Understanding Grab Bar Sizes and Shapes

When it comes to creating a safer home, consider the installation of a grab bar in the bathroom. Bathrooms are prone to slip hazards as they often feature wet, slick floors. For those with limited mobility, such as the elderly or those with a disability, bathrooms are downright dangerous. Grab bars, or safety bars, are an ideal solution toward creating a safer bathroom space. These bars are solidly attached to walls throughout the room to improve the safety of common movements.

If you are considering the installation of grab bars in a bathroom, start by shopping our vast selection of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant grab bars. At Kingston Brass, we believe in providing quality bathroom products that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. An understanding of the different sizes and shapes can help you determine which grab bars your bathroom needs.

Straight Grab Bar — 12”, 16” 18”, 24”, 30”, 32”, 36”

Straight grab bars are exactly what they sound like — a straight line that affixes to the wall. These grab bars act as excellent handholds for various portions of your bathroom. Choose straight bars based on the size of the space where they will be utilized. For example, a smaller 12-inch grab bar makes for a great handhold near a sink in a smaller space.

Longer grab bars, such as a 32- or 36-inch bar, are ideal for supporting large areas of movement. For example, you might place a long safety bar across a wall between a toilet and a shower. This will ensure that while someone is walking from one portion of the bathroom to another, they have a railing to grab onto for support.

L-Shaped (Right Angle) — 24” x 24”, 30” x 30”

Another common shape for grab bars is an L-shape. These bars form a right angle, offering two main sections of support. The lower portion, or the horizontal section of the L, is shorter, with the main length being found in the vertical bar.

An L-shaped grab bar is most commonly featured in a bathtub. Having both the horizontal and vertical support makes it easier for those with lessened mobility to move from standing to seated, and vice versa. Furthermore, the vertical portion provides a place to hold onto when reaching up to adjust the showerhead or to grab a bottle of shampoo.

The length of the L-shaped grab bar chosen will vary based on the size of the bathtub or shower area. The bigger the space, the larger the grab bar needed. Be sure to measure your bathtub prior to purchasing a safety bar to ensure it will provide adequate support without being too large for installation in the area.

If you are looking to create a safer bathroom, consider the installation of grab bars throughout your bathroom. Shop our grab bars today to find the perfect safety accessories for your space.