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Tub Spouts and Systems Buyer's Guide
Tub spouts and systems add both functionality and style to your bathroom. Available in a variety of styles and finishes, they quickly fill your bathtub while complementing the décor of your bathroom. Although tub faucets and sink faucets have many similar characteristics, they are not interchangeable. Tub faucets are designed to have a much higher flow of water, so be sure you are using a tub faucet on your bathtub and a sink faucet on your sink.
There are three mounting styles for tub faucets. The style you choose will depend on the type of bathtub you have, but if you are creating from scratch, you can choose the mount style that most matches your aesthetic.
- Wall mount or tub mount faucets install through pre-drilled holes in the tub wall or the bathroom wall if the tub is sunken below floor level. With these faucets, pipes are concealed. Wall mount faucets are most common in bathtubs that double as showers.
- Freestanding mounted faucets are most frequently used with freestanding tubs that do not have pre-drilled holes. The pipes come out of the floor and are exposed.
- Deck mount faucets are installed through pre-drilled holes on the rim of the tub. The pipes are concealed along the inside of the tub. Deck mount faucets
Hole Spacing
If you are installing a faucet on a tub with pre-drilled holes, make sure you get a faucet with the appropriate hole spacing. This will ensure that the faucet and handles will fit into the pre-drilled holes. This measurement will be specified on the tub and in the product description of the faucet. If it is not specified, measure between the middle of the two outside holes on your tub to find the spacing measurement.
Material and Finish
When shopping for a faucet, you’ll need to consider both material and finish. Most tub faucets are made of brass or brass and zinc, which are durable materials that will last a long time.
The finish is the coating over the brass or zinc that gives the faucet its appearance. Select a finish that will complement your décor. Each finish has its pros and cons. Some of the most popular finishes include:
- Chrome is available in polished, brushed or matte finishes. It is durable, economical and easy to keep clean. Chrome may show water marks more than other finishes, but resists oxidation.
- Nickel is available in brushed, satin and polished looks and is a very stylish finish. It is also durable and easy to clean, but can get scratched or tarnished if you do not get one with a titanium finish.
- Brass is available in high gloss, satin or antique finishes and complements traditional décor. Brass resists damage and wear, but may require more cleaning.
- Bronze is available in polished or brushed finishes and is also available in oil-rubbed, which is a much darker finish. It resists scratches, tarnishing and corrosion.
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