Thursday, June 3, 2010

Faucets, Faucets, and more Faucets

I started researching kitchen faucets for my own kitchen and found quite a lot of interesting information that I will share with you. (Keep in mind that vessel sinks require special faucets.) And..I was told by a plumbing parts store that a sink is a sink, but don't skimp on the faucet!
1. Handle options: should feel good, be easy to maneuver and solid when in action.
2. Solid brass construction: Brass is tough with extreme temperatures and will outlast any plastic internal component faucet.
3. On the Wall: frees up the countertop and does not get the grime that sink-mount faucets can get.
4. Easier how-to: Now one of the simpler DIY projects as some models have snap connectors and that eliminates the need for a wrench and plumber’s tape.
5. People’s choice: Polished chrome is still the favorite!
6. Cleaner water: Get peace of mind with a faucet that filters high % of lead, chlorine, and other contaminants. They can also change from filtered to unfiltered easily.
7. Compression faucets: These kinds rely on rubber washers to stop the flow of water, are prone to leakage and need frequent repair-so beware.
8. Ceramic-disk valve: Reliable because 2 disks form an airtight seal when locked together. One disk stays in 1 spot, the other moves to block or open water flow.
9. Instant tea: Choose a faucet with an instant hot water feature and it allows users to get it for tea or whatever quicker.
10. PVD technology: Physical Vapor Disposition is process that protects metal surfaces from wear and corrosion. It binds coatings to metal to give faucets the always-untarnished look.
11. Go for the old: If looking for vintage faucets you can search antique stores or architectural salvage stores-just be careful to inspect for metal integrity and working mechanisms. The other choice is brand new castings that look old.
12. Pullouts: The trend is to get a faucet with a hose that will spray off dishes and get rid of the old style side-spray attachments.
13. Professional equipment: Toe switches for hands free washing or restaurant style faucets with long, metal-clad hoses are for the serious dishwashers.
14. Secondary sinks: Two sinks require 2 faucets. Try to keep the styles the same or similar.
15. Pot fillers: These are mounted on the wall behind the cook top and should reach both front and rear burners.
16. Price of admission: Prices range from $50 up to $500 plus with polished chrome being the least expensive.
17. Old world: Oil-rubbed bronze, wrought iron and hammered copper are popular choices for a vintage look.
18. Precious metals: Stain-less steel, brushed nickel, and satin finishes are becoming more popular and hide water spots and are very stylish.
19. Matte chrome finish: This mimics aluminum and is gaining popularity.
20. Escutcheon plate: These plates can cover unused faucets holes if you are replacing a 2-handle faucet with a single-lever model.
21. Call in the pros: If you need new countertops, trust professionals to drill the holes for the faucet.
22. Have it your way: Choose the shape of the faucet first, then the finish. There are a lot of choices!
23. Epoxy finishes: Colored nonmetallic finishes are available in white, almond, black, and other colors.
24. Brassy: This choice is upscale, but hard to keep shiny, so look for a model that’s guaranteed not to corrode, tarnish, or discolor.
And last but not least!....
25. Never forget: Turn the water off first if replacing it.
I hope you find this list to be a lot of good, concise information. There are so many wonderful choices—fun, fun, fun!!! I love this weeks’ design quote as we are remodeling and thought our house was generic enough to just change cosmetic things..like finishes(paints, carpets, etc.) over the years, and now realize how making certain changes can really change your life. An example is that we have taken down a 32' wall that will allow our guests to mingle with space to move around. Now, it seems like the space never ends…
Design Quote of the Week: “Too often when we’re buying or building a house, we do not consider each room. We are carried away by one charming feature and are blind to details that will give us trouble later on.” Dorothy Draper
More remodel pics...the brick coming down! We are getting ready for some of the siding to go up and then after that the (real) rock from Montana. Beautiful stuff!

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