Shower pull bar
#1
05-10-17, 09:33 PM
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Shower pull bar
I will be installing pull bars/safety bars in a shower/tub and in a separate shower. Both projects will have tile walls.
I am looking for advice regarding pull bars. Should I tile the walls, then add the bars? Or can I work the bars into the design of the tiling, so the mounting flanges for the bars aren't obvious?
Everything I have read lends itself to installing the bars after the tile--but these all read as if the bars were an after thought, not something built into the design.
Tim
I am looking for advice regarding pull bars. Should I tile the walls, then add the bars? Or can I work the bars into the design of the tiling, so the mounting flanges for the bars aren't obvious?
Everything I have read lends itself to installing the bars after the tile--but these all read as if the bars were an after thought, not something built into the design.
Tim
#2
05-10-17, 10:03 PM
Group Moderator
You are actually at a good point in the install if the walls are open.
Usually the bars are an afterthought and there is nothing solid to mount them to where you want them. The stud is always a few inches away. You can install wood blocking between the wall studs that the bars can be bolted/screwed to later.
If the walls are already closed you can get very substantial fasteners that are installed thru the tile. I've used them for quite a few bars as the studs weren't where they were needed.
As far as building the flange into the tile.... I'm not aware of anything like that although that doesn't mean they aren't available.
The pros will be by and add their expertise.
Usually the bars are an afterthought and there is nothing solid to mount them to where you want them. The stud is always a few inches away. You can install wood blocking between the wall studs that the bars can be bolted/screwed to later.
If the walls are already closed you can get very substantial fasteners that are installed thru the tile. I've used them for quite a few bars as the studs weren't where they were needed.
As far as building the flange into the tile.... I'm not aware of anything like that although that doesn't mean they aren't available.
The pros will be by and add their expertise.
#3
05-11-17, 02:47 AM
Since you are in the building stage, as Pete says, install 2x12 blocking all around the shower, inserted between the stud bays, flush to the outside, 34" centered from your finished floor. That way you will have a solid backing to drill through and install your bars securely after the tile is up. I know of no bars that are installed prior to tiling, as it would allow for too much water infiltration behind the wall.
#4
05-11-17, 08:30 AM
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As mentioned blocking is best. If that's not possible, here's a link to a Moen anchor that is very strong:
MOEN SecureMount Stainless Steel Grab Bar Anchors in Chrome (2-Pack)-SMA1000CH - The Home Depot
MOEN SecureMount Stainless Steel Grab Bar Anchors in Chrome (2-Pack)-SMA1000CH - The Home Depot
#5
05-12-17, 06:26 AM
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Never too late!
"Jeez, you know, that information might have been a little more useful to me yesterday."
Very glad I have professional contractors and experienced DIYers helping me out! Also, I am glad that once I even CONSIDERED the pull bars I stopped working on the bath & shower combo. I have to pull down two pieces of ultrabacker and cut my vapor barrier, but getting the 2x12 in there NOW before everything is said and done makes me much more confident of the end job.
Also, in the walls where I intend to install the towel rods I have put 1x3 between the studs. I will not be using the standard hardware that comes with the towel rod mounting kits as we have grandkids who I KNOW will be testing the weight capacity of the rods everytime they are here. The oldest is positive that they aren't towel rods--they are pull up bars that we hang towels on! Would it be best to use 1 5/8 inch screws (to get through the 1x, the greenboard, and hardware) be good enough, or should I use toggle bolts to hold them up?
Before this project my DIY experience was limited to painting walls and changing out PVC pipe...now I am doing a full bathroom remodel....and I truly DO appreciate all the help I am getting from the team on this site!
Tim
Very glad I have professional contractors and experienced DIYers helping me out! Also, I am glad that once I even CONSIDERED the pull bars I stopped working on the bath & shower combo. I have to pull down two pieces of ultrabacker and cut my vapor barrier, but getting the 2x12 in there NOW before everything is said and done makes me much more confident of the end job.
Also, in the walls where I intend to install the towel rods I have put 1x3 between the studs. I will not be using the standard hardware that comes with the towel rod mounting kits as we have grandkids who I KNOW will be testing the weight capacity of the rods everytime they are here. The oldest is positive that they aren't towel rods--they are pull up bars that we hang towels on! Would it be best to use 1 5/8 inch screws (to get through the 1x, the greenboard, and hardware) be good enough, or should I use toggle bolts to hold them up?
Before this project my DIY experience was limited to painting walls and changing out PVC pipe...now I am doing a full bathroom remodel....and I truly DO appreciate all the help I am getting from the team on this site!
Tim
#6
05-12-17, 03:38 PM
I would not use toggle bolts since you have a solid backer. Use the substantial screws, but keep in mind the fasteners will still be in the wall when the integrity of the rods has succumbed to rug rats.
