How do I Choose the Best Waterfall Faucet?

To choose the best waterfall faucet, a homeowner needs to consider the style of her bathroom, or the room in which the faucet will be used; her budget; her personal choice in materials and colors; and, finally, the installation requirements for the faucet. Waterfall faucets come in a variety of shapes and materials, but what they all have in common is the way the water flows from them. It comes from a wide opening or faucet to create a small waterfall effect as the water flows down the plate and into the sink or bathtub. The plate and base of the sink can be made from the same or different materials. Different faucet designs have different features as well, so homeowners should check out available models and consider the benefits of each before making a final purchase.

The two most popular materials used on a waterfall faucet, and possibly on the sink basin if the homeowner decides to replace the entire sink, are glass and metal. A combination of the two materials is often used as well, with the sink and the plate supporting the faucet made from glass and the accents, such as the sink's handles and the faucet itself, made from metal. Silver is the traditional color for metal, while glass is available in the traditional clear style or in a mixture of different colors. Homeowners who want a more modern or contemporary look often choose clear glass with metal accent pieces, while those who want something a little brighter choose a colored glass. For a minimalistic style, solid metal waterfall faucets are available.

After determining the desired materials and color for the home, the homeowner should consider what features she wants for her waterfall faucet. Flow rate is an important consideration, as this controls the amount of water and the width of the stream. Different people will have different preferences over how much water should come out at a given speed. For a shower or bath, a higher flow rate is usually preferred.

The size and installation of the faucet also plays an important role in how well it will function in the home. When determining the best size, the homeowner should measure the faucets she likes and then use a tape measure to determine how much space the waterfall faucet would need. Choosing a faucet that fits in with the size of the room and doesn't get in the way is one consideration, but it's also important to consider how well the new faucet and sink will match the scale of the current bathroom or kitchen furniture. Small, cozy rooms can become overwhelmed with giant pieces, and giant rooms with smaller pieces may feel too empty.

In terms of installation requirements, easiest is best — as long as it doesn't compromise quality and safety. Typically a waterfall faucet is simple enough in design that the homeowner can install it herself. She should ask a worker where she buys her faucet for installation advice and instructions. Hiring a professional is another option and is recommended for more complicated or larger faucet models.

Aside from the sink water faucets, tall waterfall faucets and wall-mounted faucets are also available. Tall faucets create a long stream of water and work for large sinks. Wall-mounted faucets stick straight out of the wall and create a surface for the water to run off, forming the waterfall. These faucets are mainly used for showers and bathtubs.