According to the study, injuries rates of falling in the bathroom increases with age and 81.1% injuries happens due to falls. If you or someone else in your family(like your parents) have mobility issues or difficulty standing, shower standing handles or grab bars are the best things you can install in your bathroom.
A grab bar is the best supporter for older people or people who are at high risk of falling. Shower handles for elderly help to reduce the risk of falling while coming into and going out of the bathroom.
Shower standing handle comes in different sizes, shapes, and strengths. Hence, choosing the best shower standing handles could be a little tough as we have a lot of options available in the market.
This blog post is a detailed review of the best shower standing handle or grab bars. This post also discusses various questions a person might have while purchasing the best shower handle, like:
- What should be the minimum and maximum weight capacity of the shower handle bars?
- Are grab bars easy to install?
- Is the grab bar or shower standing handle ADA-compliant?
- What are the different price ranges available for a good bathroom standing handle?
What is the standard height for shower valve & shower handle?
Standard height for shower valve
If you are renovating your bathroom you might want to install your shower valves at the correct height. So, the question is “ What is the standard shower valve height?”.
The standard height to install a shower valve is around 48 inches from the floor. But, you should install it according to your requirements. The valve you are installing should be accessible to everyone, like – parents, children, and other members of your family.
However, the height of the shower valve can vary depending on whether you have a shower or bathtub. For example, in bathtubs, people usually install shower valves at a much lower height as the faucet is also at a lower height.
Standard height of shower handle
The height of the shower standing handle depends on various things. However, the standard height for a shower standing handle is between 36 and 48 inches.
It is important to note that the height may vary according to the use case. The correct height of the shower grab bar can depend on whether you have a shower or bathtub. For example, the shower standing handle should be installed at a longer height from the floor if you have a shower in your bathroom.
What are the types of shower standing handle?
As discussed earlier, a shower handle or grab bar comes with a lot of options. One such option is the “type” of shower handle. Shower handle mainly comes in two types – removable or non-removable.
Removable or detachable shower handle
By name, it’s clear that removable shower standing rails can be removed from the wall. However, as per the safety concerns, it’s not much recommended. They are not best for heavy weights and may not be able to hold higher weights. Detachable shower standing bars basically work on the principle of suction pads and hence, are not safer compared to fixed shower standing handles.
Fixed shower handle
Talking about fixed shower handles, they are safe and can easily hold higher weights. However, they can be tough to install and can’t move once they are attached to the bathroom walls. Once, you’ll remove these shower handles, they’ll leave holes in your bathroom walls.
| Type of shower handle | Pros | Cons |
| Fixed shower standing handle | Stronger than removable grab bars, safer and supports high weights | Need efforts to install properly. Can’t move once installed. |
| Removable shower standing handle | Easy to install and removable. They are also portable | Not stronger and safe to use. They can’t hold high weights. |
What is the right size for shower standing handle?
A shower handle or shower rail comes in various sizes from 9 Inches to 42 inches. A longer shower handle(like more than 25 inches) provides more stability and is safer to use while a small shower standing handle ( like less than 15 inches ) is not safer.
Choosing the size may also depend on who’ll be using it. If you are installing shower standing grab bars for children, you can install them as short as 12 inches. However, Americans with Disabilities Act has a clear recommendation for installing grab bars of at least 36 inches.
How much weight should a grab bar hold?
It is recommended that a grab bar should be able to hold at least 250 pounds so that it can be safe for even higher weight people. This weight can easily be handled by a fixed standing handle, however, a removable shower standing handle may not be able to support this weight.
It is always recommended to choose ADA compliant shower standing handles as they are much safer and easy to grab.
What are the materials used in shower handle?
When it comes to purchasing a shower handle, it’s important to check the material it is built of. Generally speaking, a shower or bathroom standing handle comes in two types – stainless steel and plastic. They both have their own merits and demerits.
Talking about plastic built shower handles, they are easy to install. They contain suction cups at their end to create a suction grip on the surface. They might be safe for babies and children. However, they are NOT safe for adults. The plastic shower handle works with only plane surfaces and doesn’t work with uneven surfaces.
Stainless steel shower bars are much stronger and more durable. When it comes to safety, they are the best. Stainless steel shower grab bars can hold weights up to 500 lbs. However, they are not easy to install. You need to drill the wall of your bathroom to mount it.
