Should You Choose a Wall-Mounted or Deck-Mounted Bathtub Faucet?

The primary decision during bathroom renovation or installing a new bathtub is which faucet to install. Of course, the industry has two major players: wall-mounted and deck-mounted bathtub faucets. Although both serve the same essential function, each type boasts benefits and drawbacks regarding style, functionality, installation, and maintenance.

 

 

l Introduction

l Deck-Mounted Faucets features

l Wall-Mounted Faucets

l Differences Between Wall-Mount and Deck-Mount Faucets

l Choosing the Perfect Faucet

 

 

Throughout the article, we will compare these two kinds of faucets to help you make an educated decision about which best suits your bathroom design, space, and lifestyle needs.

 

A Tale of Two Faucets

 

A bathtub faucet is more than just a tool for filling your tub with water; it plays a massive role in your bathroom's overall aesthetic and functionality. When choosing between wall-mount bathtub faucets and deck-mount bathtub faucets, one needs to know how each works, how they will affect your bathroom design, and what maintenance needs come with them.

 

Let's dive deeper into both types to weigh their pros and cons.

 

Deck-Mounted Faucets: The Classic Choice

 

Deck-mounted faucets are traditional options that are installed directly onto the rim or deck of the bathtub. They've been seen in many bathrooms over the years.

 

What are Deck-Mount Faucets?

 

Deck-mounted faucets are mounted directly on the tub itself or the surrounding surface, such as the deck of a freestanding tub. The water controls hot and cold taps; a single tap usually sits on the rim or nearby.

 

Pros & Cons of Deck-Mounted Faucets

 

Pros:

 

· Ease of Installation: Deck-mounted faucets are generally easier to install, as they only require basic plumbing connections to the tub.

· Availability of Styles: Deck-mounted faucet designs, from traditional to modern, make matching your bathroom's aesthetic easier.

· Easy to Maintain: Since the faucet components are readily accessible, maintenance and repairs are usually easier.

· Durability: Deck-mounted faucets are durable and can last many years with proper care.

 

Cons:

 

· Space Considerations: Deck-mounted faucets require more space around the tub, which could disadvantage smaller bathrooms.

· Cluttered Look: These faucets can sometimes create a bulkier, more cluttered appearance if not carefully selected.

· Limited Design Options: Deck-mounted faucets may not offer the sleek, minimalistic look that some homeowners desire for freestanding bathtubs.

 

Deck-Mounted Faucets Installation

 

Deck-mounted faucet installation may involve attaching it to an edge or deck of the bathtub and hooking it up to the water supply lines. Sometimes, hiring a professional plumber might be required, especially when remodelling and the plumbing must be moved.

 

Deck-Mounted Faucets Maintenance

 

With an open design, maintenance for deck-mounted faucets is relatively easy: You'll have to clean the faucet to avoid water stains or buildup, and once in a while, if leaks start occurring, you will need to replace cartridges or washers.

 

Wall-Mounted Faucets: The Unique Alternative

 

 

 

As the name suggests, wall-mounted faucets are installed directly on the wall above the bathtub. These faucets have become increasingly popular due to their sleek, modern design and space-saving qualities.

 

What are Wall-Mount Faucets?

 

Wall-mount faucets are mounted on the wall or the surrounding tile, with the spout set over the tub. This design allows more space around the tub and provides a clean, streamlined appearance. Usually, wall-mounted faucets require separate hot and cold controls, but some designs feature a single control lever.

 

Pros & Cons of Wall-Mount Faucets

 

Pros:

 

· Sleek and Modern Look: Faucets mounted on walls are perfect for contemporary bathrooms featuring minimalist styles. They offer a tidy, smooth appearance that improves the overall aesthetics.

· Space-Saving: Installing the faucet on the wall increases the space around the tub, which is particularly advantageous in compact bathrooms.

· Easier to Clean: Cleaning around a wall-mounted faucet is easier due to fewer components near the tub, resulting in less accumulation of soap scum and water stains.

 

Cons:

 

· Complex Installation: Faucets mounted on walls can be more complicated to install, possibly needing alterations to the wall, such as drilling and plumbing changes.

· Higher Cost: Installing a wall-mounted faucet often costs more due to the additional work involved.

· Potential for Leaks: If installed improperly, wall-mounted faucets could lead to water leaks in the wall, which could result in costly repairs.

 

Wall-Mount Faucets Installation

 

Installing a wall-mounted faucet requires more experience and may include heavy plumbing work. If this is on an existing tub, moving the plumbing behind the wall or creating new connections to accommodate the faucet could be required.

 

Wall-Mount Faucets Maintenance

 

While generally low-maintenance, wall-mounted faucets can be more challenging to repair when something goes wrong. Leaks or drips may go unnoticed for a long time, causing water damage inside the wall. Regular inspections are recommended to ensure the faucet remains in good working condition.

Differences Between Wall-Mount and Deck-Mount Faucets

While both faucet types serve the same purpose, they differ significantly in terms of design, installation, and maintenance. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Wall-Mounted Faucets	Deck-Mounted Faucets
Design	Sleek, modern, space-saving	Traditional, more visible, bulkier design options
Installation	More complex, may require wall modification	Easier, generally no wall modifications required
Maintenance	Harder to access, potential for wall leaks	Easier to maintain due to exposed parts
Aesthetic	Clean and minimalist design	Can look more classic or vintage, depending on style
Space	Saves space around the tub	Takes up more space around the tub
Cost	Higher cost due to installation complexity	More affordable, depending on style and material

 

Inspiring Design Ideas for Both Types of Faucets

Both wall mount bathtub faucets and deck mount bathtub faucets can complement various bathroom styles. Here are some design ideas to inspire your choice:

· Wall-Mounted Faucet with Freestanding Tub: A wall-mounted faucet works wonderfully with freestanding tubs, adding a modern touch while keeping the floor around the tub clear and uncluttered.

· Deck-Mounted Faucets for Vintage Style: If you’re seeking a vintage or classic appearance, a deck-mounted faucet featuring cross handles or a gooseneck spout can bring an elegant flair.

· Combination Style: Certain homeowners choose a hybrid method by integrating both types, using a wall-mounted faucet for the primary bath space and a deck-mounted faucet for a smaller, secondary tub.

Choosing the Perfect Faucet

When deciding between a wall mount bathtub faucet and a deck mount bathtub faucet, consider these factors:

· Space: If you have limited bathroom space, a wall-mounted faucet may provide a sleeker, more efficient use of space.

· Style: Choose the faucet that would work best for the design of your bathroom. A wall-mounted faucet will work great for modern, minimalist appearances, while for classic or vintage, it's better to go with a deck mount.

· Budget: If you want a more budget-friendly option, deck-mounted faucets are usually simpler and less expensive to install. Faucets that are mounted on walls usually have a higher cost.

· Maintenance: If you're looking for something easy to maintain and simple to repair, a deck-mounted faucet could be your ideal option.

 

Wall-mount and deck-mount bathtub faucets bring some benefits of value that a bathroom can present. While wall-mounted faucets excel with their modern minimalist conception of efficiency in saving space, deck-mounted ones reflect a more accessible traditional choice by easier maintenance.

Ultimately, the decision is all about style preferences, budget, and available space. For a sleeker and more contemporary look that doesn't require you to be deterred by complex installation, then a wall-mounted faucet could be what you want. In case you go for classic designs, ease of installation, and ease of maintenance, you might get your best shot with a deck-mounted faucet.