TL;DR
Grab bar blocking is solid wood or plywood backing installed inside a bathroom wall so that a safety bar can later be screwed into structure rather than bare drywall, which cannot hold the 250-pound load ADA-style bars are rated for. It is cheap to add during a remodel while the wall is open, typically 2x8 or 2x10 lumber spanning studs at 33 to 36 inches above the floor around tubs, showers, and toilets.
What it means
Grab bar blocking is solid wood or plywood backing installed inside a bathroom wall so that a safety bar can later be screwed into structure rather than bare drywall, which cannot hold the 250-pound load ADA-style bars are rated for. It is cheap to add during a remodel while the wall is open, typically 2x8 or 2x10 lumber spanning studs at 33 to 36 inches above the floor around tubs, showers, and toilets. Retrofits without it depend on specialized anchors with lower, less reliable capacity.
Where it sits in the glossary
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Why Ohio homeowners should know it
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