DECK MOUNTED FAUCETS
Deck mounted faucets add character and elegance to any décor with their unique designs and materials. What is a deck mounted faucet? The term deck mounted means they sit directly on top of a counter, sink, or the surrounding of a bathtub.
The installation of a deck mount faucet is much easier in comparison to the floor and wall mounted faucets. This is because most of the tubs and sinks come ready to “plug-and-play” with pre-drilled holes. These faucets come in a variety of designs to cater to the diverse preferences of homeowners and create a modern and contemporary feel.
Construction of Deck Mounted Faucets
There are no fixed dimensions for deck mounted faucets. The buyer has to carefully consider the spout length and choose a faucet that fits within the sink or tub. The material used on most faucets is either Brass for the traditional faucets and stainless steel for modern and transitional style faucets.
There are four types of valve mechanisms that come with deck mounted faucets: ceramic disc, compression valve, cartridge and ball valve. Faucets with ball valves regulate the amount of incoming water by rotating the handle up and down or from side to side. Ceramic disc faucets have two ceramic discs moving against each other to either block or allow water flow.
Cartridge deck mounted faucets use rubber rings inside a cylindrical cartridge to adjust the water. Faucets with compression valves are the most common type having a stem that rises or falls to control the water pressure.
Single hole deck mount faucets combine the spout, and two levers while two hole faucets add a hand shower through another hole. Three-hole faucets either separates the taps onto a single lever or separate the valves from the spout and include a hand shower or sprayer. Measure handle holes correctly before ordering to ensure the perfect fit.
Changing technology has brought with it sophisticated designs. Waterfall faucets are a delight adding an ample dose of elegance and intricacy while WaterSense® faucets are water-efficient faucets that can help save more than 500 gallons of water a year.
Design, Shapes and Sizes of Deck Mounted Faucets
Deck mounted faucets can either be single handle, centerset or widespread. Single handle faucets have a spout and one handle for easy control of the water temperature and pressure to provide a neat, minimalistic look. They utilize a one-hole installation making them ideal for small surfaces or compact spaces.
Widespread deck mounted faucets work best with three-hole sinks or tubs. These faucets have the spout and handles spaced up to 10 inches apart. Unlike the single-handle, they have an independent hot and cold handle allowing for more accurate temperature control. This type of deck mounted faucet is ideal for a counter that offers a generous amount of space.
Centerset deck mounted faucets are close-packed faucets that combine the spout and handles in one unit. It is made majorly for sinks and tubs with three holes 4 inches apart. Some of these faucets may have two handles mounted onto a 6-inch plate. It is perfect for users with small spaces that want the two-handle experience but cannot accommodate a widespread faucet.
The faucet’s spout can either be movable or fixed with a variety of styles present. The standard swing spout faucet allows for greater reach while the standard gooseneck gives a more aesthetic look and provides added clearance for washing large pots and pans.
There is a broad range of handle options for the simple act of turning a faucet on or off. Cross handles and knobs are the most common types but newer handles like the easy to grip lever handles and new advent push buttons exist. Touchless faucets are the in thing. They don’t require handles since all you have to do is place your hand under the spout and water gushes out. Genius, right?
Deck mounted faucets come in a variety of colour and finishes to blend with the rest of the fixtures and accessories in your home. Choices include black, old or polished brass, bronze, gold and stainless steel among others.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Deck Mounted Faucets
The level of care accorded to deck mounted faucets greatly depend on the finishing and material used. Nevertheless, a simple wipe after use is enough to keep them going. Also, the valves should be regularly checked for wear to avoid leakages.
An indispensable fixture in most homes, Deck mounted faucets portray beauty and functionality.