Table of Contents
- Knowing the Two Types of Faucets
- Wall Mount vs Freestanding – A Detailed Comparison
- Is A Wall Mount Tub Faucet Right For You?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Popular Articles
You have a tub but lacks a faucet. Do you want a wall mount tub faucet or a free standing one?
The bath spout is more than just a water outlet and the right one can add to the style of a bathroom. If you are looking to add some functionality and convenience to your space, the best bathroom faucets can be ideal.
In this in-depth guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of wall mount tub faucets versus freestanding tub faucets, revealing everything from appearance, installation complications, available space, and price, to day to day use, upkeep, and overall functionality. By the time we're done, you'll be ready to make the best choice for your remodel or new construction.
Part One: Knowing the Two Types of Faucets
1. Wall Mount Tub Faucet
Design and Visual Appeal
It's simple: Wall mount tub faucets embody those of you looking to shed the excess nonsense of every day life. They are to be built in to the wall all plumbing lines and fittings are hidden and you are left with a neat flush finish. This makes them a preferential choice for contemporary, simple and Nordic-style bathrooms. The faucet is a modest design feature that contributes to the overall sense of unity in the room, without coming across too strong.
Installation Considerations
Since these faucets require water lines to be run inside the wall, they tend to work best in new construction, or in a major bathroom renovation. A wall-mounted arrangement facilitates an unobtrusive installation if you're building or gutting space. But inching one into an extant bath without in-wall plumbing could add both time and expense to a renovation.
Ideal Bathroom Applications
Wall mount faucets are perfect for smaller bathrooms, such as those with smaller tubs or where the tub is against the wall. They are perfect for contemporary rectangular tubs or stand-along tubs against the wall and make your floor will less crowded and more in order. Without a base it is also much simpler to clean the floor area around the tub.
Recommended Aesthetic Pairings
- Contemporary matte black or brushed steel options
- Industrial-style fixtures for loft-style interiors
- Warm metallic tones for modern luxury bathrooms
2. Freestanding Tub Faucet
Design and Visual Appeal
Freestanding or floor-mounted faucets for tubs make a bold, dramatic statement. Sitting next to (without leaning on any walls) the tub, they frequently act as a focal point —especially when featured in large, luxurious bathrooms. These taps come in a selection of finishes, antique brass to modern chrome and can be customised to create your perfect image, be it vintage, eclectic or sumptuous contemporary.
Installation Considerations
Freestanding faucets must connect to water supply lines from below the floor. It can also be more versatile with placement since they are not tied to the wall. However, in older homes with no prior provisions, floor plumbing can be difficult to install. If its a new build or major renovation, floor mounted faucets are rather easy to integrate into a bathroom.
Ideal Bathroom Applications
These faucets look great in spacious bathrooms that have a centrally or away from wall located tub. They go in concert with clawfoot bathtubs, deep soaker tubs, as well as pedestal and designer freestanding tubs that require a modern yet equally luxurious look. Freestanding installations also allow for the addition of a hand-held shower feature for added usefulness.
Recommended Aesthetic Pairings
- Old-fashioned or oil-rubbed finishes with clawfoot baths
- Sculptural tubs in modern stainless-steel
- Factory-style black finishes in loft-style living spaces
Part Two: Wall Mount vs Freestanding – A Detailed Comparison
Space and Layout Requirements
Wall mount tub faucets are the ultimate in space saving. The mounting of the fixture in the wall ensures that the area around the bathtub remains completely open. This is especially useful in smaller bathrooms and powder rooms where space is limited. The visual openness of the design also makes the room seem bigger.
Freestanding faucets are elegant and may take up floorspace and may need more space than just the faucet to look less crowded around the tub. They work best in master bathrooms or more spacious bathing areas where the layout has room for design-driven elements.
Choose a wall-mounted faucet if your bathroom space is small or very organized. If design freedom with a bit more space is what you're looking for, opt for a freestanding one.
