Final Touches: The Kitchen Faucet

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s a place where you spend a significant amount of time. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel in Royal Oak, you can’t forget the final details, and one of those details is the kitchen faucet. It’s much more than a source of water—the faucet helps further define your kitchen’s style. Here’s the ultimate guide on faucet options.Faucet HolesIf you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’ll want to check the sink area and see how many faucet holes exist so you can find a faucet that fits.

• One Hole – This is designed for a singular unit where the handle and the spout are one piece—the lever will control both temperature and flow.
• Two Holes – A two-hole faucet gives you room for a side sprayer or lotion/soap dispenser.
• Three Holes (and More!) – The three-hole sink is very traditional, as it accommodates a spout and separate hot and cold handles. A four-hole sink makes space for a soap dispenser or side sprayer.

If you have a sink with multiple holes and you want a single-handled faucet, you always have the option of having a deck plate or escutcheon installed to cover the extra holes.Mounting StyleA faucet has to be mounted somehow, and there are three main methods of doing so.

• Sink Mounted – A sink-mounted faucet is installed over the existing hole(s) in your sink. If you are interested in a small remodel, changing the faucet while keeping your existing sink is a quick change; however, you may have limited choices based on your sink.
• Deck Mounted – A deck-mounted faucet is installed directly on the countertop, making this a great choice for undermount sinks. The result is a fantastic contemporary look.
• Wall Mounted – As the name suggests, this faucet is attached to the wall and is a good option for those who don’t want to cut into the countertop and have a sink without holes.

SprayerYou’ll also find a variety of sprayer options. Two similar designs are the pullout and the pull-down sprayer. The pull-down sprayer comes from the downward angle of the faucet, while the pullout sprayer is pulled towards you. A different solution is to use a side sprayer, which occupies a separate channel from the faucet and handle.ArcDepending on how you use your sink, you’ll have a choice between a high arc and a low arc. A high arc faucet rises 8–10 inches above the sink plane, while a low arc faucet rises 3–8 inches above. Cooks who fill and clean large pots will appreciate the space that comes with a high arc, and people with sink windows will have an unobstructed view with a low arc.The faucet is the icing on the cake and brings your kitchen to life. Now that you know your options, you can find the right style and finish to suit your kitchen.