Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Installing Grab Bars in Your Home

Grab bars can make a huge difference in safety—especially for seniors, people with mobility challenges, or anyone recovering from surgery. But the truth is, improper installation can cause more problems than it solves. Just because a bar is mounted on the wall doesn’t mean it’s secure enough to hold body weight in a real-world situation.

Before you pick up a drill or head to the hardware store, here are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

1. Mounting into Drywall Alone

This is probably the most dangerous mistake you can make. Grab bars should never be mounted into drywall without proper reinforcement. Drywall simply can’t support the weight of someone relying on that bar to keep from falling. At best, it’ll rip out of the wall. At worst, someone gets seriously injured.

Solution: Use wall studs or solid anchors designed for grab bar installations.

2. Installing at the Wrong Height

There’s no one-size-fits-all height for grab bars. Installing them too high or too low can make them uncomfortable—or completely useless.

Solution: Placement should be tailored to the person using them. A professional will measure and install them where they’re actually helpful.

3. Using the Wrong Hardware

Standard screws from your toolbox won’t cut it. You need heavy-duty screws and anchors made for weight-bearing safety equipment. Using the wrong hardware could lead to loosening over time—or immediate failure when someone needs the bar most.

Solution: Always use hardware specifically recommended for grab bar installations.

4. Not Considering Daily Habits

Some people install grab bars based on looks or assumptions, without thinking about how they’re actually used. For example, placing one on the wrong side of the toilet or too far from the shower entrance can limit its usefulness.

Solution: Install based on real daily routines and movements—not just guesswork.

5. Trying to DIY Without Experience

You might be handy around the house, but grab bars are about more than aesthetics. They’re about safety. A small mistake could have big consequences.

Solution: Hire a professional with experience in accessible home modifications. They know how to reinforce, align, and install grab bars the right way.

Don’t Take Chances With Safety

If you're considering adding grab bars to your home, take the smart route. Get them installed securely, in the right places, with hardware that lasts.

At Grab Bar Los Angeles, we specialize in safe, reliable grab bar installations tailored to your needs. Whether it’s the bathroom, hallway, or bedroom, we make sure your grab bars are exactly where you need them—and built to hold up.

Visit GrabBarLosAngeles.com to schedule your installation today. Your safety is worth doing right.