Bathroom Safety Hardware

Bathroom grab bars add an extra level of safety to any home, business, or school. Staples® carries several top brands that offer a variety of these units in different widths and finishes. A few brands provide bathroom safety hardware that meets the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. The hardware helps keep people with mobility issues secure, improves their stability, and provides slip protection.

Where to Place Bathroom Grab Bars
There are a few places for these supports. Install two bars for help using the toilet. Align one about 5 inches from the seat that runs parallel to the floor and put the second one at least 16 inches above the end of the horizontal bar. For bathrooms with a shower stall, install a minimum of one grab handle parallel to the outside wall, and consider additional smaller bars inside for extra protection from falls.

Equip bathtub and shower stall combination units with the same shower hardware, except move the parallel one from the outside to the inside faucet wall. Keep the bar low, or around 30 inches from the bottom of the tub to help with stability when getting into and out of the unit. All rails should be within an arm’s length of each other. You can also use handrails in any area mobility protection is essential, such as parallel to the floor in a long hallway where a rest area is necessary, or along a kitchen counter for extra assistance while preparing meals or cleaning. 

Choose Bathroom Grab Bars by Length
Most bathroom handrails are between 12 inches and 32 inches long, although a 42-inch model is available. If you need to install more than one, consider a multipack that comes with three 32-inch safety bars. Use the 32-inch bar for the toilet, shower stall, or tub entry area.

Are Bathroom Grab Bars Available in Different Finishes?
Yes, the durable, steel bathroom safety hardware comes in a chrome or stainless steel finish. These surfaces are easy to grip, and they stay clean in high-traffic areas. The stainless steel and chrome coatings are also rust-resistant. Another option is white powder-coated vinyl handrails with durable steel cores. Knurled steel grab bars are available and offer an additional grip factor when wet. There is also an option for a concealed mount that covers the screws for aesthetic reasons. 

How Much Weight Can Bathroom Grab Bars Support?
They support up to 500 pounds and withstand a 1,000-pound pull. This exceeds the ADA regulations of a 250 pound minimum. The purpose of bathroom safety hardware is to assist people with mobility issues, and to prevent slips and falls. They are not for supporting a person’s full body weight. 

Are All Bathroom Grab Bars ADA Compliant?
Steel restroom handrails that are a minimum of a 1.25 inches thick meet most hardware safety requirements by federal and state authorities. To meet the complete specifications for ADA compliance, the installation location and height must also be correct. For a proper fit, use the mounting screws and gaskets that accompany each handrail.