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Choosing Freestanding Bathtub Faucets

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Freestanding white tub with a chrome floor- mounted faucet

A freestanding bathtub faucet is not just a functional piece. It can also be a statement piece that adds to the aesthetic of your bathroom. The type of faucet you choose will depend on the type of tub you have. Consider the style of your bathroom and the finish of the faucet to ensure it complements the overall design.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding the type of freestanding bathtub faucets is crucial when choosing a faucet.
  • Consider the style of your bathroom to ensure it complements the overall design.
  • The finish of the faucet should work well with the bathroom decor.

Why The right freestanding tub Faucet matters

Double ended clawfoot tub with gold lion's paw clawed feet and aged chrome exterior on the tub
CoreAcryl acrylic French Bateau clawfoot tub with aged chrome exterior from Baths of Distinction

The faucet you choose can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom, as well as the functionality of your bathtub.

Types of faucets for Freestanding Bathtubs

There are a few different types of faucets to consider for freestanding bathtubs. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to understand the differences between them and to choose one that complements the overall design of your bathroom.

Floor-Mounted Faucets

Silver colored freestanding bathtub faucet with lever handle
Cadet® Freestanding Bathtub Faucet With Lever Handle. See it at American Standard

Floor-mounted faucets are a popular choice for freestanding bathtubs because they offer a sleek and modern look. These faucets are installed directly into the floor next to the bathtub and typically feature a tall, arched spout that reaches over the tub.

One of the main advantages of a floor-mounted faucet is that it doesn’t require any additional plumbing or wall-mounting hardware, making it a relatively easy and cost-effective option.

When choosing a floor-mounted faucet, consider the height and style of the spout, as well as the finish of the hardware. Polished chrome and brushed nickel are popular finishes for floor-mounted faucets, but you may also want to consider more unique options like oil-rubbed bronze or matte black.

Wall-Mounted Faucets

3-piece wall mount tub faucet in modern brushed brass finish
Kohler Parallel wall-mount tub faucet trim in brushed modern brass finish. See it at Wayfair

Wall-mounted faucets are another option for freestanding bathtubs. They offer a more traditional look than floor-mounted faucets. These faucets are installed directly into the wall behind the bathtub and typically feature a long, horizontal spout that reaches over the tub.

One of the main advantages of a wall-mounted faucet is that it frees up space around the bathtub, making it a good choice for smaller bathrooms.

When choosing a wall-mounted faucet, consider the length and style of the spout, as well as the height and placement of the handles. You may also want to consider the finish of the hardware, such as brushed nickel or polished chrome.

Deck-Mounted Faucets

4 part deck mounted tub faucet in brushed nickel
Concetto 4-handle single deck mount faurcet for freestanding tub. See it at GROHE.
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Deck-mounted faucets are a third option for freestanding bathtubs. They offer a more versatile look than floor-mounted or wall-mounted faucets. These faucets are installed directly onto the rim of the bathtub itself, typically on one end or the other.

One of the main advantages of a deck-mounted faucet is that it allows for more customization in terms of placement and style.

When choosing a deck-mounted faucet, consider the style and placement of the spout, as well as the height and placement of the handles. You may also want to consider the finish of the hardware, such as polished chrome or brushed nickel.

Choosing the right faucet for your freestanding tub

When choosing a faucet for your freestanding bathtub, there are several factors you should consider to ensure that you make the right choice.

Floor mounted chrome faucet over a freestanding tub

Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:

Material and Finish

The material and finish of your faucet can have a big impact on both its durability and its appearance. Common materials for faucets include brass, stainless steel, and chrome, while finishes can range from polished to matte.

When choosing a material and finish, consider the overall style of your bathroom and the other fixtures and fittings you have installed.

This table discusses the types of finish on a faucet:

Type of FinishColorCostDurabilityMaintenance
Enamel
VariesLowMediumMedium
PlasticVariesLowLowFrequent (depending on color)
Powder CoatVariesLowMediumMedium
Matte BlackBlackMediumMediumLow
ChromeSilverLowHighFrequent
Stainless SteelSilverLowHighFrequent
Brushed/Satin NickelSilverLowHighLow
Polished NickelSilverLowHighLow
Oil-Rubbed BronzeBronzeMedium-HighHighLow
Brushed/Satin BronzeBronzeHighHighLow
CopperCopperHighHighMedium
Solid BrassCopper-LikeHighHighFrequent
Split FinishVariesVariesDepends on FinishesDepends on Finishes

Faucet Features

In addition to style and material, it is also important to consider the features of the faucet. Some faucets come with a handheld shower for added convenience, while others have a higher flow rate for a more luxurious bathing experience.

