Bath Hardware: How to Install a Towel Bar and More

A bathroom remodel is fun to imagine, yet it can be costly and time consuming. You can refresh a bathroom just by adding new bath hardware on a Saturday afternoon and still have plenty of time for an evening family BBQ. Here are some guidelines for you to follow when installing new bathroom hardware.

Before you get started taking your new hardware out of the box, make sure you have all the tools handy that you'll need to complete your installation. This will help your project go much smoother! Here is a list of what you will need.

• A screwdriver or power drill to create the holes for your hardware and to tightly (but not too tightly) mount your new hardware.
• A level to make sure you hang your hardware straight, ensuring your towels hang evenly.
• A measuring tape to hang your hardware in the best location and at the correct distance from the floor.
• A stud finder to install your new towel racks in a stud, so they will hold heavy, wet towels without coming loose as drywall typically doesn't provide adequate support for weight-bearing hardware.
• A pencil to mark the spot where you will hang your hardware.
• Anchors and screws to install the hardware.
• Masking tape to mark and protect surfaces of your bathroom walls.
• A hex key to screw in hexagonal screws when necessary. This will likely come in the hardware kit.

While mounting new hardware doesn't require a blueprint like a full bathroom remodel, it's still a good idea to plan out everything you will install. Then, mark where you will hang it before you begin. Look at the layout, once you mark where you want everything, and see if it's functional for the space and if it suits the height of the people who will use that bathroom. A common mistake people make when mounting hardware is in the placement, so here are a few rules of thumb for how high to hang hardware.

• Towel bar: Hang a towel bar where you can reach it from the shower or bathtub for easy access. It should hang at your elbow or 42-48 inches from the floor (36–44 inches for children). Hang it centered between the tub and toilet, for example, or between a wall and cabinet.
• Towel ring: Hang a towel ring at about shoulder height or 20–22 inches above the vanity top or 50-52 inches from the floor (44-48 inches for children).
• Toilet paper holder: Mount a toilet paper holder at your fingertips when you’re standing up or at about 26 inches from the floor, 8–12 inches in front of the toilet. It’s not necessary to hang a toilet paper holder lower for children, but it’s helpful to hang it 4-6 inches closer to the toilet.

Here are some steps to follow when installing your new hardware.

1. Using your tape measure and pencil, measure where you want to hang your hardware and mark it lightly.
2. When hanging a towel bar, use one long piece of masking tape to mark where the bar will hang. Use your level to make sure the tape is level.
3. Determine if you are drilling into a stud with your stud finder. If you are, drill directly into the stud to mount your hardware.

4. If you are drilling into drywall, drill pilot holes, install the appropriate drywall anchors and then screw into the anchors.

Tip: You can use a toggle bolt for better support for a towel bar depending on if you plan to have lots of heavy, wet towels. This is a good idea for a kid's bathroom.

5. Next, attach the mounting brackets for your hardware.
6. Finally, install the correct screws into the brackets to mount the hardware.

• Use masking tape to mark your drill spots. This will prevent the paint from chipping when you drill. You can remove it after installation.
• To prevent that annoying wobble of towel racks, put one tiny drop of medium strength builder glue on the thread of the screw and then screw into the side brackets.
• Clean or paint the wall area before installing your new hardware.
• Match the finishes and styles of all the hardware in your bathroom for a cohesive look.
• Avoid finishes and styles of all the hardware in your bathroom for a cohesive look.

We have everything you need for a quick upgrade to your bathroom–from the right hardware for your space to the tools to install it. Swing by today. You can admire your handiwork while you brush your teeth after that delicious BBQ dinner.