October 10, 2023

Should Grab Bars be Installed at an Angle?

Yes, grab bars should be installed at many different angles, given that each angle offers its own unique advantages.

What are the different angles for grab bar installation?

Horizontal (parallel to the floor):

This is the most common angle for grab bars in both commercial and residential restrooms and showers.
This is the only grab bar installation angle that is required by ADA law for grab bars in commercial/public restrooms and showers.

Vertical (straight up and down):

This is the second most common angle for grab bars in restrooms and showers.
ADA law does not require grab bars to be installed vertically; however, ANSI guidelines and local building code typically require vertical grab bars.

Diagonal (a 30-45 degree angle):

This is the least common angle for grab bars; however, this angle does offer additional support in bathrooms and showers, especially for users who need help standing from a seated position.
Diagonal grab bars are not required by ADA law or ANSI guidelines. Installing grab bars at a vertical angle is solely up to personal preference and can be a great way to provide additional safety and support in restrooms and showers.

1. Horizontal Grab Bars:

Why are grab bars installed at a horizontal angle?

Horizontal grab bars, the most common type, are primarily installed for the following purpose:

Balance and Stability: The primary function of a horizontal grab bar is to provide a secure hold for maintaining balance while standing or walking in bathrooms and showers. These areas can be slippery, and a horizontal bar offers a consistent point of contact at a comfortable height for users of varying stature.

Here’s why horizontal bars are a great option for supporting balance and stability:

Easy to Reach: The horizontal orientation makes the grab bar readily accessible from any position within reach.
Consistent Height: Unlike other angled grab bars, a horizontal grab bar provides a reliable grip at the same height regardless of where you grab it. This is particularly helpful for people with limited mobility.
Wider Coverage: A horizontal grab bar offers support across a larger area compared to a vertical bar. This allows for more flexibility in terms of where you can place your hand for balance.

Horizontal grab bars are the go-to angle for providing overall stability and support in bathrooms.

Where are horizontal grab bars typically installed?

It is required by ADA law that horizontal grab bars are present in all commercial/public bathrooms and showers. Here are the typical ADA placement requirements:

In showers: 1 horizontal grab bar is required on the control or entry wall and 1 horizontal grab bar is required on the back wall. If there is not a shower seat present, 1 horizontal grab bar is also required on the seat wall or side wall.
In bathtubs: 1 horizontal grab bar is required on the foot wall, 2 horizontal grab bars are required on the back wall and 1 horizontal grab bar is required on the head wall.
Around toilets: 1 horizontal grab bar is required on the rear wall behind the toilet and 1 horizontal grab bar is required on the side wall next to the toilet.

2. Vertical Grab Bars:

Why are grab bars installed at a vertical angle?

Grab bars installed at a vertical angle (straight up and down) serve a few key purposes in bathrooms and showers:

Standing Stability: Vertical grab bars offer additional support and stability for individuals who prefer to bathe while standing or require assistance when standing up or sitting down. They provide a secure point to hold onto for maintaining balance during these transitions. This can be helpful for people with limited mobility or balance issues.
Transferring Support: In some cases, a vertical grab bar might be installed next to a shower seat or toilet. This can provide a secure hold for individuals transferring from a seated position to a standing position. While other angled grab bars might be more common for leverage when pulling up, vertical bars can also offer a steadying point during transfers.
Reaching Assistance: Vertical grab bars can also be helpful for reaching objects like towels, shampoos, or washcloths that might be stored on shelves or racks mounted on the bathroom wall. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with limited mobility in their arms or shoulders.

It’s important to note that vertical grab bars are not mandated by ADA law, unlike horizontal grab bars in specific locations. However, vertical grab bars can be a valuable addition to a bathroom for individuals who require extra support with stability or transferring.

Where are vertical grab bars typically installed?

In showers: 1 vertical grab bar is typically required by ANSI for the control wall or entry wall.
In bathtubs: 1 vertical grab bar is typically required by ANSI on the foot wall.
Around toilets: 1 vertical grab bar is typically required by ANSI on the side wall next to the toilet.

3. Diagonal Grab Bars:

Why are grab bars installed at a diagonal angle?

Diagonal grab bars are installed specifically to provide leverage for users who need assistance transitioning from a seated position to a standing position. Diagonal grab bars are typically installed for the following purpose:

Leverage for Standing: The diagonal angle creates a mechanical advantage, making it easier for users to pull or push themselves up from a seated position to a standing position. This is especially helpful for people with limited upper body strength or mobility issues.

Where are diagonal grab bars typically installed?

They are particularly helpful in bathrooms near:

Shower Seats: In showers, a diagonally angled grab bar is often mounted near a shower seat. As a person sits on the shower seat, they can extend their arm and grab the diagonal bar for support when pulling themselves up to a standing position. The angle provides some mechanical advantage, making it easier to exert force and stand up.
Toilets: Similarly, a diagonal grab bar can be installed next to a toilet. This offers leverage for individuals who need help standing up after using the toilet. The diagonal angle allows them to use their body weight and arm strength more effectively when pushing themselves up from a seated position.
Bathtub: A diagonal grab bar is oftentimes installed on the sidewall of a bathtub to help users stand up from a seated position and get out of the tub.

Keep in mind that since diagonal grab bars are not required by ADA law nor ANSI guidelines, their installation is completely up to the personal preference of the users. For example, a person may prefer to grab onto a diagonal grab bar for balance in the shower as opposed to a vertical or horizontal grab bar.

What are the specific placement guidelines for each of these angled grab bars?

We have written comprehensive grab bar placement guides to illustrate exactly where you should place and position grab bars for ultimate safety.

Our below placement guides are for both residential and commercial (ADA) uses in the following bathroom locations: showers, bathtubs, near toilets. These guides will not specifically mention diagonal grab bars; however, if you are installing grab bars in a residential setting, you can substitute diagonal grab bars for any of these placement locations.

Shower Grab Bar Placement Guides:

Bathtub Grab Bar Placement Guides:

Toilet Grab Bar Placement Guides:

Take a look at the following Youtube videos to help you visualize shower grab bar placement:

If you are purchasing and installing grab bars in a residential home, you have the flexibility to decide where and at which angle you want to install the grab bars based on personal preference and safety needs of the user. ADA and ANSI regulations only apply to commercial and public bathrooms.

If you are in need of grab bars, take a look at all of our ADA-compliant grab bar options here: Grab Bars

If you are also in need of shower seats, you can find all of our shower seat options here: Shower Seats

It is highly recommended to consult with a professional to determine the exact placement and angle of grab bars based on the individual’s specific requirements and mobility limitations. GrabBars.com has a huge network of over 500 independent professional grab bar installers all across the United States. We make it extremely easy for you to find a local installer – just fill out this Grab Bar Installation Request Form and within a few hours our installer will get in touch with you!

If you have any additional questions about 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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