Grab Bars Should Be Installed at an Angle

Grab bars begin to be relied on heavily as people continue to age. These are installed in or near showers, bathtubs, toilet areas, and bedrooms – wherever individuals need assistance to stand themselves up or hold on for balance.

Grab bars should be installed at an angle to provide the optimum leverage for gripping the bar and pulling oneself up. A diagonal installation is also ideal for an easy transition from sitting to standing.

Why Are Grab Bars Installed at an Angle?

Grab bars' effectiveness increases when installed at an angle, as it offers the best of both worlds between horizontal and vertical installation. This is because diagonal grab bars are better for the hands and cause less pain to the wrist, as it decreases the twisting motion.

Installing grab bars at an angle can:

• Provide extra support for those standing and needing balance.
• Offer more support to individuals, especially when they are in a seated position.
• Allow individuals to stand from a seated position with little or no assistance.
• Offer those with balancing issues the ability to be steady on their feet, reducing the chance of falling.
• Support more weight, allowing the individual to stand for long periods with less fatigue.
• Ensure that the bar is more accessible to individuals with varying heights.

It should be noted, however, that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not support installing grab bars at an angle.

Best Angle for Installing Grab Bars

The best angle for installing a grab bar may vary depending on the size of the bar. However, the angle that is most comfortable for those using it is always ideal. A 45-degree angle is a common recommendation for installing grab bars 24 inches (610 mm) or longer when installed over studs 16 inches (410 mm) apart.

Regardless of preference or recommendation, grab bars should be placed in a position that rises away from the individual.

Common Places To Install Angled Grab Bars

The recommendation is to install grab bars at an angle anywhere elderly individuals need to get up from a seated position or traverse uneven floors:

• Showers. Once a shower stool, chair, or seat is present, then a grab bar installed at an angle is suggested. The grab bar should be angled upwards in the direction of the showerhead.
• Bathtubs. The same instructions provided for the shower should be employed with bathtubs.
• The base of stairs. A stair railing that is constructed of solid hardwood can take the load of a grab bar.
• Toilets. Install the grab bar on the wall to the side of the toilet.

How To Install Grab Bars at an Angle

1. Use a stud finder to identify the location of the studs being used to install the grab bar.
2. Mark the location of the vertical studs with masking tape.
3. Measure, then mark the position of the bottom of the flange. The grab bar should be sloped upward towards the showerhead at 45 degrees.
4. Place the grab bar on the wall at the preferred height, and make any adjustments so that each stud mark has a mounting flange over it.
5. Remove the grab bar from the wall after marking each hole for mounting.
6. Pre-drill holes in the tile for each mounting hole using a diamond-tipped or carbide drill.
7. Line up the pre-drilled holes with those from the grab bar flanges.
8. Install the screws into the bottom flange and the stud. Ensure the screws are as long or longer than 1 inch (25 mm).
9. Test the grab bar by allowing it to bear your total weight.

Final Thoughts

Grab bars offer older adults a sense of independence, improving their quality of life. Always install the grab bar onto studs so that it can support the entire body weight of those using it.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.