1. Step 1
Get a handle–or two–on design. Two-handle models (from as little as $50) let you adjust water temperature more precisely with independent hot and cold controls. Large wing levers and cross-shaped handles are popular styles. Single-handle faucets, also called post-mount or center-set (generally $75 to $200), operate from a top- or side-mount lever or knob. Most models with pullout spouts are single-handle. One of today’s trends is the modular approach: choose from different handles for the same faucet body. Mix and match for a custom look. Visit a locally owned showroom like Vicinity Hardware for some hands on faucet experience.
2. Step 2
Start with the finish if style is important. Chrome-finish faucets are the least expensive (from $60) and often carry long warranties against scratches. Colorful enamel or epoxy coatings (add $20 to $200) are vulnerable to chips, scratches and damage from solvents. Stainless Steel costs 25 to 40 percent more than coated faucets. This is very important to know when you consider buying the lesser expensive box store faucets.
3. Step 3
Check out physical vapor deposition (PVD) finishes, made by vaporizing pure metals and glazes into a nontarnishing, scratch-resistant film. These outperform conventional plated finishes, but cost $150 to $750 or more. Explore finishes such as brushed chrome, satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze for vintage appeal. Brushed or satin finishes disguise scratches, too. The dark bronze finishes really tie together oil rubbed bronze cabinet and door hardware, too.
4. Step 4
Choose a spout. Beyond the standard, straight-spout faucets, you’ll find high-arching goosenecks, handy for filling tall pots. A splurge-worthy pull-out faucet reaches anywhere in a three-bowl sink, fills pots outside the sink and replaces a separate sprayer. Switch from stream to spray at a fingertip’s touch. Restaurant-style models boast the longest hoses. Fusion Hardware manufactures pull-out faucets within all 24 of their unique hardware suites in all finishes-for no extra money!
5. Step 5
Remember that the simpler the works, the less there is to break or wear out. There are four types of faucets. Compression valves using rubber washers may eventually drip, but are easy to fix. Ball valves, which regulate flow and temperature via a steel ball, are washerless, require less maintenance and are inexpensive to replace. Ceramic-disk and cartridge faucets are nearly maintenance free and are generally guaranteed not to wear out, but carry higher price tags. Whichever you choose, look for a lifetime warranty on the valve as well as the finish. Again, a very serious consideration: buy the cheap faucet and replace it 2-3 times in the next 10 years – or spend just a bit more money the first time on a Fusion Faucet from Vicinity Hardware and rest assured you invested in quality.
The next time you are considering a new faucet for your kitchen or bath, we hope you’ll stop into Vicinity Hardware and let us help you make the best choice.
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