One of the quickest and easiest ways to update your bathroom or kitchen is by installing a new faucet. But with the myriad materials, styles, and finishes available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task—especially because they all look so darn shiny in the store. Here’s a rundown on faucet basics to get you started. Then stay tuned … next week I’ll teach you how to replace that old faucet yourself!
When you start hunting for a new faucet, appearance is, of course, a key consideration. But you’ll also want to make certain the faucet you choose is durable, the proper size to fit your sink, and easy to turn on and off.
Cost. Faucet prices start at around $60 for basic models and run well beyond $1,000. For a high-quality faucet, expect to spend at least $200.
Materials. Materials—particularly those that comprise the innards of the faucet—are what separate the best from the rest. Solid-brass, die-cast fittings are more expensive than other materials but they likely will last the longest and require the least amount of care. Middle-of-the-road options include brass or chrome-plated models. Or spend even less (and still get a relatively durable faucet) by looking for die-cast, zinc-alloy bodies. Plastic models are the cheapest and least durable option.
There are four basic types of faucet innards: ceramic disk, cartridge, ball, and compression.
Ceramic-disk faucets feature a pair of ceramic disks that slide over one another to regulate water flow and temperature. The disks and mixing chamber are located in a large cylinder held in place with screws. Ceramic-disk faucets don’t wear out as quickly as other types and are easy to use.
Cartridge faucets locate the flow mechanism within a cartridge that is easily replaced. They are available in single- or double-handle configurations.
Ball faucets include a rotating ball inside the faucet that moves over water inlet holes allowing water to flow. The ball regulates the flow of both hot and cold water.
Compression faucets have two handles—one for hot water and another for cold. This type of faucet uses a system of seals and washers to control water pressure.
Styles. Faucet styles are typically dictated by how many controls they have and how they are connected to the sink, countertop, or wall.
Photo courtesy of Moen
Single-handle faucets have one spout and one handle to control both hot and cold water flow. Modern versions of this style of faucet can be incredibly contemporary, as this sleek model to the left proves.
Center-set faucets include the spout and either one or two handles in a single unit. They typically fit a basin with three holes for mounting the faucet.
Spread-fit faucets also usually work with three-hole basins but the separate spout and handles are connected below the sink deck (check out this oh-so-shiny traditional chrome model). This type may fit holes spaced anywhere from 4 to 10 inches apart, which is particularly useful if your sink location dictates that the faucet be installed somewhere other than the back of the basin.
Wall-mount faucets have grown in popularity recently. They attach directly to the wall rather than to the sink or countertop and work particularly well with vessel sinks in the bathroom or old-fashioned farm-style sinks in the kitchen.
Pot-filler faucets are another relatively new configuration. They’re typically positioned near a cooktop or range and may be mounted on the countertop or on the backsplash (see both options here). The goal: to allow you to fill large pots of water right where they’ll be used, rather than having to haul them from sink to stove.
Photo courtesy of Kohler Co.
As if all of these different styles don’t give you enough options, a number of add-ons and technological advances provide even more choices. In the kitchen, single-handle faucets with pullout sprayers make filling pots or rinsing the sink easy. To conserve water and make operating the faucet a breeze for people with limited hand strength, consider a hands-free faucet in the kitchen or bath.
Finishes. Where to begin? There are more than 30 finish options available for faucets, which makes this part of the decision-making process one of the trickiest. It pays to think about ease of maintenance and appearance.
One of the best-looking and longest-lasting options is a brass or zinc faucet with an electroplated chrome finish. Pewter, nickel, and satin finishes are low-maintenance and incredibly attractive—plus you can match them to your door and cabinet hardware styles. Many people still opt for the ever-popular chrome and chrome-brass finishes, but be warned: to maintain the lovely shine of chrome you’ll have to clean your faucet frequently. One of my favorite finishes right now is oil-rubbed bronze, shown below. It has a great patina for an old-fashioned kitchen (and won’t show water spots like those shinier options!). Oh, and I’d avoid those colorful paint or enamel finishes altogether because they’re prone to chipping and scratching. Save the color for other items in your kitchen and bath instead.
Photo courtesy of Moen
Want to know even more about faucets? Check out The Facts on Faucets.
You’ll find a comprehensive list of kitchen faucet manufacturers here. Or click here for the bathroom list.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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