In areas where falls are common such as in bathrooms, around toilets and in showers and tubs, installing ADA-compliant grab bars is crucial to ensuring the safety of those using the facilities. Promenaid grab bars are sturdy, safe and ADA-compliant. In addition, our versatile handrails and grab bars are fully customizable and suitable for any space. Read on to learn more about where grab bars should be installed and how to install them safely.
What are Grab Bars?
Grab bars are essentially short sections of handrails that provide added support in areas where it is most needed. For example, they are used to help people guide themselves into and out of bathtubs and showers, use the toilet and navigate through slippery areas.
ADA-compliant grab bars can be installed vertically or horizontally depending on the needs of the application and the requirements in specific areas. Continuous grab bars provide the necessary support to help prevent falls and aid with stability issues in aging populations and areas where children and anyone with mobility issues may need added support. ADA-compliant grab bars are also essential to aid aging-in-place measures as people get older but can still live in their own homes. They are also required in residential homes, such as nursing homes, that house an aging population, and in public toilets and showers.
What is ADA Compliance?
ADA compliance simply means that buildings meet the standards set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These safety compliance measures include handrails and grab bars that increase safety on stairs, ramps and bathrooms.
Requirements for ADA Grab Bars
Regardless of where they are placed, grab bars must:
- Be 1-½ inches away from the wall or support structure.
- Be at least 1-½ inches away from any objects or protrusions at the ends or bottom of the bar.
- Be at least 12 inches below any objects or protrusions above the bar.
- Be installed 33-36 inches above the floor.
Toilets
Lowering onto and getting up from a toilet can be complicated for those with mobility issues. The ADA addresses these issues by requiring grab bars in at least one stall in a bathroom where compliance is necessary. These locations usually include public restrooms in commercial or residential buildings. Including ADA-compliant toilet grab bars in private residences can also help with aging-in-place and provide added stability.
ADA-compliant grab bars for a toilet must be positioned behind the toilet and on the wall adjacent to the toilet. Grab bars behind the toilet must be at least 36 inches long with 12 inches extending from one side of the centerline of the toilet and the remaining 24 inches extending to the other side of the centerline.
The grab bar on the wall adjacent to the toilet must be at least 42 inches long and begin within 12 inches of the rear wall. It must extend at least 54 inches from the rear wall. The ADA grab bar height should be 33-36 inches above the finished floor.
Children’s Bathrooms
Children’s bathrooms in schools, daycares or other public facilities designed to accommodate children are also required to have at least one stall that meets standards for accessibility set out by the ADA. These ADA grab bars have slightly different specifications designed to accommodate children’s smaller statures.
As there is a wide range in the needs of children as they grow bigger and taller, there are varying requirements depending on the age of the primary users. The grab bars should meet the requirements for general toilets and ADA compliance with the exception of the height from the floor. The proper ADA grab bar heights for children are:
- 3-4-year-olds: 18-20 inches from the floor
- 5-8-year-olds: 20-25 inches from the floor
- 9-12-year-olds: 25-27 inches from the floor
Bathtubs
Requirements for bathtubs depend on whether the bathtub includes a permanent seat.
Two parallel grab bars are required along the back wall for bathtubs with a permanent seat. The bottom grab bar must be 8-10 inches from the bathtub rim, and the top grab bar should be between 33 and 36 inches above the floor. Both of these bars should be placed within 15 inches of the head end wall of the shower (the wall opposite the shower controls). They must also be 12 inches or less from the control wall. On the control wall of the bathtub, the grab bar must be at least 24 inches long and positioned at the front edge of the bathtub.
If the bathtub doesn’t have a permanent seat, the same grab bars are required as those with permanent seats with a few adjustments. The back wall bars need to be at least 24 inches long. These bars need to be within 24 inches of the head wall and within 12 inches of the control wall. Grab bars are required on both the head wall and control wall of the bathtub. The bar at the control wall must be at least 24 inches, and the bar at the head wall must be at least 12 inches. Both bars should be installed at the front edge of the bathtub. Grab bars installed on the control wall of the bathtub should be a minimum of 1-½ inches below the controls and 12 inches away from any other protruding object such as a soap dispenser.
Showers
ADA shower grab bars are needed in both transfer and roll-in showers. Transfer showers require grab bars installed 33-36 inches above the floor, running along the control and back wall. Roll-in showers need grab bars on the back and side wall opposite the seat. Where no seat is present, grab bars should be installed on all three sides. Regardless of the type of shower, grab bars must be able to support at least 250 pounds of weight.
One exception to the general placement requirements is that shower controls can be as close as 1-½ inches above the grab bar as opposed to the 12 inches of clearance required for any other object.
Grab Bar Installation
Because grab bars are often needed in older homes, installation can prove tricky. In addition, fall-prone areas can be located where installation is challenging, and bathrooms can be small. Finding studs and customizing the length of grab bars, particularly those for toilets, is necessary for creating a safe environment.
Choosing a modular grab bar from Promenaid allows you to create continuous grab bars that are practical, safe and easy to install. Promenaid products use innovative Sprocketlock™ technology to create grab bars that can securely fit in spaces other grabs simply can’t. Because our handrails and grab bars are modular, they can be configured to any size, attaching to studs in any configuration for a continuous grab bar that conforms to the shape of your unique space.
If you’re working to make a bathroom and bathing area or any place in your home safer, you want a grab bar that fits your needs and your décor. Promenaid is the grab bar redefined. Elegantly finished to integrate with décor, our handrails are designed to not look like a mundane grab bar, but rather a stylish design element. In addition, our grab bars are so strong that they exceed code requirements and are a literal snap to install.
For a sleek, modern look, choose from several Endura™ anodized aluminum finishes, including champagne silver, architectural bronze and satin black. Or opt for something more traditional with one of our TrueWood™ genuine wood-wrapped aluminum grab bars. Our finishes blend with any décor and provide safety and increased mobility without looking out of place or detracting from their surroundings. Our products are proudly manufactured in North America, utilizing smart and sustainable materials. Not only will our anodized aluminum handrails never chip or flake, but you can also rest assured that our TrueWood™ railings and grab bars will never warp.
Installing grab bars and handrails has never been easier than with Promenaid. Our modular handrail solutions are designed to be simple to install and fit every space. We also offer a collection of how-to videos to make the installation process even easier. Our selection of documents and guides are also at your disposal to help you better understand your Promenaid products. In addition, our team of experts is always available to answer questions and help you find the ideal grab bars and handrails for your space.
We offer several purchasing options and our products are carried by dealers across the country. Use our convenient search tool to find a dealer near you. Contact us for more information on a simple and effective ADA-compliant grab bar.
