Hey everyone! I'm looking to install some vertical grab bars in my bathroom, and I need to prep the wall for the blocking first. The wall has metal studs, and I want to make sure I do this the right way before getting a pro to patch it back up. The grab bars will be about 3.5 feet tall, spaced 20 inches apart, and will need blocking in two stud bays that's approximately 5 feet tall. One grab bar is near an inside corner, so I have a few specific questions:
1. Should I cut one large rectangular section for all four blocking points, or would two separate openings be better for the patching later?
2. For the grab bar close to the corner, should I cut right at the corner or just inside the stud cavity?
3. Do I need to open a third stud bay to drill into the blocking, or is there a way to do it with only cutting into two?
Any tips to make this process cleaner and easier would be appreciated! Thanks!
1 Answer
I'd suggest going for one large cutout. This way, the edges of your cut land in the middle of the studs, making it easier for the pro to patch up later. Also, check if there's any horizontal blocking already installed at about 48 inches from the floor, that could help!
Great tip! I know there's some metal blocking by the toilet. Just need to check if it's in the right spot for the grab bars. Thanks!