Grab bars and toilet safety rails are just some of the ways to make your bathroom safer and minimize the risk of slipping and falling.

Grab bars are usually installed around or in the shower/bathtub to give users needed support. In addition, grab bars will help the elderly maintain balance and lessen fatigue when they are in a standing position. With handicap grab bars for bathroom, stepping in and out will be a whole lot easier and much safer.

Toilet safety rails are installed around the toilet and are designed to help the users sit on or stand up from the toilet. Toilet safety rails provide extra balance and stability to those with limited mobility, allowing them to move with confidence.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the Types of Bathroom Safety Bars?

Even though it may not seem like that, there is actually quite a number of bathroom safety bars to choose from. So, here’s a quick list of bathroom support bars with a short description of each type.

Straight Safety Grab Bar

Straight Safety Grab BarAs the name itself suggests, this shower grab bar is straight and can be installed to the wall, anywhere in the bathroom. Since these bars are fixed to the wall, they offer outstanding support which makes them perfect for people with stability issues.

Clamp on Tub Rail

Clamp on Tub RailThis tub grab bar is great for making stepping in and out of the bathtub more stable and secure. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to tighten it well, otherwise the tub rail won’t provide support and might even contribute to the fall.

Angled Grab Bar

Angled Grab BarThis type of bathtub support bars is ideal for maximizing the safety of the seniors and handicap people. Since this bar is bent at an angle, it can be installed in a wet area, as it will give a secure grip to the user, while also allowing more flexibility as far as the geometry of the bathroom and shower is concerned.

Wall to Floor Grab Bars

Wall to Floor Grab BarsAs you can imagine, this grab bar is fixed to the wall and the floor and offers a great deal of stability. It’s usually installed next to the toilet and some models come with a second small support leg, to provide even more support.

Suction Cup Grab Bars

Suction Cup Grab BarsSuction grab bars are ideal if your landlord doesn’t allow the installation of permanent grab bars. However, this type would work best on a smooth surface, since fixing it to the wall with tiles will be hard.

Flip-Up Bathroom Grab Bar and Flip Down Grab Bar

Flip-Up Bathroom Grab BarFlip-up and flip down grab bars can be moved out of the way, which is one of their best features. They can be installed on one side of the toilet or in the shower.

Decorative Grab Bar

Decorative Grab BarNot only does this type offers additional safety and firmness but it also adds a modern touch to a bathroom. There is a plethora of colors, sizes, and shapes to choose from.

No Drill Grab Bars

No Drill Grab BarsAs the name implies, this type doesn’t require drilling. In spite of that, there is no doubt that this type makes a good shower bar for anyone who needs a bit of support.

Floor to Ceiling Grab Bar

For those who have a difficulty with standing up from the toilet or even bed, couch or a dining table, there is this type of a bar. They don’t need to be installed and usually, come with pads to prevent scratching the ceiling or floor.

Flip-Up Bathroom Grab Bar and Flip Down Grab Bar

Flip-up and flip down grab bars can be moved out of the way, which is one of their best features. They can be installed on one side of the toilet or in the shower.

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It’s Time to Choose the Best Shower Grab Bars

Evaluating the size of your bathroom/shower and your needs
where to put grab barsThe first step is to determine where you need to place a grab bar. In other words, just sit on a toilet (with your clothes on of course) and try to get up, in order to find out if you need to install toilet handicap bars.

Similarly, step into the shower and see whether or not you will need additional balance and support when in the shower.

Choose size

Another step is to pick the perfect size and handicap grab bar height. Shower grab bars come in different lengths, from 12 inches to 48, so you will easily find the ideal one for your bathroom.

In addition, you should think about the diameter. If someone in your family suffers from arthritis or simply has weak arms, you probably want to buy a grab bar with a small diameter.

Material and color

When it comes to the material, bathtub safety bar can be made of nylon, stainless steel, plastic, etc. Of course, stainless steel grab bars are most durable and are very secure. However, you can opt for any type, as long as it comes with a brushed or textured coating/finish, to provide you with a better grip.

As for the color, it’s best to choose the one that is different from the wall and tiles color, so that you and your family can notice it more easily.

What’s the Price of Grab Bars for Shower?

Of course, prices for grab bars vary, depending on the materials they are made from, but also their size.
For example, plastic shower safety bars cost around $70, while metal grab bars are far less expensive ($25-45).

Another thing to keep in mind is whether you will need to call a handyman, or if you can install the grab bar on your own. Installation costs vary from $60 to $90 per hour.

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Grab Bar Installation

grab bar installationIf you want to deal with grab bar installation all by yourself, here are the steps to help you with that. Clearly,

What tools are you going to need?

The installation of grab bars isn’t hard, when you know what you are doing (obviously) and with the right tools. So, you will need a level, a hammer, a drill and drill bits.

Where will you mount the grab bar?

First, you need to determine where you will mount the grab bar. Locate two studs that are spaced about 16 inches. Then, mark the location where the screws should go. You can use a masking type for marking, in order to prevent the drill bit from scratching the tile.

Drill holes

The next step is to drill holes. We recommend the use of wall anchors, as these provide better traction and are much more secure. Just make sure that the screws enter the studs for minimum 1 inch.

Secure the grab bar

Put a small amount of silicone around the seam so as to prevent the water from leaking into the holes you’ve just drilled.

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Choosing the Best Toilet Safety Frame

Toilet Safety FrameWith an array of toilet assistance devices, choosing handicap toilet rails can be an intimidating task. But, here are some tips to help you get the best toilet safety rail that money can buy.

Handles

The best toilet support rail comes with adjustable handles that allow many different positions. Also, be sure to choose toilet armrest that is padded in order to give a comfortable grip and prevent slipping.

Weight

Another thing is to check for the weight limit. In most cases, handicap toilet accessories (including toilet rails) are made to withstand 250 pounds.

Material

Toilet safety rails are made of various materials, but you should choose the one with an aluminum frame as this is sturdiest one.

Width between armrests

Another thing to pay attention to is the width between armrests. It varies from 18 to 24 inches, so choose the width that will best suit you.

Legs

When choosing toilet safety rails, you definitely want to buy those with skid-resistant rubber legs because they will stay in place all the time.

Fixed or portable

Do you want to buy permanent toilet safety rails, or you just need portable toilet safety rails? Obviously, the first one is more stable and ideal for heavier people, while the latter is a good choice for people recovering from surgery or for those with stability issues.

Price

Depending on the design and sturdiness, toilet safety rails cost from $25 to $70.

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How to Install Toilet Safety Rails?

1. Remove toilet seat assembly

Toilet Safety Frame InstallationFirst, you need to remove the current toilet seat assembly together with bolts, and then level the brackets and the holes you see on the toilet.

2. Secure the seat

After that, replace the seat and tighten the nuts as secure as you can. Then, add the rails into the bracket. Make sure to lock them in place.

3. Adjust

The last step is adjusting the height and the way to do that is to use leg extensions. In case you want to attach toilet safety rails to the wall, this process is a bit more time-consuming and complicated. It would be best to call a handyman since the last thing you want to do is worry about the rails falling apart at the wrong moment.

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Final Words

We hope this article helped you make your bathroom as safe as possible, by way of installing safety bars for a shower or/and handicap toilet grab bars. Remember that safety comes first.