Great Bathroom Faucet Types

By Todd Fratzel on Bathrooms, Feature Story, Interior Decorating, Plumbing

Whether you’re building new or remodeling an existing bathroom there are lots of great bathroom faucet types to choose from. Before you make a bathroom faucet selection it’s important to know what types are available and what limitations and benefits they offer.

Faucet Color & Finish

Faucets come in so many different colors and finishes. You can certainly find a faucet with a finish that will compliment any decor. The following is a list of some colors and finishes available.

  • Brass in brushed or polished
  • Chrome in matte, brushed or polished
  • Antique or Oil Rubbed
  • Nickel in brushed and pearl
  • Gold
  • Platinum
  • Bronze

Faucet Construction

Faucets are built in several ways which offer certain benefits. Solid brass construction offers the best long term performance and value. Every faucet works with a valve to control the flow of water. Faucets with ceramic discs are the best quality as they offer an almost maintenance free solution for a lifetime of service. So if you can afford it I recommend you buy solid brass construction with ceramic disc valves.

Bathroom Lavatory Faucet Types

Not all faucets are the same especially when you consider the different types available. First you’ll need to determine whether or not you have a single hole, 4 inch centers or the flexibility to use any hole spread. If you’re building new then you’ll have more options but if you’re replacing an existing faucet then you’ll be stuck with the hole configuration you have.

Center Set Faucets

Probably the most common bathroom faucet is the center set. Sometimes called mini-widespread these faucets are made for sink basins with three holes pre-drilled 4 inches on center. The faucet can have several different appearances from separate levers and a spout to a single lever and spout. Typically the center set faucets are also the most reasonably priced. The following are several recommended center set faucets:

Price Pfister 48-E0BK Catalina Double Handle Centerset Lavatory FaucetPrice Pfister 48-E0BK Catalina Double Handle Centerset Lavatory Faucet, Brushed Nickel

This center set faucet features:

  • Two handle 4-inch Lavatory Faucet
  • Decorative Handle Design
  • Ceramic Disc Valving
  • ADA Certified lever handles
  • Durable Satin Nickel Finish

Danze D305258BN Parma Double-Handle Centerset Lavatory FaucetDanze D305258BN Parma Double-Handle Centerset Lavatory Faucet, Brushed Nickel

This center set faucet features:

  • Brushed nickel 2 handle 4-inch center set lavatory faucet
  • Features 3 hole mount and flow rate of 2.2-gpm @ 60-psi
  • All brass pop-up assembly
  • 1/2-inch, 14NPS water connection
  • Ceramic disc cartridges

Kingston Brass kb3611px Restoration 4-inch Centerset Bathroom Sink FaucetKingston Brass KB3611PX Restoration 4″ Centerset Bathroom Sink Faucet – Polished Chrome

This center set faucet features:

  • Restoration Central Set Lavatory Faucet with pop-up
  • Spout Reach
  • Porcelain Cross
  • 2 Handles

Danze d308140rb Fairmont Double Handle Lavatory FaucetDanze D308140RB Fairmont Double-Handle Lavatory Faucet, Oil Rubbed Bronze

This center set faucet features:

  • 3 Hole Mount
  • All Brass Pop-Up Assembly
  • 1/2″ – 14 NPS Water Connection
  • Ceramic Disc Cartridges
  • All Brass Construction

Widespread Faucets

Widespread faucets have become very popular with new construction. This is especially true with solid surface countertops like granite and Corian. Widespread faucets have separate handles for hot, cold and the spout. They all appear to be separate pieces and can be arranged in holes from 6 inches apart to 12 inches. Some installations also arrange the faucet handles in a circular pattern to follow the shape of the sink bowl.

delta-35955-polished-chrome-victorian-widespread-bathroom-faucetDelta 35955 Polished Chrome Victorian Widespread Bathroom Faucet

This widespread faucet features:

  • Lifetime Faucet & Finish Warranty
  • Full collection carries old world charm through an entire home. Soft curves offer a timeless design.
  • Precise handle turn allows for easier temperature selection
  • 3-hole widespread installation w/ Pop-up included

fontaine-riviera-widespread-bathroom-sink-faucetFontaine Riviera Widespread Bathroom Sink Faucet, Brushed Nickel – NF-EUW3-BN

This widespread faucet features:

  • Overall Height: 10.625 in.; Spout Height: 8.875 in.; Spout Reach 5.375 in.
  • 3 Hole Widespread Mount
  • Drip-free Ceramic Disc Cartridge
  • Drain Assembly Included
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

elements-of-design-es2962-widespread-bathroom-faucetElements of Design ES2962 Widespread Bathroom Faucet, 8″ – 16″ Centers, 7″ Spout Reach, Polished Brass

This widespread faucet features:

  • 1/4 Turn Ceramic Disk Cartridge
  • 8″ – 16″ Centers
  • 7″ Spout Reach
  • Polished Brass Finish
  • 2.2 GPM (8.3 LPM) Max @ 60 PSI

Single Hole Faucets

Single hole faucets have a single lever and valve all combined into one sleek fixture. These faucets only require one hold in the sink (some come with a cover plate to cover up existing 4″ center set holes). Single hole faucets can sometimes be used where there is little space for more traditional faucets.

elements-of-design-es1435ax-heritage-mono-deck-mount-bathroom-faucetElements of Design ES1435AX Heritage Mono Deck Mount Bathroom Faucet, 6-1/2″ Spout Reach, Oil Rubbed

This single hole faucet features:

  • Brass Construction
  • 1/4 Turn Ceramic Disk Cartridge
  • Metal Cross Handle
  • Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish
  • Single Hole Installation
  • 7″ Spout Reach
  • 2 GPM (7.5 LPM) Max @ 60 PSI

delta-586-ss-arzo-single-handle-lavatory-faucetDelta 586-SS Arzo Single-Handle Lavatory Faucet, Stainless

This single hole faucet features:

  • Single hole installation
  • Ceramic valve
  • Universal fittings
  • Metal pop-up
  • Solid brass construction ensures quality and reliability

About the author

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

All posts by Todd »

Not what you're looking for?

Search for more articles here. Enter keywords like, 'insulation' or 'kitchens' etc to find your topic.

5 Comments

  1. Candicep says:

    Thanks for the detailed faucet guide. It’s very informative. I’ve had a Price Pfister kitchen faucet for several years. It works so smoothly…I wouldn’t trade it for anything. And it only costs about $250.

  2. Roofing and Guttters in Atlanta says:

    I installed the danze oil rubbed bronze faucet that you have listed in my guest and master bathroom and I absolutely love them! The faucets that came in my house were very old, cheap, and leaky. The new ones are fantastic. Next I need to upgrade the terrible kitchen faucet. Maybe if the economy picks up I will be able to afford to do such an upgrade. haha

  3. Carl Hipp says:

    What about antique deck mounts that are connected by tubes (brass,copper)?

Leave a comment

Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Copyright © 2009-2023 Front Steps Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Home Construction & Improvement™ is a Trademark of Front Steps Media, LLC.