How to Select a Bathroom Faucet. Did you Consider these 3 Things?

At the end of the day, we all know there are countless brands of faucets for you to choose from for your bathroom. How do you even get started?

Understanding the most important elements you need out of your faucet may help you narrow down your choices. Cost and style are probably the two driving factors. Other questions you may have revolve around finish, the overall quality, and how long you'll have to wait to receive the faucet when you order it.

You've done your homework, you know your preferences, and maybe you know the details in and out, but did you consider these three things?

1. What finishes are available? Not all finishes are made the same, and some finish options may delay your projects.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a finish for your faucets such as; design style, the quality of the finish, and the lead time (how long you'll have to wait before you get it.)

Not all finishes are made the same.

How do you know what finish to choose for your next project?

There are different techniques to finishing a faucet that may affect the overall quality and thus the longevity of the faucet. Popular choices in the past few years depend on the project type, but matte black and satin brass seems to be holding as a top finish choice.

Other finish options include: chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, polished nickel, brushed gold, satin brass, white, dual tone finishes, and colored finishes. Brushed nickel is one of the most durable finishes as it has a PVD finish.

PVD stands for (physical vapor deposition) coating, also known as thin-film coating, is a special process that seals the coating in a vacuum, basically meaning it's virtually indestructible.

 

The longevity of the finish depends on the manufacturing process and also the individual brand's finish warranty. Keeping your fixture clean will help extend the life of your faucet from water deposits from daily use.

Generally, matte black finishes may require a bit more up-keep if hard water is prevalent where you live as the finish tends to showcase water spots more than say a chrome fixture. 

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All Artos faucets come with a lifetime finish warranty, so rest assured each finish is of quality, and we work hard to give you an accurate ship date from Omaha if we don't have it already in stock.

2. What is the price & lead time for the faucet? 

Of course, cost is a huge factor when it comes to selecting a bathroom faucet. You can find buying fixtures in bulk may be an option for you. But many of you may just be looking to redo your bathroom and have no need to "buy in bulk." As discussed earlier, the finish and brand's warranty may affect the overall price.

Generally brushed nickel is the most expensive finish and on the other spectrum chrome is the least expensive followed by matte black. Like you, we understand selecting fixtures can be a tricky process.

You don't also want to select a beautiful faucet and be left clueless on when it will be delivered. To start, see if the faucet you are interested is in-stock and look into different locations to purchase the faucet of your choice. Chances are, if the fixture is said to be "backordered" this can easily delay your product from being delivered for many weeks if not months. See here for a better idea on what brands have faucets in stock. 

Looking to buy in bulk? See if our Trova collection and quantity prices could be for you.

Credit. Jess Blackwell Photography
Designer Beth Strongwater with Studio Strongwater.

3. What style of faucet are you looking for? 

The type of faucet is important to consider when you are either looking to redo your existing bathroom or are starting on a brand new project. Does your vanity top have three pre-cut holes? Would you like to have a touch-free option? Or maybe you'd like to have your faucet mounted on the wall over your vessel sink.

Different Types of Faucets:

• Wall mounted faucets
  

  There are many styles of faucets available now that don't require installation on a vanity top. This opens up more design opportunities as the faucet and handles can be hung on the wall or mirror. These faucets are typically a bit more pricey, but this can vary from brand to brand. 
  
  

• Single-hole faucets
  

  A popular modern design choice is a single-hole faucet (see above). This type of faucet has a single handle either on either the top or the side allowing the user to adjust the temperature. The appeal of this style is the aesthetic and the need for only one drilled hole in the countertop.

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  How to Pick Bathroom Faucets

  Think of faucets as bathroom bling and choose one that suits your style, needs and budget.
  

  HGTV. By: John Riha

  https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/bathroom-remodel/how-to-pick-bathroom-faucets

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• Touch-Free Faucet
  

  The technology for touch-free faucets has been around for quite some time, but just the past few years has it been a choice of consideration for homeowners. These types of faucets are usually popular choices for public restrooms or powder rooms. The appeal is that there's no need to touch the faucet itself to turn on the water. There are even smart faucets that are voice-activated. 

• Widespread faucet

  This is one of the top choices for a bathroom faucet as most vanity options come with three pre-drilled holes. Now the spacing can vary (usually for a 6" or 8" faucet) so be sure to pay attention to this if your vanity top of choice. Many people prefer the option to have a handle for hot and cold, so this is truly a personal or design preference. 

Before you start, Do your research

From the finish, style, quality, and lead times there is a lot to consider.

We'd say the best bet would be to do your research before purchasing your fixture and be sure to discuss your questions and concern with the customer service teams of each company.

What finish do you think is the most popular choice in the past 6 months?