How to Install a Towel Rack on Drywall, Tile, and Concrete (Step-by-Step Guide)

Mr. Handyman explains how to install a towel rack on various wall materials. Choose the right tools and hardware for your wall type Locate and mark the mounting spots Drill pilot holes or use anchors as needed Secure the towel rack with screws Check stability and adjust if necessary

Installing a towel rack sounds relatively easy—until you’re staring at drywall that crumbles, tile that cracks, or concrete that just won’t budge. The truth is, how you install a towel rack depends on the kind of wall you’re working with.

This guide walks you through the tools, anchor types, and step-by-step methods for towel rack installation on drywall, tile, and concrete. You’ll be confident that your towel bar will stay straight and secure, no matter what’s behind it.

Before You Begin: Know Your Wall Type

Before you grab your drill, figure out what kind of wall material you’re working with. The installation method you use and the tools you need will depend entirely on whether you’re installing on drywall, tile, or concrete.

Not sure what you’ve got? Here’s how to tell:

• Drywall: This is the most common wall surface in bathrooms. Drywall is usually painted and spackled and feels soft and slightly hollow when tapped.
• Tile: Usually found in showers, tubs, and kitchen backsplashes, tile is smooth, glossy, and cold to the touch.
• Concrete or masonry: Often found in basements or exterior walls, concrete or stone has a solid, heavy feel.

Each material needs a different approach to anchor the towel rack. It’s no surprise, then, that the first step in installing a towel rack is choosing the appropriate anchor type.

Choosing the Right Anchors for Your Wall

The anchor you choose can make or break your towel rack installation — literally. Different wall materials require hardware that can hold the weight of towels (especially wet ones) without pulling loose over time. Here's what works best:

• Drywall: If you're not drilling into a stud, use metal toggle bolts or molly anchors. These provide a strong grip behind the wall and prevent the rack from tearing out under weight.
• Tile: use plastic anchors and screws, or specialized wingnuts for a stronger hold. Always drill slowly with a tile-appropriate bit and protect the tile surface with masking tape.
• Concrete or masonry: Use masonry screws for permanent installation, or choose a wall-mounted adhesive towel rack for an easier, drill-free option.

Handy Tip: If you can line up your towel rack mounts with wall studs — especially in drywall — you may not need anchors at all. In most modern homes, studs are 16” apart center-to-center. Use a stud finder to make the process simpler.

How to Install a Towel Rack on Drywall (With or Without Anchors)

Drywall is common in most bathrooms, but it’s also the most flimsy material when it comes to holding weight. If your towel bar doesn’t line up with a stud, you’ll need drywall anchors to keep it secure. The good news? With the right prep, this is an easy project anyone can tackle.

Step-by-step: How to install a towel rack on drywall

1. Find a stud or use drill anchors. Use a stud finder to locate studs in your wall and lightly mark the center with a pencil. Once you find a stud, look for the next one 16” over. No stud finder? Here’s how to locate studs without one — a useful trick if you’re installing a towel rack on drywall.
2. Measure and mark your bracket holes. Determine the height of the towel rack. Use a level to line up your stud markers and mark screw locations for both sides.
3. Drill pilot holes. Use a drill bit sized for your screws or anchors. For toggle anchors, widen the hole to allow the toggle to compress and insert.

4. Insert drywall anchors. If using anchors, follow the product instructions. Metal toggle bolts should sit snug and expand behind the drywall.

Handy Tip: Not sure how to install a towel rack with drill anchors? Think of the anchor or molly bolt as the solid surface in your drywall. Drill a pilot hole using a bit the same size or slightly smaller than the width of the anchor to allow a snug fit. Gently fit the anchor into the wall. When you’re ready to hang the towel rack, the mounting screws will go into the anchor rather than the crumbly drywall, providing a secure installation.

5. Install towel rack brackets: Attach the mounting plates using screws. Double-check the level before fully tightening.
6. Secure the towel bar: Slide the bar into place and tighten any set screws to lock it in.

Handy Tip: Wet towels are heavy, so always test the rack’s hold by gently pulling down after installation, or contact your local home improvement professional if you’d rather not take chances.

How to Install a Towel Rack on Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Installing a towel rack on tile isn’t as hard as it sounds, but it takes patience and the right tools. Whether you're mounting it above your tub or inside the shower, you’ll follow a similar process to drywall with a few tile-specific precautions to avoid cracks.

Before you get started, review our tiling tools checklist to ensure you have the essentials for DIY installs.

Step-by-step: How to install a towel rack on tile

1. Mark your mounting holes. Hold the towel bar brackets where you want them and mark each drill spot with a pencil.
2. Tape over the marks. Place masking or painter’s tape on the tile where you’ll drill. It helps the bit grip and protects the surface from cracks.
3. Drill slowly with a tile-rated bit. Use a diamond- or carbide-tipped bit, and drill straight in with light pressure. No hammer setting — slow and steady wins here.

4. Add anchors (if needed): If there’s a stud behind the tile, great — just screw directly in. If you're wondering how to install a towel rack with wingnuts, use them in place of standard anchors for a stronger hold behind tile or hollow walls. Make sure the hole is wide enough for the wings to expand.
5. Attach the brackets: Line everything up, double-check your level, and screw the brackets into place.
6. Secure the towel bar: Slide the bar onto the mounts and tighten the set screws, if your design has them.

Handy Tip: Don’t overtighten. Too much pressure on tile can lead to fine cracks. Just tighten until snug.

How to Install a Towel Rack on Concrete or Masonry Walls

Installing a towel bar on concrete and masonry walls (like brick or cinder block) requires a slightly different approach.

