You’ve been patient. You’ve ignored the drip-drip-drip of the leaky spout, and you’ve kept silent as that rust spot grows little by little. But now the time has come to buy a new kitchen faucet.
As they age, kitchen faucets can start to break down, causing leaks, poor water flow, and other issues. The finish can show signs of wear, too, with stains or loose parts. Whether that’s the case with your faucet, or you’re simply ready to update your kitchen’s aesthetic, buying and installing a new kitchen faucet requires a bit of planning. If you’ve ever bought a kitchen fixture only to get it home and realize it’s the wrong configuration, or it doesn’t match your kitchen’s design, you’ve no doubt had to take the time to drive back to the store to exchange it. Not the Saturday you were hoping for. So before you go marching into your local home improvement store, arm yourself with these six tips for getting it right the first time.
Kitchen Faucet Consideration #1: Wall-mount vs. Deck-mount
Wall-mount and deck-mount faucets have their own unique selling points. Deck-mounted faucets are the most common. In this design, the faucet, handles, and sprayer are all directly attached to the countertop. Be mindful of the number of holes your countertop has for a faucet.
Wall-mounted faucets are attached to the drywall behind the sink. Though aesthetically pleasing, installation is more complex, often requiring a professional plumber.
Kitchen Faucet Consideration #2: Activation method
Though touchless faucets have been commercially available for over a decade, many homeowners opt for the more traditional manual style. Typically simple to install, single-handle and dual-handle options can often be had inexpensively.
Touchless or motion activated faucets are great for families who cook frequently, those with small children, and individuals with limited mobility. Despite being more expensive than handle-operated options, these high-tech kitchen faucets make operation a breeze.
Kitchen Faucet Consideration #3: Sprayer arrangement
Sprayers come in handy for getting the grime off of dirty dishes, and can be had in a few different variations. Pull-down and pull-out styles incorporate the sprayer right into the faucet, for a seamless, one-piece design. This is perfect for countertops with only one or two holes drilled for a faucet.
The standalone sprayer is the more traditional arrangement. The faucet spout and hot/cold handles are separate from the spraying mechanism. Keep in mind this design usually requires three or more countertop openings to work.
Kitchen Faucet Consideration #4: Metal Finish
Low-key metal finishes like satin, oil-rubbed, and brushed are perfect for homeowners looking for minimal maintenance. These faucets will resist fingerprints and water stains with the best of them, and leave your kitchen looking clean.
Conversely, polished, chrome, and copper metal finishes are bright and beautiful. Though they require more upkeep, they can brighten up the kitchen, and add a touch of pizzazz to the space.
Kitchen Faucet Consideration #5: The Aesthetic
A new faucet doesn’t automatically mean you have to choose one that looks like it came out of a laboratory. Retro-themed styling is as popular as ever, with many homeowners preferring a more classic appearance.
For those looking for a decidedly 21st century aesthetic, contemporary designs offer clean lines and subtle styling cues. Especially popular with anyone wanting a touchless or hands-free faucet, there are plenty of new designs to make your kitchen stand out.
Kitchen Faucet Consideration #6: High-arc vs. Low-arc
High-arc faucets are ideal for homeowners who need extra sink space to wash big pots and pans. These high-arc faucets offer an additional 5 to 7 inches of clearance compared to their low-arc counterparts, making them popular with families who cook frequently.
Low-arc designs work well with sinks positioned below a window or hanging cabinetry. Standing 3 to 8 inches tall, these faucets take up minimal space while remaining fully functional.
There’s a kitchen faucet for every need and design aesthetic. Keeping these six tips in mind will help you narrow down your choices and choose the perfect kitchen faucet the first time around.
Have more questions about kitchen sinks (or anything plumbing-related)? Contact us today. We’ve been proudly servicing residential and commercial plumbing for the St. Louis community for over 30 years.
Comments are closed