Q: I never realized how many types of bathroom faucets there were until now! How do I choose?

A: It’s fairly common for homeowners to feel overwhelmed by how many types of bathroom faucets there are on the market! Bathroom faucets are made from many different materials, there are many different brands and even come in many different colors. Sorting through doesn’t have to be stressful though with a bit of guidance on categorizing them.

Typically, bathroom faucets are categorized based on the materials they are made of. The most common materials that are used to make bathroom faucets are chrome, stainless steel, brushed nickel or brass.

• Stainless Steel: The most popular type of bathroom faucets are made from stainless steel. This kind of finish is the most popular due to its durability and long lasting nature. Stainless steel faucets are usually cheaper than other kinds of faucets. Steel is durable and therefore it does not tarnish. As a result these types of faucets can last a lifetime. The downsides? The marks left by fingertips.

• Chrome: This popular type of bathroom faucet is made from chrome. The way they are made is by using the electroplating method on brass and finishing the product with chrome. Chrome fixtures are much shinier than stainless steel fixtures and are usually priced reasonably. Price of the faucet depends on design as well so you can find some chrome faucets at higher prices too. The basic and most important feature of chrome bathroom faucets is that they never erode and do not get scratched easily. The downside to chrome? Watermarks easily stain these faucets and after long periods of usage, the finish might disintegrate.

• Brass: Brass is less popular than chrome and stainless steel faucets, though these faucets are solid and are very durable. Cost-wise, these are usually more expensive more than other types (most are solid brass). They give a unique look to every bathroom they are installed in and really look stylish. The downside to brass? Brass faucets can rust. If you do have a brass faucet installed, you should ensure it gets sealed right away. They also can scratch, so you will need to ensure a good polishing every now and then.

Overall as you can see, there are many types of faucets out there for any prospective buyer to choose from. Buying a specific faucet for your bathroom should depend on what exactly you want to do with your bathroom, and, in the end, how exactly you want it to look.