Frequently Asked Questions

1 Where should grab bars be installed in the bathroom?

Place bars where support is needed most—near the toilet, inside showers, and alongside bathtubs. ADA guidance sets horizontal bars at 33–36″ above the finished floor. In showers, bars are commonly mounted on the control wall and the back wall; on transfer-type showers the run typically extends to within about 18″ of the control wall for dependable reach.

2 Can I install grab bars myself, or should I hire a professional?

DIY is possible, but professional installation is strongly recommended to ensure correct anchoring, accurate placement, and non-rotating fittings. Improper installs can loosen, damage walls, or fail under load. A pro brings the tools and know-how to meet ADA-informed best practices.

3 Do grab bars have to meet ADA requirements in private homes?

No. ADA/TAS are mandatory for public/commercial spaces. In private homes, you can choose the placement that feels best, though many people follow ADA-recommended heights and layouts because they're proven for safety and usability.

4 What materials are best for grab bars?

#304 stainless steel is the standard for durability and corrosion resistance. Many models are rated up to 500 lb when properly installed. Decorative looks (e.g., polished, matte black, dark bronze, brushed brass) are available without sacrificing strength.

5 What finishes are available?

• Brushed stainless (satin)
• Polished (mirror)
• Matte black
• Dark bronze
• Brushed brass

Choose a finish that complements your fixtures while maintaining the same safety performance.

6 How much weight can a grab bar support?

When correctly mounted into studs—or with rated hollow-wall systems—most bars are designed to withstand 250–500 lb. Always confirm the manufacturer's rating and use professional-grade anchoring.

7 Are suction-cup grab bars safe?

Suction bars are not recommended for supporting body weight. They're only for light balance and can release in humid or uneven areas. For primary support, use bars that are mechanically fastened into studs or rated backing/anchors.

8 Do grab bars rust over time?

High-quality #304 stainless bars are rust-resistant and built for wet environments. Lower-grade metals or harsh cleaners can cause corrosion. Clean with mild soap and water; avoid chlorides/bleach and acidic products.

9 What length and diameter should I choose?

Common lengths are 18–36″; choose a size that spans the reach you need. For diameter, 1¼″ offers a slimmer grip (great for smaller hands) while 1½″ feels fuller and is common in commercial spaces. Both are ADA-accepted when installed correctly.

10 What if studs don't line up with my preferred location?

We'll fasten to studs whenever possible. If a stud isn't reachable (especially behind tile/stone), we use rated specialty anchors designed for the substrate so the bar cannot rotate and meets load ratings.

11 Can bars be installed vertically or at an angle?

Yes. Vertical or angled 'assist' bars can make stepping in/out or transitioning easier. For public/commercial compliance, specific horizontal bars are required; we can add vertical/angled bars in addition to the required layout.

12 Will drilling tile, stone, or glass crack the surface?

We use substrate-specific bits, speeds, and cooling to protect finishes, but brittle materials carry inherent risk of micro-chips or cracks. We'll review site conditions and proceed only when safe and approved.

13 How long does installation take?

Most straightforward installs take roughly 30–60 minutes per bar, depending on substrate and access. Multi-bar projects in one bathroom are usually completed in a single visit.

14 Do you remove existing bars or accessories?

Yes—we can remove old bars or towel racks as part of the visit. Patching/painting or tile replacement is not included, but we'll keep holes minimal and neat.

15 Are your installations ADA/TAS compliant for businesses?

Yes. For covered facilities we install per the 2010 ADA Standards / 2012 TAS (Texas), including required locations, lengths, heights, clearances, and strength. We'll coordinate details with owners/GCs to meet plan requirements.

16 How should I clean and care for the bars?

Use mild soap and water; rinse and dry. Avoid chlorides/bleach and acidic cleaners that can damage the finish.