Grab Bar Installation
Whether you’re planning ahead or adapting to new mobility needs, Thompson Tile offers professional grab bar installation to help you stay safe and independent at home. Grab bars are a simple but essential feature in any accessible bathroom design, offering extra stability and support where it matters most—like near showers, tubs, and toilets.
How much does it cost to have a grab bar installed?
The average starting point for grab bar installations in the bathroom is $300 per grab bar (all materials and grab bar provided) with some projects requiring $400+ per grab bar and others on a strict budget or very simple installation may get closer to $250 per grab bar. We exclusively provide and install Moen grab bars.
Significant modifiers to price include:
- Wall type and structure. Installation into solid wall studs is ideal. If walls are tile, drywall without proper blocking, or other materials, reinforcement may be required.
- Surface material. Different surfaces like tile, fiberglass, or acrylic require specific tools and techniques. Tile installations typically increase labor time and complexity.
- Bar length and placement. Standard straight bars are simpler to install. Angled, vertical, or longer bars may require more precise work and increase the overall cost.
- Number of grab bars. Installing multiple bars—such as near the toilet, in the shower, and by the tub—will increase labor and material costs.
- Style and finish. Basic stainless steel bars are more affordable. Designer finishes like brushed nickel or matte black add to the overall price.
- Additional accessibility upgrades. Pairing grab bar installation with other features like handheld shower heads, slip-resistant flooring, or a tub-to-shower conversion will increase the scope and cost of the project.
Grab Bar Installation FAQs
“Do grab bars need to be installed in studs?”
No, if you use Moen grab bars (which is what we exclusively install and provide), you can pair it with their excellent Secure Mount system which can support up to 300lbs in regular drywall with no stud backing.
“What Is The Code For Grab Bars In Canada?”
Accessibility Standards in Canada provide the following requirements: (CAN-ASC-2.3 7.1)
A grab bar shall:
- be slip-resistant,
- be free of any sharp or abrasive elements,
- be mounted on surfaces that are free of any sharp or abrasive elements,
- not rotate within their fittings, and
- be able to resist a load of 1.3 kN minimum applied vertically or horizontally.
7.1.2 Cross-section
A grab bar shall have a circular diameter between 30 mm minimum and 50 mm maximum.
7.1.3 Mounting location
A grab bar shall be located:
- 50 mm minimum and 60 mm maximum from the wall on which it is mounted,
- 380 mm minimum from projecting objects below,
- 305 mm minimum from projecting objects above, and
- 50 mm minimum from controls, fittings, and other grab bars.
7.1.4 Identification
Grab bars shall have a high luminance contrast with the surrounding surface.
“What Makes a Bathroom Accessible?”
There are specific standards produced by the Standards Council of Canada called CSA B651-18 Accessible Design for the Built Environment, which provides technical requirements to make interior and exterior environments accessible and safely usable by persons with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) governs accessibility standards. The AODA’s Design of Public Spaces Standards apply to public spaces and do not mandate accessibility requirements for private residential homes.
It’s important to note that while these standards are not legally required for private homes, they serve as valuable guidelines for enhancing accessibility. Homeowners interested in making their residences more accessible can refer to this standard to inform their design choices.
Let’s Talk About Your Bathroom Project!
Ready to Renovate? We’d love to hear your ideas and help you plan the perfect bathroom renovation. Click below to get started with a free consultation.