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June 17, 2024

Are Wave Grab Bars ADA Compliant?

Yes, wave grab bars can be ADA compliant, so long as they meet the following specifications according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

What are the ADA compliance requirements for grab bars?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) outlines specific guidelines for grab bars in bathrooms to ensure accessibility and safety. These include:

  • Size: Grab bars must have a diameter of 1.25 to 1.5 inches (3.2 to 3.8 cm).
  • Strength: Grab bars must be able to support a weight of 250 lbs (113 kg).
  • Clearance: Grab bars must be installed 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) away from the wall for ease of grasping.
  • Placement: Grab bars must be positioned in specific locations near toilets, showers, and tubs to assist with maneuvering. See Grab Bar Placement Guidelines for specific placement locations. 

Many wave grab bars meet these ADA requirements and are available in various lengths, finishes, and can be left or right-handed.

How can I find ADA-compliant Wave Grab Bars?

  • Look for Certification: Many manufacturers will clearly state if their grab bars are ADA compliant in the product description or specifications. Look for products certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
  • Verify Measurements and Weight Capacity: Double-check the diameter, weight capacity, and installation instructions to ensure they meet all above ADA requirements.
  • Contact the Manufacturer: If unsure, don’t hesitate to contact the grab bar manufacturer directly to inquire about ADA compliance.

What are the Wave Grab Bar options?

Even with ADA guidelines, there’s room for design. You can find wave grab bars that are ADA compliant in various finishes, styles and materials.

Finishes:

Styles:

Left-hand and right-hand wave grab bars refer to the direction of the curve in the grab bar. There’s no right or wrong answer, but here’s how to decide which direction works best for you:

  • Placement: Consider where you’ll be installing the grab bar. Most people prefer the higher side (curved slope) of the grab bar to be near the control wall of the shower or bath for easier gripping when entering or exiting. If that’s your preference, choose a left-hand wave grab bar for installation on the right wall and vice versa.

  • Matching bars: If you’re installing grab bars on opposite walls and want them to visually mirror each other, you’ll need one left-hand and one right-hand wave grab bar.

Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference and shower/bath layout.

Materials:

Stainless steel and high-quality plastic are common materials for designer grab bars.

By considering all of the above factors, you can find wave grab bars that enhance your bathroom’s aesthetics while ensuring they meet ADA safety standards.

What are a few examples of ADA-Compliant Wave grab bars?

All wave grab bars on GrabBars.com are ADA compliant, are made from heavy-duty stainless steel and are painted with the highest quality powder coating. Take a look at them here:

      

If you’re interested in learning more about our ADA compliant wave grab bars, take a look at the following which includes a full description:

You can also explore our complete line of standard, designer and wave ADA-compliant grab bars in our catalog: Grab Bar Catalog

If you have any additional questions about our ADA-compliant wave grab bars or need help deciding which grab bar is right for your bathroom, email us at [email protected], live chat with us on GrabBars.com, or give us a call at 704-800-4629 and we’ll be happy to help. 

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