Step By Step Process Of Installing Grab Bar On Tile Shower Wall
You can easily install grab bars on most of the surfaces including drywall, tile, fiberglass, stone, concrete as well as wood paneling. For the most support, grab bars should be secured or fixed directly to the studs inside a wall. From there, the installation of the grab bars is to drill through the wall material as well as mount the grab bar with the help of screws or fasteners. Installing a grab bar will not take a long time, entirely dependent on its location. In fact, you can install one grab bar in your shower in about 15 to 30 minutes.
Things You'll Need
- Drill And Drill Bits
- Tape Measure
- Stud Finder
- Wall Anchors
- Protective Eye Googles
- Grab Bar And Plates
- Painter's Tape
Step 1: Mark The Mounting Area With Painter's Tape
With the help of painter's tape, mark the locations on the wall at the estimated height that you will need to install the grab bars. It is important to stretch the painter's tape long enough to be the exact same length as the grab bar you are planning to install. Remember that the ADA requirements for grab bars in the shower areas must be betwixt 33 to 36 in above the shower floor.
Step 2: Use A Stud Finder To Find The Nearest Stud
Now, place your stud finder on the wall in order to discover the exact place or position of the nearest wall studs. As soon as you find the nearest wall studs, then mark them with your painter's tape. These will be the areas where you are going to drill holes in order to mount the plates for the grab bar.
Step 3: Mark The Pilot Hole Locations
Next, mark the pilot holes where the screws will be inserted onto the studs by using the mounting plate on the grab bar as a guide. It is best to check the directions that came with the grab bar at this time in order to make sure that you are following them correctly.
Step 4: Drill The Pilot Holes
After that, keep note of or record the size of the drill bit needed in accordance with the directions and insert it into your drill. This will, in all probability, be a 1/4 or 1/8 drill bit. Then, drill holes into the areas that you have marked over the studs. Remember that drilling through ceramic tile may need more pressure as compared to drilling through drywall, therefore, you need to be prepared to use a small amount of elbow grease to drill through it and the stud.
Step 5: Drill The Screws Into The Tile
Next, take hold of your screws before drilling the mounting plate into their locations. Be very attentive to any resistance that you feel as you are drilling in the screws, due to the fact that this can easily lead to stripping the head of the screw. If you notice that the screw seems stuck, pull the drill out, and then drive it in again. After drilling in the first mounting plate, put down the grab bar into its position, before holding it there as you drill in the second mounting plate.
Step 6: Apply Silicone Caulk
After mounting both the plates, take your caulk gun and run it through the exterior of each plate. This, in turn, can help you to prevent water from leaking behind the mounting plate, which otherwise could cause mold and mildew stains.
Step 7: Test The Grab Bar
Wait nearly 45 minutes to an hour for the caulk to dry, before giving the bar a quick but firm tug in order to make sure that it is secured tightly onto the tile. The grab bar should not cause any movement at all when you pull it, and if it does, you will need to re-install it more firmly. Apply a small amount of pressure when pulling the grab bar in order to make sure that it is strong enough when it comes to holding your body weight in case of a slip or fall.