1

I would like to install a shower grab bar into my tiled shower. I would like it very secure and so found some studs (using a magnet to pick up drywall screws). The studs do not line up with the ideal spot for the grab bar, but the closest one is not too far away, so I decided to put it there.

The problem is that this stud is located right at the edge of the tile wall. The tile surface is about 8.5mm (5/16") away from the wall. I would like to make an 8.5mm thick spacer to support the portion of the grab bar that is off the tile. That will make the surface flush and then I will use (much) longer screws to mount the grab bar to the stud. Since the holes in a grab bar are usually in a triangle pattern, I think I will only be able to get one screw into the stud on each side of the bar.

Is this going to end in disaster, with the grab bar pulling out of the wall when I really need it? My thinking is no, since even one screw into a stud is quite strong. How do pros do it when there are no studs behind the desired spot? Can you ever get more than one screw of the grab bar into a stud?

Stud positions on tiled wall: Stud positions on tiled wall

Thickness of tile. Drywall screw visible showing stud location: Tile thickness and drywall screw location

Proposed spacer idea (front view): Sketch of front view spacer idea

Proposed spacer idea (side view): Sketch of side view spacer idea

Greggo243
  • 11
  • 2

2 Answers2

2

Do you have access to the wall from the backside? Somehow, you need to get framing into the proper position especially considering that you are mounting a grab bar. I assume mounting horizontally from stud to stud is not an option due to the fact it will probably look bad and allow water to escape?

If you insecurely mount a grab bar then your result will not be much better than this post: How can I fix a towel bar pulled from the wall?

I don't care how carefully you think you will use that grab bar, that's not the point, the point is that it must save you in the inevitable event that you do not use it carefully.

MonkeyZeus
  • 17,328
  • 2
  • 27
  • 64
0

First make sure the Stud marked on the right is a Stud and not water pipe. It should be 16 or 24 inches in between the studs.

Second: only one of the screws will have good grip (in the stud), the other 2 screws will need strong drywall anchors.

Usually the tile walls have horizontals between the Studs to avoid flexing off the wall. The tiles should be mounted over backer-boards.

For safety and functionality consider mounting the grab bar between the studs, horizontal or at an angle.

stud

DIY75
  • 20,686
  • 3
  • 23
  • 47