A grab bar in the wrong place offers little protection. Being in the right place can prevent a serious fall. The difference comes down to placement — knowing exactly where to mount a bar based on how the body moves in each situation.
This guide covers ADA-recommended placement for every common location in the home, along with practical guidance for situations where the standard measurements need to be adjusted.
Not sure which type of bar is right for each location? See our bathroom safety bars guide for a breakdown of straight bars, angled bars, suction cup options, and floor-to-ceiling poles.
Before getting into specifics, three rules apply across every location:
Mount into studs. A grab bar is only as strong as what it's anchored to. Drywall alone will not hold under load. Bars must be mounted into wall studs or with appropriately rated anchors for the wall material. APA installs on fiberglass, sheetrock, wood, cement, and tile.
Match height to the user. ADA measurements are averages based on a standard adult. Taller or shorter users, or those with specific mobility limitations, may need bars positioned higher or lower. When in doubt, have the person stand or sit in position and reach naturally — that's where the bar should be.
More is not wrong. Most people under-install. A bathroom with bars near the toilet, tub entry, tub wall, and shower provides meaningful coverage. Adding one bar near the sink or along a long entry wall costs little and removes a gap in support.
A minimum of two bars is recommended for a standard shower stall. Three or four is not unusual depending on the size and the user's needs.
The ADA recommends two bars on the back wall of a tub/shower combination:
An additional bar on the control wall — near the faucet — helps users maintain balance while adjusting water temperature.
For users who cannot safely get in and out of a standard tub, a tub transfer bench paired with a grab bar is often a better solution than bars alone. APA carries transfer benches and bathing aids that work alongside grab bars for more complex transfers.
Toilet falls are more common than most people expect, particularly among older adults and those recovering from surgery. Getting up from a seated position requires leg strength and balance that may be compromised.
For situations where wall installation is not possible, APA carries a toilet safety frame that clamps directly to the toilet without drilling. It provides armrests on both sides and adjusts in width to fit most standard toilets.
For stairs and exterior entry steps, APA installs handrails as part of the same service. See our installation services page for what's included.
Studs are typically spaced 16 inches apart. The ideal bar placement won't always line up with one. Options when there's no stud available:
Toggle bolts: Rated toggle bolts can support significant weight in drywall when installed correctly, but require careful selection based on the wall thickness and the expected load. This is not a DIY shortcut — an improperly rated or installed anchor will fail under load.
Backing board: The most reliable solution for long-term installation is adding a backing board behind the wall surface — a solid piece of blocking mounted between studs that gives the bar a full-width anchor surface. This requires opening the wall, which is why it's more common in renovation projects.
Tile: Tile installation requires a specialized drill bit and anchor to avoid cracking. It's manageable with the right tools but a common point of DIY failure.
APA's recommendation: For any installation where stud alignment is uncertain, professional installation is worth the investment. A bar that pulls away from the wall under load is worse than no bar at all. APA installs on all surface types and assesses each location before committing to a placement.
There's no single answer, but a well-equipped bathroom typically includes:
That's a minimum of 4–6 bars for a fully covered bathroom. Most homes start with 1–2 and add more over time as needs change. APA can assess your bathroom and recommend a placement plan based on the specific layout and the user's mobility.
Where should grab bars be placed in a shower? At minimum: a vertical bar at the entry and a horizontal bar on the side wall at 33–36 inches from the floor. For users with more significant balance challenges, add a back wall bar and a bar near the shower seat if one is present.
How high should a grab bar be next to a toilet? 33–36 inches from the floor, positioned 6 inches in front of the toilet bowl on the side wall. Adjust based on the user's height and how they naturally reach when pushing up from seated.
Can grab bars be installed in tile? Yes. It requires a tile drill bit and the right anchors to avoid cracking the tile. APA installs on tile regularly. We add a one-time charge of $45 for fiberglass or cement installations.
How many grab bars does a bathroom need? A fully covered bathroom typically has 4–6 bars: 1–2 near the toilet and 2–3 in the shower or tub area plus an entry bar. Most people start with fewer and add more as needed.
Is grab bar installation covered by insurance? Many plans cover it — including Medicare Advantage, Medicaid waiver programs, and MSHO plans — when ordered by a physician or care coordinator. APA verifies coverage before any work begins.
Bars are $149 each including installation. A one-time $45 charge applies for fiberglass or cement surfaces.
Call 612-722-9000 or contact us online to schedule an assessment.
For a full overview of grab bar types and how to choose between them, see our bathroom safety bars guide. For the full range of bathroom safety products, visit our bathroom safety equipment page. To browse grab bars and safety poles, visit our product page.