Accessible bathrooms
Grab rails: position, fixing and what they must be fixed into
Getting the layout safe
Point 1
Rails need fixing into timber noggins, masonry or a rated backing board, plasterboard plugs are not acceptable for a load-bearing rail.
Point 2
Watch the user transfer before fixing: entry to the shower, sit-to-stand at the WC and getting out of the bath each need a different rail.
Before you commit
Rails need fixing into timber noggins, masonry or a rated backing board, plasterboard plugs are not acceptable for a load-bearing rail.
Questions we get asked
Can rails be added after tiling?
Yes, but the fixing has to reach solid backing, and drilling tile carries a small risk of cracking.
What colour rail is best?
A contrasting tone helps users with reduced vision locate the rail quickly.
Not ready to book, just weighing it up?
That is fine, questions at the thinking stage are the cheapest ones to ask, and they usually save a change of mind later.