Some have a support leg which rests down on the floor when the rail is horizontal. Some models provide a single horizontal rail which provides support at one height; others consist of a looped rail which provides two alternative gripping positions. Some of these rails have a built-in toilet roll holder.

If you are very unstable when standing and you find it difficult to bear your own weight, simple grab rails may not be the most suitable answer for you. You may need more support to help you. Likewise, if you have very poor grip, or significant pain in your hands, arms or shoulders.Grab rails by the toilet are often fixed to the wall alongside the toilet, but if this is not possible (due to the toilet being too far from the wall or a partition wall or a radiator being in the way for example), then a drop down rail that extends from the wall behind the toilet could be used (see below). Staircases usually have a handrail on one side, although this may not extend to the full length of the staircase. Most DIY stores sell handrails which can be used to extend the existing handrail all the way up the staircase if it is required. Adding a handrail to the other side of the staircase will provide more support where needed. Long lengths of rail are available and may also be installed along corridors. They are fixed to the wall or to the floor behind the toilet and can fold down to a horizontal position alongside the toilet.

Alternatively, if there are no obstructions outside the bath (e.g. the sink or toilet) a vertical grab rail could be installed on the wall at the tap end of the bath. This is useful when stepping in and out of the bath and also to hold onto if standing to shower. Rails set at an incline (fixed at a slight angle to the horizontal) may assist someone with weak or painful arms or wrists to support his/her forearm on the rail whilst pushing up, thus spreading the body weight over a larger area. There are many types of grab rail. The main types are briefly introduced below, before going into greater detail about grab rails and their use in specific areas of the home.

A wide range of finished hand rails are available from DIY chains for you to choose from. A plain 50mm mop head cross section softwood rail may be used.