Which toilet grab bars do I need and where should I place them? (Quantity, Shape, Length, Wall Location, and Placement Height).
This is a guide for residential toilet grab bar placement (such as in a private home), where grab bar placement is at the discretion of the user and not subject to ADA law.
For commercial toilet grab bar placement (such as in a public facility), where grab bar placement must abide by ADA handicap placement guidelines, read our ADA Toilet Grab Bar Placement Guide.
The three most common toilet layouts are as followed:
- Toilet with one side wall (in corner layout).
- Toilet with two side walls (between walls layout).
- Toilet with no side walls (freestanding layout).
#1 Toilet With One Side Wall (In Corner Layout):
Grab Bar Position #1 (Side Wall)
- We highly recommend the Toilet Grab Bar with Integrated Paper Holder placed horizontally on the wall side of the toilet.
- We also recommend one (1) straight grab bar placed horizontally on the wall side of the toilet.
- The most common length would be between 9", 12", 16", 18″, 24″ 30″ or 36″.
- This grab bar is used to help position oneself while on the toilet and also push oneself upward from a seated to a standing position.
- Horizontal placement (measured from the back wall to the grab bar) is up to the discretion of the user, and often comes down to where the hand reaches comfortably when sitting and standing from the toilet.
- This grab bar is commonly placed anywhere from 33″ to 36″ above the floor, however, we strongly recommend taking into consideration the height and physical capabilities of the person who will be using the grab bars.
Grab Bar Position #2 (Side Wall)
- We recommend one (1) straight grab bar placed vertically (above the horizontal grab bar from position #1) on the wall side of the toilet.
- The most common length would be 9", 12″, 16", 18″, or 24″.
- This grab bar is used to help pull oneself up from a seated position.
- Vertical placement is up to the discretion of the user, and often comes down to where the hand reaches comfortably when lifting oneself off of the toilet.
Grab Bar Position #3 (Free Standing / Side With No Wall)
- We recommend one (1) grab bar to be placed next to the toilet on the free standing / non wall side of the toilet.
- The most common free standing grab bars are swing up grab bars.
- Both height and placement are up to the discretion of the user, and often comes down to height of the user and where the hand reaches comfortably when sitting or standing from the toilet.
Other Notes:
- We highly recommend that you test the grab bar positions with the person who will be using it as a simulation. You’ll quickly be able to tell what works, what doesn’t work, and where exactly you should place the toilet grab bar as per the individuals preference.
- You also have the option to install the straight grab bar at any angle you would like or feels most comfortable. Sometimes positioning the grab bars at an angle vs. horizontal provides comfort to hands with arthritis.
Alternatively you can install the following grab bar shapes on the wall side in substitution for grab bar position #1 and position #2:
- Install one (1) straight grab bar on the wall side horizontally and another one vertically lines up to either post of the horizontal one, an L-shaped grab bar can be diyed by yourself which combines the horizontal and vertical grab bars.
- Install one (1) 135 degree angle grab bar on the wall side, which similarly combines a horizontal and diagonal grab bar at a special angle.
- Install one (1) straight grab bar on the wall side, at a diagonal angle. This is the most cost effective method, however, it comes with limitations on hand versatility.
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