
Add silicone caulk
Caulk around the screws to seal out moisture
Test the grab bar
Once the caulk has dried, you can test your grab bar.
How to Install Suction Grab Bars in a Shower
If you have a temporary rental situation, a suction grab bar will do the trick in a pinch.
- Start by wetting the suction cups.
- Place the bar against the wall.
- Press the tabs down into the locked position.
- Test the suction by tugging on the bar.
The issue I ran into using a suction grab bar was that the tiles around my tub were smaller than the suction cups. The grout lines disrupted the suction, so I had to reattach it each time I showered.
Occasionally, my bar would fall midshower and scare me. If your tiles are wider than the suction cups, it will work for you.
FAQ about Grab Bars
No, Medicare won’t pay for the bar or installation.
The grab bars cost $20-$80, depending on the size, material, and quantity you need. Professional installation runs $80-$200. Total costs are $100-$300 for professional installation.
Once you gather your tools, installing your grab bar should take 10-30 minutes.
Yes. Use masonry wall anchors and a drill bit made for cement, and your grab bar will be secure.
When to Hire a Pro
Installing grab bars isn’t that complicated if you know what you’re doing, but know this: this is one DIY project you don’t want to do incorrectly. A poorly installed accessibility aid can cause – rather than prevent – a tragic mishap.
So if you’re like me and lack the balance to install your grab bar, hire a pro. Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book a reliable, skilled handyman in seconds, and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: Unsplash
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