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Best Shower Standing Handle (Top 3 by Budget)?
You’ve made the decision that you need a shower standing handle – but which one?
Key factors in making a decision:
- Why is it important – this will help frame its utility?
- What type should I buy?
- What specifications like size, weight capacity, and width should I look for?
- What about installation?
Why a shower standing handle is important
According to the CDC “every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.” In a study in 2018, about 36 million falls were reported which resulted in more than 32,000 deaths.
It is clear that a shower standing handle is important but what should I consider when buying for a home residence? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set standards for shower standing handles also known as grab bars. The ADA was signed into law in 1990 By President George Bush and prohibits discrimination and to create a level playing field for those with a disability. Importantly, the ADA set standards or minimum guidelines on public accommodations, commercial facilities and state and local government facilities. While these standards are complex and highly detailed, they can be helpful in informing what one might consider for their own or loved one’s home.
As an example, here’s a video of an ADA compliant bathroom of a major hotel chain. Notice the extra-wide entry door, double handles on one side of the shower, and the lower than normal bathtub height. There are also handles on each side of the bathtub and the longest side even has two (as well as two soap holders).
Shower Standing Handle vs. Grab Bar
The shower standing handle is a type of grab bar. In addition to a shower, grab bars can be in a variety of locations including near a urinal, toilet, bed or even in your car. While it is not always the case, in each use case there may be guidelines from sources like the ADA. Just keep in mind that in your search to buy a shower standing handle, you may find that the terminology is interchangeable and they are called grab bars.
Types
There are both fixed and detachable bars in the market, some with dubious claims of ADA compliance. While a suction based detachable bar might be cheap and convenient, they tend to be made of plastic and have specific installation requirements for the suction to work (ask yourself what if you don’t have smooth tiles?).
While we’ve read discussion of vertical or horizontal bars, if the ADA guidelines are any indication, the ADA does not specifically mention vertical handles (they mention vertical force but this isn’t the same as a vertical handle). This isn’t to say a vertical handle might not be useful as one should keep in mind that the ADA guidelines are a minimum standard and don’t specifically exclude vertical bars.
We’ve also read about u-shaped bars but these appear to be actually for toilets.
Size, Weight Capacity, and Width
Size: Grab bars typically range from 9 to 42 inches. The ADA standard is that there is a handle on each side extending to 6 inches from the wall.
Weight Capacity: According to the ADA, grab bars should withstand a vertical or horizontal force of 250 pounds. However, there are many on the market with claims of a capacity of 500 pounds.
Width: While the ADA standards allow for circular and non-circular bars, either way they must have rounded edges and a maximum width of 2 inches.
Be on the Lookout For
First, be careful! We saw a detachable grab bar at a major retailer that was touted as “Certificated by FDA” but the Queens English grammar aside we couldn’t find that the FDA certifies or approves any grab bar let alone the particular one that was making the claim. If you found that the FDA does, let us know in the comments below.
Top Ones To Consider
High End:
Kohler Purist. Available in 12, 18, 24, 36, 42 or 48 inches in 8 different colors from Polished Stainless Steel to Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass. This one touts ADA compliance but didn’t specify the weight capacity. It also had a limited life-time warranty.
Middle End:
Kohler Carmichael. Available in 9, 16 or 24 inches and Matte Black, Oil-rubbed Bronze, Polished Chrome, and Vibrant Brushed Nickle. We liked the 500 lb weight capacity though this one didn’t specifically say it was specifically ADA compliant though we couldn’t find a reason it wouldn’t be.
Low End:
Glacier Bay Concealed Screw ADA Compliant Grab Bar. Available in 18, 24, 36 or 42 inches and Brushed Stainless steel. We liked the 500 lb weight capacity, low price, and it did say it was ADA compliant.
Things to Consider in Installment
You may want to consider the height of the grab bar and the distance from shower controls, the wall, and other fittings. If you’re considering adding a vertical grab bar, you could keep the same ADA principles in mind.
So where can I find a good installer? A local handyman with good reviews from Google Maps or Yelp should be able to do it. If they’ve remodeled a bathroom before, chances are they could easily do it. Remember the installer should be knowledgeable enough to properly install the bar such that it is attached to the wall in such a way to support the intended weight.
Conclusion
There are a large variety of shower standing handles, also known as grab bars, on the market but we would recommend using the ADA guidelines as a minimum standard. That means a fixed grab bar with enough length for your shower. Given the large amount of off-market brands out there at certain retailers with claims of ADA compliance, we would recommend one made from a reputable manufacturer like Delta, Glacier Bay, Kohler or Moen.
Use an installer who will consider the ADA guidelines concerning clearance vs. other shower controls, height, and location. While they might not be able to follow the exact standards, having a ADA-aware installer would be helpful. Furthermore, while ADA guidelines are of course helpful, consider the specific physical characteristics of your shower and the person(s) that will be using the grab bar.