Today’s bath and shower faucets provide more than a high flow of water. They offer a stylish accent for your bathroom with more enhanced functionality and comfort features than ever before. With a range of configurations and finishes to choose from, finding the perfect blend of functional necessity and eye-catching style is easier than ever. Tubs and showers offer many different options from which to choose, but share many of the same options for materials and finishes. This buying guide will explain the configurations, styles, finishes and features to consider so you can select the faucet that reflects your individual taste while delivering a high level of performance.

Start with Style
Two factors to consider in making your selection are the configuration of your previous faucet, if you’re replacing an old one, and your personal style. Select a faucet that complements the other fixtures in your bathroom, and is consistent with the overall theme and design of your home. Once you’ve selected the style, then you can consider your new faucet’s finish and features.

Tub Faucets
Bath faucets are typically mounted on your tub in one of three ways:

Wall Mount/Tub Mount faucets install through pre-drilled holes through the tub wall or on the bathroom wall over tubs that are on platforms or sunken below floor level. The pipes are concealed, and the spouts and handles are exposed. Wall mount faucets are the most common installation and a practical solution when the bath doubles as a shower. The plumbing holes are typically 4” - 8” apart from the center of one handle to the other.

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Freestanding faucets are used with tubs without pre-drilled holes. The pipes come up out of the floor and are exposed and secured to the tub or wall for support. Freestanding faucets can be positioned at either end of the tub and are typically used for tubs with continuously rolled rims like claw foot tubs or their modern equivalents.

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Deck-Mount tub faucets install through pre-drilled holes in the tub rim (called the deck) or may be installed on the tile surface on a drop-in tub.  The pipes are concealed, leaving the spouts and handles exposed. Deck-mount faucets, which include Roman tub faucets, allow more sitting room in the tub.  The holes are typically 8” apart.

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Additional factors to consider for your tub faucet include:

• Tub faucets may have one, two or three handles.

• Three-handle tub and shower faucets have a handle as a diverter rather than a diverter located on the tub spout.

• Bathtub faucets are not interchangeable with sink faucets. Faucets for your bathtub are designed to have a much higher flow rate.

Shower Faucets

• Shower faucets are usually wall-mounted, but can be tub-mounted in tub/shower combos.

• Shower faucets may have one or two handles with a third handle that serves as a diverter for the shower.

• A tub and shower faucet can be replaced with a shower-only faucet by concealing the unused hole with a spout hole cover.

• Some single-handle models offer even more precise control with a lever that controls the volume of water and a separate dial that controls temperature.

Material and Finish
When selecting your faucet, consider the material it is made of and select a color and finish that will complement your décor.

• Shower faucets are generally constructed of brass behind the wall and brass or zinc in front of the wall.

• Brass provides the greatest durability and longevity, though it may require a higher upfront investment.

The finish is the surface coating on the faucet’s spout and handles. Refer to the table below for a comparison of the most popular finishes. In the samples of popular finishes below, color representations should only be used as a guide and may not be shown in their true quality due to differences in color monitors.

Chrome may have a polished, brushed or matte finish. Durable, economical and easy to clean, it resists oxidation but does show water marks more than some other finishes.

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Nickel may have a brushed or satin look and is stylish, durable and easy to clean. Look for units with a titanium finish to better resist scratching and tarnish.

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Mixed colors and metallic tones can be matched to your bathroom’s color scheme. Striking combinations include satin nickel and polished brass, brushed nickel and polished chrome, satin nickel and white, and more.

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Brass may have a high gloss, satin or antique finish and is ideal for traditional décor. Brass faucets with lifetime finishes resist damage and wear.

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Bronze complements neutral color palettes and is a popular choice for a rustic look. It may have a polished, brushed or darker oil-rubbed look with highlights and resists scratches, tarnishing and corrosion.

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