Install Final Bathroom Fixtures
The finishing touches that make your basement bathroom fully functional. Installing towel bars, toilet paper holder, shelving, and accessories transforms an empty room into a usable, welcoming space.
Quick Summary
Time needed
3-4 hours
Cost
$100-$200
Difficulty
Easy
Why Final Fixtures Matter
A bathroom without proper fixtures is technically complete but practically unusable. These small details make the difference between a construction site and a finished bathroom that your family and guests can actually use.
Planning Tip: If you installed blocking during framing, now's when it pays off. Fixtures secured to blocking are rock-solid. If you didn't, heavy-duty wall anchors will work, but locate studs whenever possible for towel bars and shelving.
Professional placement makes a bathroom feel well-designed. Poor fixture placement is immediately noticeable and frustrating to use daily. Take time to measure and level everything carefully.
Tools and Materials Needed
Tools
- •Power drill with bits
- •Level (2-foot or laser level)
- •Stud finder
- •Screwdriver set
- •Tape measure
- •Pencil for marking
Materials
- •Toilet paper holder
- •Hand towel bar (18-24 inches)
- •Bath towel bar (24-30 inches)
- •Shelving units or brackets
- •Robe hooks (optional)
- •Heavy-duty wall anchors or toggle bolts
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Install Toilet Paper Holder First
Start with the most critical fixture. Nothing is more frustrating than a poorly placed TP holder.
Proper TP Holder Placement:
- ✓26 inches from floor to center of holder
- ✓8-12 inches from front of toilet bowl
- ✓Slightly forward, not behind your hip when seated
- ✓Use anchors rated for pulling force
2. Mount Towel Bars at Proper Heights
Towel bars get daily use and pulling force. Secure installation prevents loose, wobbly bars.
Towel Bar Heights:
- •Hand towel near sink: 48 inches from floor
- •Bath towel bar: 48-54 inches from floor
- •Ring towel holder: 50 inches from floor
- •Always use level to ensure bars are perfectly horizontal
Pro Tip: If you have blocking behind the wall (installed during framing), position towel bar ends directly over it. If not, at least one end should hit a stud, or use heavy-duty toggle bolts rated for 50+ pounds at both ends.
3. Install Shelving for Storage
Basement bathrooms often lack built-in storage. Well-placed shelving adds essential storage space.
Shelving Placement Options:
- •Above toilet: 18-24 inches above tank top
- •Wall shelves: 60-72 inches from floor
- •Shower shelves: 48-60 inches high
- •Use shelf brackets secured into studs for weight capacity
Important: Shelves holding toiletries and towels can get heavy. Always secure into studs or use anchors rated for the expected weight. A falling shelf is dangerous and damages walls.
4. Add Grab Bars If Needed
For aging-in-place or accessibility, grab bars are essential safety features.
Grab Bar Safety Requirements:
- !MUST be secured into solid blocking - wall anchors not sufficient
- •Toilet grab bars: 33-36 inches from floor
- •Shower/tub grab bars: horizontal at 33-36 inches
- •Should support 250+ pounds
- •Check local codes for ADA requirements
5. Install Final Accessories
Small finishing touches complete the bathroom and add convenience.
Optional But Useful Accessories:
- •Robe hooks on back of door or wall (64-68 inches high)
- •Magazine rack next to toilet
- •Soap dish or dispenser near sink
- •Toothbrush holder
- •Mirror (if not already installed)
Professional Installation Tips
Pro Tip: Buy matching fixture sets in the same finish (brushed nickel, chrome, oil-rubbed bronze). Coordinated fixtures look intentional and professional. Mismatched styles look like afterthoughts.
Pro Tip: Before drilling, use painter's tape over the drill location to prevent tile from cracking and to keep the drill bit from wandering on smooth surfaces.
Pro Tip: Sit on the toilet before finalizing the TP holder location. Reach naturally - that's where it should be. Don't rely only on standard measurements if your toilet placement is non-standard.
Pro Tip: Use a laser level for installing multiple towel bars or shelves. It ensures everything is perfectly aligned horizontally and creates a professional, cohesive look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should a toilet paper holder be installed?
The standard height for a toilet paper holder is 26 inches from the floor to the center of the holder. Position it 8-12 inches in front of the toilet bowl rim for comfortable reach. For accessibility (ADA compliance), mount it 15-19 inches from the front of the toilet and 15-48 inches from the floor. Always check local building codes for specific requirements.
Do towel bars need to be secured into studs?
Towel bars should be secured into studs whenever possible for maximum stability. If studs aren't conveniently located, use heavy-duty toggle bolts or molly bolts rated for at least 50 pounds. Standard plastic anchors are not sufficient - towel bars experience significant pulling force during use. Grab bars absolutely must be secured into solid blocking or studs for safety.
How high should bathroom shelves be mounted?
The ideal height for bathroom shelves is 60-72 inches from the floor, which puts them within easy reach while maximizing floor space. Above the toilet, shelves can be 18-24 inches above the tank. In showers, mount shelves 48-60 inches high for easy access. Consider user height - shorter users need lower shelves, and taller users can handle higher placement.
What fixtures are essential for a basement bathroom?
Essential basement bathroom fixtures include: toilet paper holder (critical), hand towel bar near the sink, bath towel bar or hooks, mirror (if not already installed), and basic shelving for storage. Optional but recommended: shower caddy or shelves, robe hooks, and proper ventilation fan. For accessibility, add grab bars near the toilet and in the shower. Plan fixture placement during framing to ensure proper blocking is installed.
Ready for the Next Step?
With all fixtures installed, it's time to schedule your final building inspection to ensure everything meets code.