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By Rachael Provost
Updated February 22, 2024
Your bathroom is the place you go to start your day, freshen up at night or relax in between, so every detail matters — right down to the bath and shower faucets. Here we’ll discuss the different types of bathtub faucets and the best shower faucets for your space.
Bathtub Faucet Types
Whether you’re taking on a full bathroom renovation or simply updating your faucets to refresh the look of the space, it’s important to choose a bathtub faucet that’ll work for the tub’s configuration and your style. There are a few different faucet types to consider.
Freestanding Faucets
Freestanding bath faucets are used with stand-alone tubs, so if you have a soaking tub or a clawfoot tub, this is likely the best choice. They install on the floor and are designed with a tall profile that easily reaches over the top edge of the tub. Because they mount to the floor, the pipes are exposed. You can choose from one-, two- or three-handle options, and some come with features like a hand shower for versatility.
Deck-Mount Roman Faucets
Roman faucets offer the classic look of a spout and two handles on either side. Styles range from traditional to modern, making it easy to find one that blends with your space. Like with freestanding faucets, some come with a handheld shower for convenience. These install on the rim (also known as the deck) of the tub or on the edge surrounding a drop-in tub.
Tub Wall-Mount Faucets
Wall-mount faucets attach through the wall, with the spouts extending over the tub. These are great choices for alcove or drop-in tubs as well as freestanding bathtubs that are close to a wall. Look for one-, two- or three-handle options to suit your preference.
Tub Deck-Mount Faucets
Tub deck-mount faucets are mounted to the rim of your bathtub, providing a clean aesthetic that works well in smaller spaces. These faucets are easy to install and maintain, but they can be more difficult to clean.
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Need to Know
Bathtub faucets aren’t interchangeable with sink faucets. Depending on the type of faucet, you may need to enlist the help of a plumber to bring water lines to the right areas. If you’re also looking to upgrade your sink fixtures, use our Bathroom Sink Faucets Buying Guide to start your search.
Shower Faucet Types
Whether your bathroom has a bath and shower combo or an individual shower stall, having the right shower faucet ensures a pleasant experience — not to mention a way to add style to the space. There are different shower faucet types to choose from, and depending on your shower setup, one type may be a better option than another.
Shower-Only Faucets
These shower faucets are best for shower stalls and come with a control handle and shower head. Since they typically include just those two pieces, they work well in stand-alone showers with limited space for additional fixtures. You can choose from options with fixed shower heads, handheld shower heads and rain shower heads.
Bathtub and Shower Faucet Combos
If your shower also doubles as a bathtub, you’ll need a fixture that can fill the tub and provide a shower experience. These faucet sets come with the shower head, control handle and tub spout with a diverter. The diverter directs the flow of water where you need it.
Installation
How your shower faucet is installed matters too. Wall-mount installations are common in bathrooms, as water lines generally run behind the shower walls — making this type of installation a practical choice. With a wall-mount installation, water from the shower head is released at an angle.
Ceiling-mount installation is another option, which allows water to flow from directly above. If you’re considering a rain shower head, this installation type works best. Keep in mind you may need to work with a professional plumber to make sure water lines are properly placed for a ceiling-mount installation.
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Faucet Components and Features
When deciding on your new shower or tub faucet, there are some key components and features to consider.
Valve
The most essential piece is the valve, which is what controls the flow of water to the faucet, as well as the temperature and pressure. Some faucets come with a valve, but other models may require you to purchase one separately.
Diverter
If you’re upgrading the faucet in a bath and shower combo, look for options with a diverter so you can switch the water flow from bathtub spout to shower head depending on your needs. A diverter can be a lever, third knob or other mechanism on the faucet. Using a hand shower also lets you divert water to the areas that may be difficult to reach with a fixed shower head.
Handles
Think about the types of shower handles. Some faucets come with a single handle. One-handle faucets make it easier to adjust the water temperature. Two-handle faucets and three-handle faucets are also options. Whether it’s sink faucet handles or bathtub faucet handles, the style is another factor, with lever, cross and knob styles available. With lever, crosses and knobs, there’s a wide variety to choose from.
Material and Finish
Most faucets are made of brass or stainless steel. You'll want to select a faucet that'll match the rest of the hardware in your bathroom. Color finishes include chrome, nickel, black, bronze and gold. You should also match the fixture finish, such as polished, brushed, matte, oil-rubbed or antique. Some of the most popular combinations include brushed nickel, polished chrome, black matte and brushed brass.
Need to Know
Not all valves will work with the faucet you want to install. So before you purchase your new faucet, make sure you know what type of valve is currently in place and, if possible, buy new fixtures that are compatible with it. If you need to replace the valve, work with a professional to ensure proper installation.
Bathtub and Shower Faucet Considerations
If you’re taking on a full bathroom renovation, consider installing a shower system. It’ll include any one of the components above — a shower faucet, shower head, or bath and shower faucet — but can also come with additional features to create a more luxurious experience. These systems can include features such as body jets, multiple spray angles, steam showers and more. Read our shower system guide to learn more.
Good to Know
Now that you've learned about the different types of bathtub and shower faucets, it's time to install. Learn more about replacing bathtub faucets or installing shower faucets.
Would you like us to do it for you? Our highly-qualified independent contractors can come out and install your bathtub or shower faucet. Learn more about faucet installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of faucet can be used in a bathtub?
There are four different types of faucets that can be used with a bathtub including, freestanding, wall-mount, deck-mount Roman and a mixer.
Related Tags:
- Bathroom
- Plumbing