Faucet Styles
A faucet’s style primarily refers to its functional and aesthetic design. This is usually the factor that is the primary determinant in choosing a faucet, at least initially. When you start looking for a new faucet you typically look for a style that appeals to you and then proceed to the other deciding factors.

Style features to consider include things like spout design (conventional or gooseneck), location of the lever for single handle faucets (on the side or behind the spout), faucet handle shape and size (smooth, multi-lobed, minimalist) as well as design like traditional, contemporary or professional style.

However, style isn’t only aesthetic. Style also has some bearing on how the faucet will function. Conventional spouts, which extend out at roughly a 45-degree angle usually have good reach but might not be ideal for filling large pots. Gooseneck faucets, on the other hand, typically do a better job at accommodating large pots because the spout opening is higher over the sink.

Finish
A faucet’s finish refers to the surface coating on the spout and handles. The finish provides both a decorative appeal and a protective coating.

There are several different faucet finishes available and they include chrome, brushed nickel, bronze, hand-rubbed bronze, stainless steel, brass and many others.

In addition to these colored finishes is the process by which some of them are applied. An increasing amount of faucets are receiving a “PVD” finish, or Physical Vapor Deposition. This is a process that adds metallic ions in a vaporous form on the surface of the faucet. It provides a very tough surface protection, making the faucet very resistant to corrosion, tarnish and even scratching.

Finishes that are meant to “age”, as in the case of hand-rubbed bronze, don’t have a PVD finish. Chrome faucets also don’t have the finish because chrome provides it’s own protection against tarnishing. However, test have proven that PVD coatings are over 20 times more resistant to abrasion than chrome. Some types of PVD finishes include brushed bronze and nickel, as well as, polished brass, gold and nickel.

Colored coatings are another type of faucet finish, which are usually applied using a powder-coating process that’s baked on. These finishes offer an alternative to the metallic finishes.

Construction and Valve Type of Faucets
A faucet’s construction is the material it is made from, as well as, how its made and the type of valve it uses to control the flow of water. All the beauty and style aside, this is what determines how well the faucet operates and how long it will last.

Kitchen faucets are now made from a wide variety of materials including stainless steel, brass and even plastic. Plastic faucets are made in a wide variety of finishes and colors, including non-metallic colors. However, where durability and longevity of wear are concerned, they don’t come close to their brass and steel counterparts.

Brass faucets come in two varieties:  cast brass and tubular brass. Cast brass is usually thicker and more durable than tubular in most cases. Brass also needs to be coated to prevent tarnishing. Common coatings include chrome plating and any of the other PVD coatings we mentioned.

Stainless steel offers strength and durability, combined with excellent corrosion resistance. It also provides a good match to kitchens with stainless appliances and / or sinks.

One of the most important parts of the faucet, in regards to reliability and delivery of the water, is the faucet valve. If there is going to be any part that will eventually wear or cause problems, it is the valve.

There are four types of faucet valves:  compression, ball, cartridge and ceramic disk. The most important distinction between these types of valves is the relationship between their construction and their overall level of reliability.