Whether you’re in the kitchen or in the bathroom, one piece of hardware that always gets handled and used: the faucet. If you’re trying to achieve a specific look, revitalize your sink area, or replace an old or broken faucet, you may have started looking at your options.
If this is your first time looking at tap options, the sheer volume of designs and styles that are available can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to break down all of the different options available on your search for the perfect faucet.
Mounting Options
Before anything else, you need to consider what kind of mounting option works best for your sink. In most cases, you’ll be using the same style that you already have, unless you’re remodeling your countertops and sink. Just in case you’re not sure what kind you have or you’re looking to switch things up, here’s a quick breakdown:
Sink-Mounted
As implied by the name, sink-mounted faucets are directly attached to your sink. This is an easy to apply remodel that doesn’t require any new drilling in the countertop if you already have this style. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to branch out into new visual styles when your faucet is right up against your sink.
Deck-Mounted
This style is connected to the supply hoses through the countertop itself. Keeping your actual faucet separated from your sink allows you the benefit of being able to switch one or the other with more flexibility. If you don’t already have this setup, you’ll need to cut holes in your counter, and that’s something that’s difficult if not impossible to take back. In addition, you’re taking up some of your counter space, and adding something you need to clean around. That little extra effort can be worth it if you’re determined to get more variety in your selection though.
Wall-Mounted
This setup has some hurdles to consider before jumping in. Because it requires a water line run through the wall instead of the counter, it will require some remodeling if you don’t already have one. You also need to remember how far out it hangs from the wall. On a limited-depth countertop, your options will also be restricted. However, lifting your faucet off of your counter makes it easier to clean that space, and offers a look that people haven’t seen in every other home. A unique look that requires a little bit extra, but when done right, leaves an impression.
Handle Selection
What kind of handle you go with says a lot about your priorities for your kitchen. Utility vs. profile; accessibility vs. level of maintenance. Most of the time, you won’t realize that you should have thought more about the handle until after you have to use it in your own kitchen. We’ve got a few points to remember when picking out your own:
Double-Handled
This classic option offers the most control over temperature. With one handle for hot, and another for cold, you can adjust to exactly what you need at hand. Unfortunately, you also need to make sure you have space on your counter, sink, or wall for the handles and spout. If you already have them cut, it’s hard to go back, and you’re set for a double-handle layout until you get a new countertop. It might also be just a bit trickier to maneuver it when hands are full or covered in food residue. And keep in mind that every handle and surface is another thing to clean.
Single-Handle
These models feature one handle usually on the side of the spout. It’s easy to turn on with a single hand or even a wrist or forearm when you don’t want to get what’s on your hands onto the faucet. The drawback of these styles is that there’s only one control for temperature, so it’s harder to fine tune exactly what you’re looking for. If the handle breaks or needs repair, it also means that the whole faucet is out of commission.
Touch-Activated
These models also have various handle options as well, but also have the added benefit of being able to just touch it with a wrist to get the flow going. It’s the future, and that means easy. It also means it can be a little pricier to install. There are cons to this futuristic piece of equipment. They can’t incorporate touch-based temperature and flow control, and the touch sensor needs to be occasionally recalibrated, have a battery replaced, or the whole unit might need repair. Higher end technology eases access, but also makes it hard to repair and maintain without expertise.
Make The Call
When trying to find the right setup for you and what you might want to install to match your aesthetic and need, it can be hugely useful to get in touch with professionals who can answer all of your questions at once.
Whether it’s a simple fixture installation or a full kitchen remodel, going with an experienced team can save you a lot of time and headaches. Instead of running back and forth from the hardware store and making sure you have the right connections and such, calling up a professional team like Eagle Construction & Remodeling saves you on everything. Making sure you get it right the first time keeps you from spending more on corrective work or even permanently damaging your counter!