7 best shower standing handle to buy in 2023
| Product Name | Material Uses | Weight Capacity | Installation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe-er-Grip | Plastic | Less 300 lbs | Suction Cups |
| Leverloc | Plastic | Less 300 lbs | Suction Cups |
| AquaChase | Plastic | Less 300 lbs | Suction Cups |
| DIWANGUS | Stainless steel | 500 lbs | Screw Mount |
| Moen | Stainless steel | 500 lbs | Screw Mount |
| Amazon Basics | Stainless steel | 500 lbs | Screw Mount |
| Flip-Up | Stainless steel | 350 lbs | Screw Mount |
#1 Safe-er-Grip Changing Lifestyles Suction Cup Grab Bars for Bathtubs & Showers
Pros
- Thick suction pad
- Non-slip grip
- Install at any angle
- Portable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Plastic built material
- Just 12 inches long, not preferable
- Not suitable for high weight capacity
- Works with selected surfaces
This easy-to-install suction cup grab bar for bathtub and shower is one of the best detachable shower handles. It has been rated 4.5 out of 5 on amazon. Since it works on the suction principle, you don’t have to install it manually.
To install this suction grab bar, you just need to apply pressure on the handle and press each latch down to create the suction grip on the wall. The best part of this shower standing bar is they are portable and be carried easily while traveling.
However, it is important to note that this shower standing handle is just to provide support and NOT to hold full body weight. The suction cups work on non-porous clean and smooth surfaces like – tiles, glass, acrylic, and metals. This shower standing handle would not work on textured walls, granite, painted walls, and small harsh tiles.
This bar is 12 inches long and can be suitable for short bathrooms. However, the size is not too good as there are other standing rails available with a much longer length.
#2 LEVERLOC Shower Safety Grab Bar
Pros
- Thick suction pad
- Non-slip grip
- Install at any angle
- Portable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Plastic built material
- Just 12 inches long, not preferable
- Not suitable for high weight capacity
- Works with selected surfaces
For those, who don’t like straight standing bar and want something different and little stylish for the bathroom, this U-shaped shower safety grab bar is the best option. The U-shaped design makes it compact and gives stylish look to the wall.
Just like the safe-er-grip suction shower standing bar, this shower safety grab bar by Leverloc is also a suction-based standing bar. It creates a suction force on the tiles or wall and sticks to the wall. It is, no doubt, strong and creates strong suction. However, it may not be able to hold the whole body weight.
As per the manufacturer, this 4×4 suction shower grab bar can only hold up to 240 lbs. Hence, you can not use this shower standing handle for heavy weights. It is water-resistant. Hence, it also works with wet walls and bathtubs.
One important thing to note here is that it doesn’t work with uneven tiles, textured walls, wallpaper, painted walls, and porous surfaces. Hence, it is not suitable for all types of walls and needs special attention while attaching to the wall.
#3 AquaChase 2-Pack Suction Shower standing handle
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Easy to install
- Ligh indicators
- Portable
- Non-slip grip
Cons
- Not for heavy weight
- Platic built material
- Doesn’t work with uneven surfaces
This AquaChase comes with a pack of 2 shower grab bars. One additional feature that differentiates it from other shower rails is that it comes with indicators. The indicator flashes a red light when the suction is not strong and flashes green when the suction on the wall is strong.
However, just like other suction grab bars, it also has a limitation and couldn’t be used on a porous surface, uneven tiles, textured walls, and painted walls.
Also, the suction is strong and doesn’t release easily. However, you can not put the whole weight of the body on this bar. So, it’s not best for those who need to put whole body weight on the grab bars.
An additional thing to note here is its easy installation. You don’t need to have a drill machine to drill in the wall. You can easily install it on any smooth surface. The suction property of this aquachase shower standing handle makes it portable.
#4 Moen 24-Inch Safety Bathroom Grab Bar
Pros
- Durable material
- Comes with a wide range of lengths
- 500 lbs capacity
- Peened surface and hence non-slip
- ADA compliant
Cons
- May be difficult to install
- You need to drill the wall
This Moen Home Care Stainless Steel Wall Mount Grab Bar is made off brass and makes stronger than the earlier one. However, this stainless steel standing bar isn’t as easy to install as the earlier suction standing bar. You may need to put some effort to install it using screws and screwdrivers.
This shower standing handle comes in different styles – peened, glacier, and stainless. However, it is recommended to go with peened standing bar as it helps in creating stronger grips on the wall. The textures surface of this bar increases the bond between the circular disk and the wall. And, hence, make it safer and stronger to use.
Another important thing to note here is the length. This standing grab bar comes with a variety of lengths ranging from 24 inches to 48 inches. Hence, becomes best for long as well as a small bathroom.
This Moen Home Care Stainless Steel Wall Mount Grab Bar has the capacity to hold a weight of up to 500 lbs, which makes it ADA-compliant. This is a huge advantage over other shower standing handle as there are very few grab bars available in the market that comes with 500 lbs weight holding capacity.
