What blocking is, and why continuous is better
Blocking is solid material — typically plywood — fastened across the studs behind the drywall so a fastener can land anywhere along the wall and still hit structure. Installing individual short blocks at predicted bar heights assumes you know today where a bar will be needed in fifteen years. Running continuous plywood across the full shower wall and the toilet-side wall removes the guess entirely.
- Shower walls: full height across the entry side and the wall opposite the head
- Toilet: the side wall, and the rear wall behind the fixture
- Tub, where one is kept: the long wall and the head end
- Bench and seat locations, which take load differently again
Placement is personal
Published dimensions for grab bar height and length come from accessibility standards written for public and commercial facilities. They are a sound starting point, but a private home can and should be fitted to the person using it. Where an occupational therapist has assessed the household, their recommendations should govern placement, and we will build to them.
The ADA Standards for Accessible Design apply to public accommodations and commercial facilities, not to private single-family homes. Many homeowners still choose to follow their dimensions because the research behind them is good — that is a choice, not a requirement.
Bars that do not look like equipment
- Bars are made in matte black, brushed nickel, brushed brass and chrome to match other bathroom hardware
- Combination units serve as a towel bar, a shelf, or a shower-shelf and take load as well
- A well-placed bar at the shower entry reads as a design element rather than a medical fitting
- Choosing a knurled or textured finish matters more for wet grip than the colour does
This guide reflects general construction practice and is educational. It is not a substitute for manufacturer instructions, adopted building codes, or the requirements of your local building authority. Verify anything affecting permits, code compliance or product warranties before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
Sources and verification
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design — dimensional guidance, noting it governs public and commercial facilities rather than private homes.
- Grab bar manufacturer installation instructions, which specify required anchorage and load ratings.
- Occupational therapist recommendations where a household has been assessed.
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