Installing grab bars in a shower is a relatively easy and common sense way to provide much-needed support and stability while getting in or out of the shower.
Grab bars are also beneficial for anyone who has difficulty maintaining their balance while in the shower. Many of us have had issues with balance at one time or another, and those balance issues don’t get easier as we age.
Installing a grab bar into the shower is a significant step to making the bathroom safer, but there are a few things to remember before starting your installation project.
Can Grab Bars Be Installed On Tile?
Absolutely. There are many different types of bathrooms, and tile is extremely common as an option. Because of this, for grab bars to be a viable option in many bathrooms, they have to work with tile.
So elderly individuals with a tiled bathroom shouldn’t worry, they have options, but there are still several important considerations.
Get The Right Grab Bar
First, choosing the right grab bar for your needs is essential. There are a variety of grab bars on the market, so be sure to select one specifically designed for use in a tile shower.
Make sure the grab bar you choose is rated for the weight capacity you need, as some are designed for lighter people, and some are more heavy-duty and can handle the weight of heavier individuals.
Each of these will have pros and cons, and you should talk with the professional installing the grab bar to see if one of these options is a better fit for your particular bathroom as opposed to another.
This can depend on specific needs, tile type, and where the studs are located in the wall behind the tile.
Plan The Grab Bar Location(s)
Next, you’ll need to determine the best location for your grab bar, or grab bars, if multiple are being put in.
If a professional is being called in, they will have a good idea of the best setup, while a DIY job requires some planning to figure out the best way to make it work.
For maximum support, you should install grab bars on both sides of the shower and near the shower entrance. If you’re installing a grab bar near the showerhead, be sure to install it at a height that will be comfortable for you to reach.
It is also important to know whether the shower grab bar will be positioned horizontal, vertical, or angled.
The Installation Process
Having the right tools is crucial to making the installation process work. Setup is critical to find the studs, measure where the bars will go, and mark the spots for drilling.
This video above does a decent job of showing some of the tools needed, explaining the exploratory process, then finishing the job of securing the rails in place.
Installing these bathroom rails will involve pilot holes, wall anchors, and finally, screws to firmly secure everything into place and ensure it’s not going anywhere.
RELATED: Can You Install Grab Bars in a Fiberglass Shower?
A Safer Bathtub And Shower Is Possible
Tile is a fairly common bathroom material, and you can install grab bars in tile showers as long as the proper bars and installation method are chosen.
With a little bit of planning and effort, you can easily install grab bars in your tile shower to provide the support and stability you need.
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