#5 DIWANGUS 16-in Stainless Steel Chrome Shower Grab Bar
Pros
- Durable material
- Comes in 2 packs
- 500 lbs capacity
- Kunuled pattern on surface
Cons
- Hard to install
- Length is just 16 inch.
This is a pack of 2 stainless steel shower grab bar from DIWANGUS brand. The best thing about this shower standing handle is its stainless steel property. Since this grab bar is made up of stainless steel, hence, it is waterproof, rustproof, and durable. It can easily last for more than 5 years.
One of the biggest drawbacks of suction standing grab bars is they can not hold heavy weights. However, this stainless steel grab bar can hold upto 500 lbs which makes it far better than any other grab bar in the market. This strong and heavy weight capacity can easily support people who have a higher risk of falling.
This DIWANGUS 16-inch shower grab bar comes with a knurled pattern that makes it non-slippery and safe to use. This pattern helps in creating strong grip with hands and doesn’t slip very easily. Hence, it is safer to use.
One important thing to note here, this stainless steel shower standing handle is not easy to install, unlike suction grab bars which don’t require any installation. You need to create holes inside the bathroom walls using a drill machine and fit the end of this grab bars with screws. Hence, the installation process could be a time consuming process and hard.
#6 Amazon Basics Bathroom Handicap Safety Grab Bar
Pros
- Stainless steel material
- 27 inches in length
- Durable
- Supports upto 500 lbs
Cons
- Not easy to install
- Smooth surface
This bathroom shower bar is provided by Amazon Basic, hence, no doubt it is trustworthy. This bathroom standing handle is also made of stainless steel material, like a DISWANGUS steel bar. Therefore, it is strong and durable to use. It is also waterproof and rustproof.
If you didn’t like the DISWANGUS shower grab bar because of its length, you can go with this Amazon Basic bathroom shower grab bar, which is 27 inches long. Hence, gives better stability and grip to use.
Please note that the surface is not rough, instead, it is smooth which can be a problem for a few people. The smooth metallic surface may not give a good and strong grip while holding it with hands. Hence, may become an issue for few people.
Like every other stainless steel shower standing bar, this one is also not so easy to install. You need to drill the walls of your bathroom and screw the grab bar on the wall.
#7 Flip-Up Safety Grab Bars for Bathroom
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Stylish design
- Durable
Cons
- Smooth surface
- Hard to install
So far we’ve only talked about long shower standing handles. However, this Flip-Up shower grab bar can provide safety as well as a stylish look, both at the same time. The stylish flip-up design makes it a decorating item in the bathroom.
This one is also made of stainless steel which makes it waterproof, rustproof, and durable for many years. It is 24 inches long with dual bars and 1.25 inches in diameter. This shower grab is a perfect fit for all sizes of hands and people.
An important thing to note here is, it doesn’t come with a rough designed surface. Instead, it comes with a smooth surface. Hence, the bar may feel slippy from the hand for some users.
The installation process is also a little tough as you may have to drill the walls of your bathroom and screw them up to attach them to the wall.
Side note: If you’re based in the UK’s midlands, speak with professional plumber at 2nd city, who can give you the best advice moving forward with your installation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the standard height for the grab bars?
According to SFGate, a shower standing handle should be installed at least 36-48 inches above the floor. This height is a perfect fit for children as well as aged people. However, you should install it according to your personal requirements.
What is the standard grab bar size?
A grab bar comes in a variety of sizes ranging from 9 inches to 48 inches. However, as per ADA guidelines, the standard size for the grab bar should be between 36 and 43 inches.
Are suction grab bars stronger?
A suction grab bar is good to use and they are stronger. However, they are not built to hold full body weight. Suction grab bar handles are only built to provide support while getting inside and outside the bathroom.
How much weight a grab bar should hold?
As discussed in this article, a grab bar should be able to hold at least 300 pounds. The stainless steel grab bars have a high capacity for holding larger weights and they are mainly built to provide full support to the body.
Where should grab bars be placed in the shower?
Installing a grab bar depends on your personal use. If you are installing a shower standing handle for children, try to install it in such a way that the children can hold it. It can be installed anywhere in the bathroom from the wall to near the toilet seat.
Conclusion
This blog post talks about the best shower standing bar available in the market. In this article, we discussed shower grab bars and their importance in a bathroom. We also discussed the types of shower grab bars and which one is worth buying it.
We learned, how high a shower handle should be installed and the different length ranges available in shower bars. I hope this content was able to provide you what you were looking for.
See you in the next post, good day!
