Falls are a leading cause of injury for seniors, and the National Institute of Aging warns that 80 percent of falls occur in the bathroom. Slippery floors and tubs can be very hazardous, and homeowners should consider installing grab bars to protect themselves.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per bar: | $95.68 | $274.09 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $96 | $274 | |||
Estimate: $185 | |||||
Grab Bar Cost | 1 bar | $18 | $28 | ||
Cost of residential-grade, 24" stainless-steel wall-mount grab bar with 500-lb. capacity. | |||||
Grab Bar Labor, Basic | 2 hours | $74 | $242 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Mounting holes will be laid out, marked, and drilled into wall framing studs. Unit will be secured, and trim hardware installed. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Grab Bar Job Supplies | 1 bar | $4 | $4 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including fasteners, connectors, and materials for surface preparation and finishing. |
cost to install grab bars | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per bar | $21.50 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 1 bar | $173.35 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 1 bar | $89.71 - $256.99 |
Standard straight grab bars are popular, but they’re not the only option for homeowners. Some can double as a toilet paper holder or a towel rack, which helps them blend into the bathroom’s decor. Other bars can flip up and down, so they can be moved out of the way when they’re not needed. Trapeze bars can be suspended from the ceiling to assist with toileting, and corner bars can be installed in shower stalls or bathtubs.
The cost of installation varies based on many factors. The number and style of grab bars both play a role, as installing one straight bar costs less than outfitting the bathroom with specialty bars. Reinforcement may be required, depending on the weight of the users and the location of the bar, and that can also affect the final price.
To work properly, grab bars must support a falling person’s weight. Improperly installed bars can detach from the wall, leading to injury. For safety, homeowners are advised to seek help from a professional for this task. A professional installer can mount the grab bar onto the wall studs and, if necessary, add more reinforcement to ensure the bar is secure.