You’ve got two options here: either drill and use masonry anchors, or go with a no-drill adhesive towel rack designed for solid surfaces.

Step-by-step: How to install a towel rack on a masonry wall

1. Choose your installation method. If you’re using a no-drill towel rack with adhesive backing, you can skip straight to mounting. If not, you’ll need a drill, masonry bit(s), and masonry anchors.
2. Clean and prep the wall. Wipe away dust or loose paint. Adhesives won’t bond to dirty surfaces, and drills work best on clean, solid material.
3. Mounting (adhesive towel racks). Apply construction-grade adhesive or follow the product’s instructions. Hold the rack in place for a few seconds, then let it cure fully (usually 24 hours) before hanging towels.
4. Mounting (traditional racks with brackets). Mark your screw locations, then use a masonry drill bit to create pilot holes. Go slow and steady.
5. Insert masonry anchors: Gently tap plastic or metal masonry anchors into the pilot holes until they sit flush.
6. Mount the towel rack: Attach the brackets with screws, double-check for level, then secure the bar as needed.

Handy Tip: Adhesive-mounted towel racks are ideal for renters or areas where drilling isn’t practical. Just make sure the adhesive and the rack are rated to hold the weight of wet towels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Towel Rack

Towel rack installation might seem simple — until a cracked tile or loose bracket proves otherwise. Avoid these common mistakes to save yourself time, effort, and wall repairs:

• Using weak or incorrect wall anchors: The plastic anchors that come with towel racks often aren't strong enough, especially for wet towels. Use metal toggle bolts, molly anchors, or anchors made for your specific wall type (drywall, tile, or masonry).
• Skipping the level check before drilling: Even a slight tilt is hard to ignore once the rack is up. Always grab a level and mark your holes carefully before drilling.
• Overtightening screws into tile: Applying too much pressure can crack or weaken the tile. Stop turning once the bracket feels snug — no need to force it.
• Drilling too quickly or with the wrong bit: Masonry, tile, and even thick drywall require specific drill bits and a slow, steady hand. Rushing can lead to cracked surfaces or stripped anchors.
• Mounting directly into drywall without support: Unless you're hitting a stud, drywall alone won't hold up long-term. Always use the right anchors to secure mounting brackets properly.

Handy Tip: Not sure what kind of wall you have? Tap it — a hollow sound means drywall, while a sharper, solid knock could mean tile, brick, or concrete.

Should You DIY Your Towel Rack Install or Call a Pro?

Installing a towel rack isn’t overly complex, but depending on your wall material and confidence with a drill, it might not be worth the trial and error. Here’s how to decide whether to DIY or hire a handyman to get it done right.

DIY is a good fit when:

• You’re mounting into drywall and hitting studs.
• You have the right tools, anchors, and patience.
• You feel comfortable with brackets, levels, and drill work.
• You’re only installing one or two towel bars.

Hire a pro if:

• You’re working with tile, concrete, or masonry.
• You’re unsure which hardware or tools are right for your walls.
• You want everything level, fast, and done in one visit.
• You’d rather not risk wall damage or frustration.

Bottom line: If you’re not confident in your ability to get a long-lasting, sharp-looking result the first time (especially on tricky walls), calling a pro can save time, tools, and guesswork.

Thinking of a bigger refresh? Our full bathroom remodel checklist helps you plan for everything — towel bars included.

Let Mr. Handyman Handle Your Towel Rack Install

Don’t stress over anchors, levels, or cracked tile. When you contact your local Mr. Handyman^® team, you get expert towel rack installation done right — fast, clean, and stress-free.

Booking a towel rack installation online is easy. Request service today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

FAQs About Towel Rack Installation

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners and businesses repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions on towel rack installation.

How do I install a towel rack?

To install a towel rack, start by marking your bracket locations with a level. Use a stud finder or the correct wall anchors for your surface (drywall, tile, or concrete). Drill your pilot holes, install anchors or screws, then attach the brackets and slide the towel bar into place.

Do towel bars need to be installed into studs?

Studs provide the strongest hold, especially for heavy or frequently used towel bars. If studs aren’t available or the spacing doesn’t work, use strong wall anchors rated for 30–50 lbs to ensure the towel bar stays secure.

How do you install a towel rack on drywall?

If you can’t hit a stud, use toggle bolts or molly anchors to support the rack. Avoid basic plastic anchors, as they often pull out with time and use. Always double-check the level before drilling, and space anchors at least 2 inches from drywall edges to prevent crumbling.

How do you install a towel rack on tile without cracking it?

To install a towel rack on tile without cracking it, use a carbide- or diamond-tipped bit and drill slowly. Do not use the hammer setting. Apply masking tape to prevent slipping. Once the pilot holes are in, insert plastic anchors and attach the brackets carefully. Don’t overtighten screws.

If you’re installing a new tile wall as part of a bathroom or kitchen remodel, be sure to review our guide to preparing drywall for tile first.

What anchors are best for installing a towel rack?

Choose anchors rated for at least 30 lbs to handle wet towels and daily use. The best anchor for your towel rack depends on your wall type:

• Drywall: Toggle bolts or molly anchors
• Tile: Plastic anchors
• Concrete: Masonry screws or heavy-duty anchors

Should I hire someone to install a towel rack?

If you’re unsure about your wall material, don’t have the right tools, or want a polished, damage-free result the first time, hiring a pro is the smart move. Mr. Handyman installs towel racks, grab bars, and bathroom hardware quickly — and it's all backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise^® to ensure your satisfaction.