Grab Rails

Support rails, usually fitted to the wall, suitable for bathrooms and other wet environments.

They provide support handles for people using the bathroom facilities.

Straight - without bends or curves, these rails are available in numerous different lengths.

U-shaped rails - you may be familiar with these if you have been in a disabled toilet.

They fold down when in use and back against the wall afterwards. They lock in the folded position.

Some versions have a drop-down support leg, increasing the weight capacity of the rail.

Angled rails - these have a bend or curve in them and again are available in different sizes.

Bathtub rails - these fit via clamps to the bathtub, protruding upwards and providing the user with a stable point of support as they navigate the bath-side.

Fold-up rails - these collapse against the wall and fold out again when needed.

Suction rails - these stick firmly to smooth tiles or glass and release via a vacuum trigger mechanism.

Anyone prone to losing their balance in the bathroom may benefit from some well positioned rails.

Many conditions associated with old age lead to diminished balance, so rails tend to be particularly useful to people in this age group.

Some rails, like the prima bathroom rails, have a non-slip finish, ideal for wet environments.

Others have patterns in the surface to increase friction.

They range from small handle-style sizes, right up to rails of more than a metre in length.

Most rails need to be screwed to the wall, so it’s important a qualified tradesmen is consulted to fit them.

Many grab rails are not supplied with fixings, as these need to be specific to the type of wall the rails are being fixed to.

Most modern rails are well coated with materials which keeps moisture away from the metal.

Completely non-corrosive materials like strong plastic are used in some cases, sometimes with an aluminium core, to increase rigidity.

To guarantee a rust-free life, make sure any fixings used are of the non-rusting variety.

Yes, white is the most popular colour, along with chrome.

Both offer a modern finish, complementing most bathrooms while remaining unobtrusive.

Some support rails for the bathroom are also available in high contrast colours like dark blue or red.

This is primarily to make them stand out as much as possible, for people with diminished vision.

A grab rail for disabled people or the elderly will usually be fitted to the wall, but for some, the area they need the most support is right in the middle of the room.

A floor-to-ceiling bathroom rail offers this functionality.

Some also have a horizontal rail attachment, providing a great point of support near the middle of the bathroom.