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Grab bar placement guide
Where grab bars go by the toilet, in the tub and in the shower, with ADA heights.
The standard height
ADA guidance puts horizontal grab bars 33" to 36" above the floor (or tub floor), measured to the top of the bar. Adjust within that range for the person who will use them most.
Anchor them properly
A grab bar has to hold at least 250 lb. It must go into studs or solid blocking, or use rated anchors made for grab bars. A towel bar is never a substitute.
Plan it into a remodel
Adding blocking while the walls are open costs almost nothing and lets you add or move bars later. See aging-in-place updates for more.
Common questions
How high should a grab bar be next to a toilet?
33" to 36" above the floor, on the side wall, starting no more than 12" from the back wall.
Can you put grab bars on tile?
Yes, if they are fastened into studs or blocking behind the tile, or with anchors rated for grab bars.
Related tools & pages
Helpful guides & tools
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