The Reasons Behind Faucet Pricing
You are seeking faucet(s) for your bathroom or kitchen remodel and wondering why the cost of one faucet can vary from another, and which finish to choose. Immerse is here to help. Like any retail product, faucets come in a variety of price points. There are 3 basic classifications of faucets, and to help you understand the reasons for pricing differences, here are a few pointers:
1. Mainstream Lines
These are faucets that come from more recognizable manufacturers. They may even have similar looking items available in the big box stores. The wholesale versions of these faucets usually have higher grade parts and more finish options.
2. Designer Lines
These faucets tend to offer more styles than a mainstream line. In some cases they are an upgraded extension (brand) of the same manufacturers. The designs may be more exclusive and will not be offered in big box stores. The finish options will still be somewhat limited and the base construction materials can be a mix of brass, pot metal, and plastic.
3. Boutique Lines
These offerings typically have the most number of updated finish options due to an all-brass construction. They are often limited in where they are sold. In many cases they can be customized. They often will use advanced engineering, hand craftsmanship, and high quality materials both in their valves and trim (behind the walls and also what you see).
Faucet Finishes and Their Advantages
The finish on the faucet is yet another way in which to select your new sink hardware. Faucet finish often stumps people. Here’s a list of the various finishes of bathroom faucets and the advantages of each:
1. Polished Brass
Polished brass faucets can give your bathroom a vintage look. This finish is a durable finish that is easy to clean and can more easily be matched with accessories and other fixtures. Polished brass is back in style and looks great in modern, traditional and eclectic settings.
2. Satin Brass
A nice twist on polished brass, the brushed-gold look has a lot of class. It’s bold without being too showy. The matte finish holds up to fingerprints and water spots, but can present more of a challenge when matching to other accessories and fixtures. You’ll find satin brass in contemporary to traditional designs.
3. Oil-Rubbed Bronze
A great aesthetic alternative to standard chrome and brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze gives the bathroom a more traditional look and feel. To complement the look around your bathroom, use a brass darkening solution on any brass items. Oil-rubbed bronze goes hand in hand with traditional and Tuscan or Mediterranean settings.
4. Copper
Copper is unmistakable and bold. It give your bathroom a rich feeling, especially when mixed with a subtler material, such as marble countertops. Shiny copper finishes require a little more maintenance than brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome, but if you let it age naturally, copper will develop a beautiful patina. It’s also less durable than other finishes. Copper works well in Tuscan, farmhouse, and steampunk bathrooms.
5. Satin Bronze
Satin bronze has a nice, smooth finish that’s in between copper and oil-rubbed bronze. Having a subtler color gives this finish more flexibility for different bathroom styles and settings. If you’re looking to design a traditional, eclectic or Mediterranean bathroom, a satin bronze faucet will fit nicely.
6. Polished Nickel
If you like a smooth, shiny finish but are tired of chrome, try polished nickel. It’s darker than chrome, and with different levels of lighting, it can appear to change in color. Polished nickel is easy to clean and durable.
7. Brushed Nickel
The soft metallic look of brushed nickel has stood the test of time. It is one of the most durable finishes and doesn’t show wear, fingerprints or water spots. It’s easy to clean, easy to find and easy to match with accessories and other fixtures. It’s relatively inexpensive.
8. Chrome
Chrome is generally the most inexpensive finish. It’s a very easy finish to clean and maintain. It’s durable, easy to find and easy to match with accessories and other fixtures.
9. Matte Black
Black faucets are becoming increasingly more popular in the bathroom. If your design is trending modern and/or eclectic, a matte black faucet may be .
10. White
For a clean, brilliant finish, go with a white faucet as a contrasting statement piece or in an all-white bathroom. White finishes come from durable plastic or porcelain.
