Bathroom Blocking

Nailed between studs, blocking provides solid backing for items such as towel racks, closet shelves, and safety grabs bars. Blocking ensures that the mounting hardware for those devices can be anchored with screws driven into solid wood, so that you don’t have to worry about racks, bars, and shelves pulling loose.

It’s smart to include blocking when marking up wall plates. Cut blocking boards from 2× scraps. Blocking is installed so that the face of the 2× is flush with the edges of the studs. To help locate blocking, use these standard heights for common bath, kitchen, and storage fixtures.

Towel bars: Near the tub and vanity, center blocks 54 in. above the floor.
Toilet-paper holder: Near the toilet, centre blocks 24 in. above the floor.
Toothbrush and soap holder: Above the sink, center blocks 40 in. above the floor.
Safety grab bars: Near the toilet and near (or in) the bathtub/shower, center blocks 36 in. above the floor.
Closet shelf and pole: Block 66 in. above the floor; more blocking may be needed if you install wire shelves.
Linen-Closet shelves: First block above the floor at 20 in., then block every 14 in, thereafter for above-floor measurements of 34 in., 48in, 62in., and 76 in. Don’t forget to block for a shelf or two in the utility room to hold detergent and other laundry items.
Kitchen cabinets: Block below 36 in. for base cabinets, above 54 in. and below 84 in. for wall cabinets.
Shutters: Block at the top and bottom of windows at least 12 in. wide.