Grab bars for dis-abled in bathroom.

Question

I recently posted a question about installing grab bars in my bathroom re-model. I have another question. What is the most efficient places to place them? I plan on using a 24" on the back wall of the tub/shower. (This the wall that is to your back when in the tub.) Is it better to mount that one vertically? Which would usually be the best way to install that one? I need to install one on the wall adjacent to the wall with the water on it. So, would it be better to set this bar (24'"or 32", I'm not sure which,) diagonally or vertically? This is going to be used for a tub as well as a shower. Also, one more thing, are the anchors for these things something I need to set on the the blocking I installed between the studs BEFORE I install the wallboard, or is it something where I install the wallboard and then put some lag bolts or whatever into the blocking through the wallboard?

Thank You in advance.

Answer 1

Home Depot has a great selection~!

Answer 2

You may want to try sitting in the tub to see how well you can get up and see where you place your hand on the wall when you step out for support.  

A members of my family has to sit on a tub bench because they can't lift them selves. I place the 32' diagonally in the tub.  This allow me to pull and lift. Yet they are able to use it for support.  The 24" is vertically aligned with the tub.  It is on an area of the wall that we all touch for support.  

You may want to add a third bar, a 24" horizontally for the back of the tub.  This can be used for lifting also.

The grab bars anchors has to be installed on the stud and can be placed after the wallboards are installed. This way the wallboards don't have to be cut.