When doing new home construction, a kitchen and/or bathroom remodel or just need to replace that old warn out faucet the question is “how do I choose the right faucet?” The majority of people today buy their plumbing fixtures on line so being an informed shopper reduces frustrations, returns and delays with your project.
Yes, the first consideration is the type of faucet fixture you need to correctly fit and function on your sink or tub. However gone are the days that it is just about function and fit! The current trend has made faucets rise to a center stage position in many homes.
Faucets and other designer style plumbing fixtures have become “The” fashion statement in homes today. Style and finish have become the top priority in making the right choice. The main headliner at this time is Vintage or Victorian Style faucets bringing back the old to create a “new” look in your kitchen or bathroom. Although, contemporary and conventional style faucets still have a significant role to play as many people still prefer a sleek, sophisticated modern look to their home.
Ok, so to answer the question “how to choose the right faucet?” first choose the style then determine what fit you will need. You will also want to consider coordinating or matching your sink, tub and shower fixtures. Next you will want to choose the finish that most appeals to you or compliments the décor of your room. There are many finishes to choose from these days the standard polished chrome, the warm vintage look of polished brass, the elegant look of satin nickel or the rustic vintage look of oil rubbed bronze.
Now that you have made your style and finish choices what type of sink or tub will they compliment? For your kitchen faucet you will want to decide whether you want/need a mono deck which is a one whole faucet with or without a pull out sprayer or a mono deck with a side sprayer. Other options are 3 hole deck mount or a 4 hole for a deck mount with side sprayer, wall mount or a bridge faucet. Additional types of faucet for the kitchen are pot fillers and pre-rinse faucets. The standard for choosing the correct fit is: mono deck is a one hole application, all other faucets are measured center to center whether it is a fixed center or adjustable mount.
You will want to use this same standard for measuring the correct fit with your bathroom sink and tub faucets. Mono deck mount, mini-wide, wide spread and bridge faucets are used with under mount (dropped in the counter) sinks. Tall mono deck mount or wall mount is the best choice for a Vessel (above counter) sink , mini wide or basin faucets for small déco art pedestal sinks and a wide spread for a large console pedestal sink. As for tubs do you have a roman or claw foot tub? Most roman tub fillers are a 3 hole application or 4 hole to accommodate a side sprayer however you can still get a Vintage Look by installing a Claw foot tub faucet on your roman tub. To make the best choice for claw foot tub faucets please refer to our Claw foot Tub Plumbing Fixture E-Guide
All this is so worth it when that first house quest comes in and says “I love your faucet!”
