Shower Grab Bar 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.

Shower grab bar height.

The controls and spray unit shall be within 18 inches 455 mm of the front of the shower. In toilets and showers the tops of horizontal grab bars need to be 33 to 36 inches from the floor. If multiple grab bars are used they must be at the same height around the shower. This is an essential bar because most falls take place at this point.

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. 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. The typical installation height for entrance bars is 16 to 18 inches.

The grab bar s shall be mounted 33 36 inches 840 915 mm above the shower floor measured at the entry. The problem is that installers often aim for one edge of the range and end up a bit high or low. In a transfer shower the bottom of the vertical bar must be 3 to 6 inches above the horizontal bar on that wall. 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.

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.