Home Renovation and Remodeling Tips
Bath Hardware Installations
As with most parts of any remodeling project, planning is critical.
Of course you still may get a better “sense of the space” after the
demolition is complete and change things anyway. I still recommend
being ahead of the game.
My first construction job was on a hospital. One of my tasks was to
install wood bracing in the walls for grab bars in the bathrooms. It’s
always better to screw into something solid than to use a drywall
anchor of sorts. In other words, you don’t want your kids pulling the
towel bar off the wall. This little detail never escaped my memory
banks.
When you are through with the rough in work on your bath project,
and before you hang the drywall, place your towel bars, grab bars,
paper holders, etc. Document these locations (believe me you may not
remember). Then install framing in the walls for a solid connection for
your hardware. We usually use 2 x 10’s for a wider location option. We
also put more than necessary for the same reason. Of course, in the
end, you may once again change your mind and have to use sinkers in
the drywall anyway. If not, the effort will be well worth it.
The ultimate solution would be to install plywood on your walls
under the drywall. Then you have complete freedom with your desired
locations. This will shrink your room slightly, and cost a little more.
The plywood is also a good solution when building a handicap shower.
We then use pressure treated plywood under our tile board and mastic
adhesive along with screws for an added moisture barrier.