Shower Grab Bar Height

This is an essential bar because most falls take place at this point.

Shower grab bar height.

Be careful with height. For horizontal grab bars the ada standards require a height between 33 and 36 inches from the finished floor of the bathroom shower or tub. The best shower grab bar placement varies depending on the design but the typical grab bar height for standard horizontal handles in a shower is between 33 and 36 inches from the floor. Transfer shower grab bars as with toilets and bathtubs also should be 33 36 inches above the floor horizontal and have the capacity to handle 250 lbs.

If multiple grab bars are used they must be at the same height around the shower. 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. 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.

Two grab bars shall be installed on the back wall one located in accordance with 609 4 and the other located 8 inches 205 mm minimum and 10 inches 255 mm maximum above the rim of the bathtub. 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 installed 15 inches 380 mm maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches 305 mm maximum from the control end wall. The controls and spray unit shall be within 18 inches 455 mm of the front of the shower.

In the shower or tub horizontal grab bars mounted inside the tub or shower provide added stability whereas diagonal grab bars provide added stability when lowering to sit on a shower seat. The controls shall be placed in an area between 38 48 inches 965 1220 mm above the floor. You can install a 24 inch grab bar if the user uses a shower chair and requires additional support at a lower point to stand up or to get seated. The typical installation height for entrance bars is 16 to 18 inches.

Each grab bar shall be installed 15 inches 380 mm maximum from the head end wall and 12 inches 305 mm maximum from the control end wall.