If you are considering a bathroom remodel, including an update to faucet fixtures, you'll need to be familiar with sink dimensions, configurations, and installation requirements. Finding the perfect fixture to complete your new bathroom's aesthetic presents a unique challenge with a tremendous number of hardware options from which to choose. The numerous styles might find you wondering whether all bathroom sink faucets the same size (universally compatible)? We have done the research and have found your answer.
Bathroom sink faucets are not the same size and are not designed to fit all sinks universally. That said, excluding specialty built custom work, bathroom faucets are regularly manufactured in one of four different spacing configurations to accommodate the most common and popular faucet types:
- Single-Hole
- Centerset
- Widespread
- Vessel
- Wall Mounted
With the right information, a little guidance, and a bit of patience, you too can step up your renovation game to achieve a beautifully updated and flawlessly fixtured bathroom. Keep reading for our in's and out's of bathroom faucet fixtures and all the details in between.
How Do I Know What Size Bathroom Faucet I Need?
Before we begin discussing fixture selections and sizings, it is essential to identify two key features that will dictate the overall planning and choices for such a project:
- Sink style (or basin)
- Configuration (or plumbing/mounting type)
It goes without saying that when you are planning this project, both components should be selected at the same time to ensure fixture and sink compatibility.
Sink Style (or basin)
As we well know, the sink (or basin) is a medium to a large open-access container that collects the water from our faucets. Identifying the type of sink you currently have installed is important, especially when the changes being made are only to the faucet, not the sink or countertop layout. While you can arguably integrate any faucet based upon fit, flow rates can be compromised. So it is always recommended to adhere to the manufacturer's suggested pairings to optimize your faucet's efficiency and overall functionality.
The most common sink styles we see in homes are drop-ins, under-mounts, and vessels. The identification of these different styles is relatively easy as they are unique to themselves. If the sink has a discernable edge/overhang off the countertop, it is a drop-in sink. Click here to see a drop-in sink on Amazon.
When a sink has been secured and anchored to the countertop's underside, it is referred to as an under-mount. Click here to see an under-mount sink on Amazon.
Unlike the latter two, the vessel sink is visibly set much higher off the bathroom countertop. Click here to see a vessel sink on Amazon.
Each style sink should come with pre-drilled holes to allow for plumbing connections to be made without difficulty. How and where you situate the sink will impact fixture selections.
Configuration (or plumbing/mounting type)
When you look above and below the sink, you can see the mounting configuration you will be working with. If you cannot see the number of holes drilled into the sink, you can remove the fixture for a better view. Beneath the fixture, there should be either two or three visible pre-drilled pilot holes in the sink or countertop.
Accurate measurements of these pre-drilled pilot holes determine usable and incompatible faucets. You'll need to focus on the spacing between the center of the outermost holes. The spread between the different faucet styles ranges from four to sixteen inches, dependent on the fixture you choose.
What Are The Different Types Of Bathroom Sink Faucets?
There are five different bathroom sink faucet styles available to select from when considering a bathroom update. There are some setup and layout similarities, so we've broken down each style's key points to simplify the task of finding compatible favorites. Faucet styles include:
- Single-hole faucets
- Centerset faucets
- Widespread faucets
- Vessel faucets
- Wall-mounted faucets
Each example found below is a fixture by Delta, which is recognized as a faucet production leader.
1. Single Hole Faucets
- Compatible with one to three-hole, pre-drilled mounts
- Single or dual handled options
- Minimal, sleek, and simple aesthetics
Delta Single Hole Faucet
For more products like this, visit Amazon.
2. Centerset Faucets
- Compatible with three-hole, pre-drilled mounts
- 4" or 6" spacing
- Spouts and handles on a single base unit
Delta Haywood Centerset Faucet
For more products like this, visit Amazon.
Widespread Faucets
- Compatible with three-hole, pre-drilled mounts
- 6" to 16" spacing
- Three separate components; faucet and two handles
Delta Nicoli Widespread Faucet
For more products like this, visit Amazon.
Vessel Faucets
- Compatible with two or three-hole, pre-drilled mounts
- Spouts and handle(s) on the single base unit
Delta Trinsic Vessel Faucet
For more products like this, visit Amazon.
Wall Mounted Faucets
- Specific installation requirements recommended for a professional install
Delta Ara Wall Mount Faucet
For more products like this, visit Amazon.
It is certainly worth mentioning that if you find a faucet fixture that fits but exposes other holes from the prior fixture, base plates are typically used to conceal in a more refined way and prevent you from having to replace your basin or countertop.
Click here to see a base plate on Amazon.
Can I Put A Bathroom Faucet In The Kitchen?
Yes, bathroom and kitchen faucets are interchangeable. But if that is the route you opt to take, there are some cautions and considerations before finalizing your decision.
Configuration (or plumbing/mounting type)
We've discussed this previously, and it applies if you want to use a bathroom fixture in the kitchen because the plumbing may vary slightly. In addition to making sure your fixtures fit, you will also need to ensure that the pre-drilled holes and plumbing align. While adaptors and fixture modifications can be used to ensure that the fixtures work correctly, it is strongly advised to consult professionals before making a final decision.
Sink Style (or basin)
We briefly addressed flow rates earlier on in our discussion. Because of the difference in flow rates between kitchen and bathroom fixtures, you need to verify that the sink can handle the water flow and drainage (being significantly quicker in the kitchen).
Appearance
The aesthetic appeal can change when the desired hardware was designed to be used elsewhere. In the case of bathroom faucets versus kitchen faucets, the hardware may appear awkward and out of place. Bathroom and kitchen layouts are clearly very different, so hardware for one may not capture the look you hope to achieve.
In Closing
With a clearer understanding of sinks, configurations, faucets, and fixtures at the forefront of your mind, you can go forth confidently, knowing that you will make the right choice for your updated bathroom. There are many great faucets and fixtures to choose from, and they will certainly help you place your individual stamp on your home.
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