It’s important to choose a faucet with features that meet your specific needs and preferences.

Spout Length and Height

The length and height of your faucet’s spout are also important factors to consider. If your bathtub is particularly deep, you may want to choose a faucet with a longer spout to ensure that the water reaches all the way to the bottom.

The height of the spout can also impact the overall look of your bathroom, so choose a height that complements your other fixtures. A good rule of thumb is to choose a faucet that is at least 4-6″ (10.1 – 15.2 cm) taller than the rim of the tub.

Valve Type

The type of valve used in your faucet can impact both its performance and its ease of use.

  • Compression valves are the most traditional type and are known for their durability
  • Ball valves are typically easier to operate
  • Ceramic disc valves are becoming more popular due to their long lifespan and smooth operation

Installation Requirements

It’s important to consider the installation requirements for your faucet. Freestanding faucets typically require more space and plumbing work than wall-mounted or deck-mounted faucets, so make sure you have the necessary space and resources before making your choice.

Some faucets may require additional hardware or tools for installation, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Popular Faucet Brands for Freestanding Bathtubs

Red oval shaped freestanding tub on a white floor in front of an open window

When it comes to choosing a faucet for your freestanding bathtub, there are many popular brands to choose from. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.

Here are some of the most popular faucet brands for freestanding bathtubs:

Kingston Brass

Kingston Brass is a well-known brand in the plumbing industry, and their freestanding bathtub faucets are no exception. They offer a wide range of styles and finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. Their faucets are made from high-quality materials and are designed to last for years.

Delta

Delta is another popular brand that offers a variety of freestanding bathtub faucets. Their faucets are designed with style and functionality in mind, and they come in a variety of finishes, including stainless steel, chrome, and brushed nickel. Delta faucets are also known for their durability and ease of use.

Kohler

Kohler is a well-respected brand in the plumbing industry, and their freestanding bathtub faucets are no exception. They offer a range of styles and finishes, including polished chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze. Kohler faucets are known for their high-quality construction and long-lasting durability.

American Standard (US)

American Standard has an outstanding reputation for quality bathroom products. The company offers a variety of options including deck-mounted, wall-mounted, and freestanding tub fillers. American Standard’s bathtub faucets are known for their durability, easy installation, and sleek design. They also offer a range of finishes to match any bathroom decor.

Grohe

Another leader in the industry, Grohe offers many freestanding tub faucets of all types.  Grohe’s bathtub faucets are known for their innovative design, high-quality materials, and advanced technology.

Maintaining Your Freestanding Tub Faucet

Brown dog covered in soapy bubbles in a white tub with a chrome faucet set

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect faucet for your freestanding bathtub, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure its longevity and keep it looking its best.

Routine Cleaning

One of the most important things you can do is to clean your faucet regularly. This will help prevent buildup of grime, soap scum, and hard water stains.

To clean your faucet, simply use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch the surface of your faucet.

Check For Leaks

Another important maintenance task is to check for leaks. Even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water over time, so it’s important to address any leaks as soon as possible.

Check the connections between the faucet and the water supply lines, as well as the connections between the handles and the valves. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections or replace any worn or damaged parts.

Lubricate

It’s also a good idea to lubricate your faucet regularly. This will help keep the moving parts working smoothly and prevent wear and tear. To lubricate your faucet, simply apply a small amount of silicone grease to the moving parts, such as the valve stem and the O-rings.

why is choosing a Freestanding Tub Faucet important?

Elevate-your-space-2

Choosing a faucet for your freestanding bathtub can be a fun and exciting process. By considering the type of faucet, finish, height, functionality, and quality, you can find the perfect faucet to meet your needs and complement your bathroom decor.

Choose a faucet that is high quality and built to last. Look for faucets that are made from durable materials like brass or stainless steel and come with a warranty. It’s important to choose a finish that complements the rest of your bathroom decor. But don’t be afraid to mix metal finishes, as long as you do it with intention.

Tags: faucets, floor-mounted faucet, freestanding tubs

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