Towel bars are notorious for detaching from walls, often due to improper installation rather than design flaws. To ensure the longevity of your towel bar, it’s crucial to either install it directly into wall studs or securely anchor it to the drywall. This will enable it to withstand the weight of damp, heavy towels on a daily basis. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to correctly install a towel bar, whether you have a wall stud or not.
Before You Start
Towel bars come in various sizes, so measure your intended installation spot before purchasing one. Ideally, both ends of the towel bar should be fastened to a stud for maximum strength. However, if this isn’t possible, securing it to at least one stud is better than none. If the position of the stud doesn’t align with your preferred location for the towel bar, you can use drywall anchors on both sides. While this isn’t the best option, it will work if done correctly.
“wp-image-361121 size-large” title=”How to Install a Towel Bar” src=”https://www.tipsclear.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/How-to-Install-a-Towel-Bar-935×1024.jpg” alt=”How to Install a Towel Bar” width=”640″ height=”701″ /> How to Install a Towel BarYou’ll also need to decide on the best height for your towel bar. The general guideline is 48 inches, but this can be adjusted based on your family’s needs and the intended use of the towel bar.
Materials Needed
- Towel bar with hardware
- Drywall anchors and screws (optional)
- 2-inch wood screws (optional)
Installation Steps
- Mark the Wall: Identify the spot on the wall where you want to install the towel bar. If your towel bar came with a template, use it. If not, hold the towel bar against the wall and mark two points that align with the mounting points on the towel bar brackets. Ensure these marks are level.
- Drill Holes in the Wall: Drill holes at each marked point, using the appropriate bit for your screws and anchors. If you’re mounting directly into a stud, use a bit slightly smaller than your mounting screw. If using drywall anchors, use the bit size specified for your anchor.
- Insert the Anchor Into the Drywall: Position the anchor into the hole and gently hammer it in until it’s flush with the drywall surface.
- Mount Towel Bar Brackets: Detach the brackets from the towel bar and mount them on the wall using the provided screws.
- Attach the Bar Holders and Bar: Slide the bar holder onto the bracket and secure it with the set screw. Insert the bar and the second bar holder into place and tighten the second set screw.
Tips for Longevity
To ensure your towel bar lasts, avoid overloading it with heavy towels. If the towel bar is used for holding hand towels, remove the towel to dry your hands instead of drying your hands while the towel is on the bar. Regularly pulling on the towel can strain the hardware, gradually detaching it from the wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you anchor a towel bar? Use drywall anchors that provide a strong hold in the drywall. Opt for anchors that grip the back of the drywall or thread into the drywall, rather than traditional anchors that pop into a pre-drilled hole.
- Do you need studs to mount a towel bar? While it’s not necessary to mount a towel bar into wall studs, doing so can significantly increase its durability. Even mounting one side of the towel bar into a stud and the other into a drywall anchor is better than using no stud at all.
- How do you install a towel bar without a drill? To install a towel bar without a drill, use drywall anchors that don’t require drilling. These anchors can be hammered into the wall and then screwed into place using a standard screwdriver.