We're remodeling our master bath and I'm looking to put polished nickel grab bars in our shower. Is there anyone who has used them and can give me some feedback as to how they hold up? I'm thinking of getting the Columnar that have a 1 1/4" diameter. Also, if anyone has retrofitted one of these to use as a vertical slide bar for their handheld shower, I'd be interested to hear about your experience as well. I'm considering using the Jaclo adjustable sliding shower mount with the Ginger grab bar. The mounts work with 1 1/4" diameter bars. We're looking to install Hansgrohe polished nickel shower heads and trim. Their PN is different from the Ginger and Jaclo it seems, but they don't make grab bars, so I don't see a way around mixing the polished nickel finishes. Hopefully it won't be too noticeable. Do you think a regular Hansgrohe slider would be sturdy enough to use as a grab bar when getting in and out of the shower? TIA

Just look around at what is available - there are a lot of new designs that double as soap dish/ toilet roll holder, etc... they're avail at big box stores and actually look much nicer than your everyday utilitarian grab bar. I think the key is installing the right blocking behind the shower surround (I assume you're doing fiberglass or acrylic?) and knowing where to install it.

Here you go

I want to reduce fall risks as we age / guests age. There should be a vertical grab bar where you enter a shower or tub so you don't have to reach across the tub to the tile wall. Based on really helpful comments below about glass, my thought is to scrap idea of a walk-in shower with glass on two sides. (@JospehCorlett you may win!) ** What are everyone's thoughts on this idea instead? ** Note, this tub will not be used for baths. We have another bathroom for that in our main apartment down the hall. This is primarily for guests and sometimes for us.: (1.) Have a low tub - current vintage reglazed or new as low as possible, with the widest tub floor space possible. Suggestions appreciated! (2) Shower head, adjustable handheld, and tub spout on the long wall nearer window, spraying towards sink. (3) Build wall between tub and a new sink as in pic below. Shower controls mid-height on this wall - no need to bend down or reach to far long wall to turn on water. (4) Vertical grab bar on new wall inside shower, horizontal grab bar on long wall at standing height. (5) Use shower curtain rod as in second pic below. U and L shaped vintage look ones too unsturdy. Pros: Entry grab bar, takes care of weird window issue complicated by glass, fewer NYC permits needed than converting from tub to walk in. Cons: Tiny area for new sink. Evens out: Lifting leg into tub isn't great for aging in place, but grab bar helps with that and if someone is super limited range of motion they can stay in an ADA accessible hotel! Real estate pic of a unit in our building with wall between vintage tub and sink. Real estate pic of another unit with sturdy looking ceiling shower rod, low looking tub. Forget glass shower panel.