Handicap Grab Bar Height

The shower head and control area may be located on the back wall or on either side wall.

Handicap grab bar height. Outside diameter of the grab bars for the most part is required to be 1 to 2. A 42 inches 1065 mm minimum length grab bar is required on the side wall spaced a maximum of 12 inches 305 mm from the back wall and extending a minimum of 54 inches 1370 mm from the back wall at a height of 33 36 inches 840 915 mm. Be careful with height in toilets and showers the tops of horizontal grab bars need to be 33 to 36 inches from the floor. Each grab bar shall be 24 inches 610 mm long minimum and shall be installed 24 inches 610 mm maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches 305 mm maximum from the control end wall.

Bars also have a height range at which they can be installed namely 33 to 36 to the top of the bar with a couple of exceptions. The toilet paper dispenser shall be mounted below the grab bar at a minimum height of 19 inches 485 mm. Always attach grab bars to studs or use secure mounting anchors the manufacturer recommends. The controls shall be placed in an area between 38 48 inches 965 1220 mm above the floor.

Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall one located in accordance with 609 4 and other located 8 inches 205 mm minimum and 10 inches 255 mm maximum above the rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar shall be 24 inches 610 mm long minimum and shall be installed 24 inches 610 mm maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches 305 mm maximum from the control end wall. Minimum length of grab bars is also regulated with specific minimum ranges for attachment locations. In most cases studs are located 16 inches apart on center.

This is a good starting range. It is helpful to use this range as a guide for placement but the most important part is selecting a height that feels comfortable and secure for the person using them. A 42 inches 1065 mm minimum length grab bar is required on the side wall spaced a maximum of 12 inches 305 mm from the back wall and extending a minimum of 54 inches 1370 mm from the back wall at a height of 33 36 inches 840 915 mm. Generally a 16 in grab bar or a grab bar that is a multiple of 16 16 in 32 in or 48 in works best.

In a transfer shower the bottom of the vertical bar must be 3 to 6 inches above the horizontal bar on that wall. The grab bar or bars shall be 33 36 inches 840 915 mm high. Controls shall be located on the back long wall 27 inches 685 mm from the side wall. Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall one located in accordance with 609 4 and other located 8 inches 205 mm minimum and 10 inches 255 mm maximum above the rim of the bathtub.

Generally grab bars should be installed at whatever height is most appropriate for their primary user. The problem is that installers often aim for one edge of the range and end up a bit high or low.