Home Improvement

Thoughts & Stuff I Like When We Redid Our House

Faucet Color

Shopping for a New Faucet? Things to Consider Before You Buy

Shopping for a new faucet? A few things to consider

So the old kitchen or bathroom faucet is about to give up the ghost? Leaking more water when turned off than when on? Handles wobble? Maybe you’re just tired of looking at it and jealous of your neighbor’s newly remodeled kitchen and just want something new? With the economy the way it is today most of is can’t afford new granite countertops and stainless appliances but we can take on a few simple do it yourself projects and give your kitchen or bath a new look. Before you do that you need to make some simple decisions as to what you want as opposed to what to have had. Do you like the function of what you have now? Or would you rather go to a single lever? Don’t like the shape, the look, the finish? All of these things are just the starting point.

On a point by point basis let’s look at the decision process:

1.      Single lever or two handled? Maybe you’ve always had a two handled faucet in the kitchen and don’t know how much easier it is to fill a pot or work with food by having one hand free. Inversely you have worked for years to make your home have that country look or maybe you live in a 100 year old treasure and the single handled faucets just don’t fit your style. Either way the decision making process begins with that decision.  Oddly enough there is a large selection of both old fashioned and extremely contemporary faucets available in both single and double handles. So don’t let that be the arbitrator. Decide what you really like and want. The investment in a good quality faucet can be expensive and should be a long term investment, so know what you want before you buy.

2.      Finish or color, bright chrome? Polished nickel? Satin finished nickel? Oil rubbed bronze? Blue, almond, white, black? Yep there are fixtures available in many different colors and finishes. Being the current owner of an almond model I have to tell you that I thought it was the greatest things since grits (yeah Im from Georgia where grits are great) but now with the advent of stainless steel appliances and new counter top colors and materials the almond just looks dirty. Although I have no 6th sense or crystal ball I have the same sense about the “trendy” colors of today. I saw a question on a forum the other day asking “should we match the faucets to the light fixtures or to the door handles and hinges?” Well my answer was which are you likely to change first? The light fixture or the hinges on the door? So In my humble opinion choose a finish you like and will be happy with as long as the door hinges and not a trendy color that will be out of style before you get it installed. Now while each of you is off checking to see what finish your door hinges are, Ill began work on item #3.

3.      Shape and style are a big decision. There are hundreds of different styles and shapes. The high arcing faucet used to be just for bar sinks, but now are common place in kitchens and bathrooms because they are easier to use. Easier to fill a pot, easier to get several little hands under to wash, and in my case easier to pile more dirty dishes under them before having to wash them. Contemporary design has  taken on the look of something from the “Jetsons” and are truly beautiful. If country is your style there are even faucets now that imitate the look of the old well pump handle that was a permanent fixture in old kitchens. So look online, go to the big box stores, BUT DON’T BUY THERE!!!!  Touch feel, turn the knobs, pull the handles and makes basic decision as to what works best for you.

4.      In the kitchen, the latest innovation is the pull down sprayer. The sprayer is actually the spout of the fixture as opposed to the separate sprayer mounted on the side. Some people find the new style wonderful others would rather have a sprayer separate from the faucet function. It’s a matter of taste, style and functionality. Again play with them. If you have a neighbor, with a pulldown, go and use hers. If still in doubt go to one of the many forums (I follow over 30 per day myself) and ask the question. If 10 people give you answers you will get 10 totally different opinions so think it over for yourself.

5.      Cost is based in several factors, first of course is where you buy it. Look for price gurantees and the best customer service. The primary cost factor, though, isn’t where you buy it but what is made of, how its made and to great extent where its manufactured. Faucets can be made of brass, plated steel, stainless steel or even plastic. The internal working parts can also have a major effect on cost but also on durability. Plastic washers won’t last as long as brass, so you must research and examine your choice and make sure that you choice is made of quality materials.

6.      Now you’ve read all of this, you’ve planned your trip to the big orange store(but didn’t buy), you’ve bugged your neighbors, you have read all 30 of the forums and have made your decision. Go online and search the many great internet plumbing supply businesses such as the one I represent. 

7.      HAPPY SHOPPING and while you’re checking out websites or talking to customer service reps let them help you really dress up your bath or kitchen with a new  light fixture.

About the Author

Im a retired disabled accountant with vast knowledge in the DIY area having built several houses and worked on my own projects for 30+ years. I spend most of my days reading and responding to over 30 forums and discussion groups.
I currently author and manage a blog site for National Builder Supply. I include personally written articles on the subject of home and home repair along with featured specials on products offered by the company. Check the blog site for some of my other DIY based articles.

I am installing a new kitchen sink and faucet.?

When installing new, do plumbers try to match the faucet finish color to drain color (sink bottom)? Or is this up to homeowner preference?

Typically it would make it look a lot nicer that those two match. Usually this applies to bathroom setups though since I've hardly seen any drain's that really match up with the faucet.

It never fails to match the drain with the sink itself in the kitchen environment. That way it looks like it blends in.

LED Faucet Color by ColorFaucets.com