Aesthetic and Style Compatibility
| Style Type | Wall Mount Tub Faucet | Freestanding Faucet |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalist/Modern | Excellent Match | Possible but less streamlined |
| Vintage/Classical | Not Ideal | Best Fit |
| Spa-Like/Luxury | Great for contemporary spas | Iconic, luxurious choice |
| Industrial | Excellent in matte black | Strong, especially in lofts |
Wall-mounted options bring subtle sophistication. But freestanding designs are more visually and aesthetically powered, and they come in attractive finishes and colors.
Installation Complexity and Cost
| Category | Wall Mount Tub Faucet | Freestanding Tub Faucet |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Difficulty | 🔧🔧🔧🔧 (High) | 🔧🔧 (Moderate) |
| Wall or Floor Mod Needed | Yes, in-wall pipes required | Yes, floor pipe access needed |
| Cost Estimate | $150–$700 + $300–$600 wall work | $200–$1,000 installed |
You'll generally find wall-mount models at a lower price, but if your installation requires complicated rerouting or reconstruction of the wall, the overall price can add up. Freestanding versions tend to cost more a unit but are more easily fitted into existing floor plans if the floor already contains plumbing.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Wall-mounted faucets are super easy to clean. Dust has nowhere to settle with no base, and fewer pieces are in sight; the result is a cleaning, that is quick and neat. Just wipe the surface, and you're finished.
Freestanding faucet, meanwhile, need to be cleaned more often, especially near its base where dust, hair, soap scum tend to settle. If bold design thrills you and a bit of extra maintenance doesn't bother you, this could be a trade-off worth making.
Apply silicone gaskets or caluk to freestanding bases to close the gap between base and floor and prevent grime from collecting there.
Part Three: Is A Wall Mount Tub Faucet Right For You?
Select a Wall Mount Tub Faucet If You:
- Your bathroom is small or medium sized
- Will have a contemporary, minimalist or Nordic interior
- Full renovation of existing space or new build of building
- Focus on space-saving, easy cleaning and hidden plumbing
- Like the understated but still cool look that matches its surrounding
Select a Freestanding Faucet if You:
- Feature a spacious open-plan bathroom
- Love dramatic, expressive design elements
- Select from vintage, classical or industrial style
- Want flexible faucet positioning
- Have access to plumbing in the floor or don't mind a little extra work
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In a finished bathroom, can I add a wall mount tub faucet?
Yes, but you may have to open up the wall to redirect the plumbing. This can add time and expense, so it's more often done as part of a full renovation.
2. Is a wall mount faucet better for water pressure?
Generally, yes. Wall-mount faucets attach to in-wall water lines to provide a steady water pressure and reduce flow resistance to a minimum for free-standing faucets.
3. Are your wall mounted faucets hand shower compatible?
Yes, but lots of models include hand-held sprayers. As long as the wall is clear space to host the diverter valve and holder, you should be good to go.
4. Will I have to reinforce the tub if I want a freestanding faucet?
In most cases, yes. Some taller models come with a base plate or floor anchor to stop the stool from wobbling over time.
5. What is easiest to keep up with?
Wall mounted faucets are more convenient to clean and have less exposed parts. Freestanding faucets are higher maintenance but allow easier access for repairs.
Final Thoughts
A wall mounted tub faucet is perfect for homeowners who want to achieve a contemporary and uncluttered look, and a more effective layout. Its sleek appearance, ease of use, and simple-yet-efficient design is perfect to install in small and medium-sized bathrooms.
On the contrast, a freestanding faucet provides more striking visual impact and more freedom in placement and style. If you are looking for a dramatic and larger-than-life focal point in a spacious bathroom, however, it could be the perfect finishing touch.
Before making a decision, think about your bathroom setup, the extent of your renovations, your personal style and how much maintenance you want to do. Both types of faucet have their strengths — and when selected thoughtfully, either can take your space to the next level.
Popular Articles
Discover additional professional tips and insights on how to choose, install and maintain a bathtub faucet to make the right decision for your bathroom.
- "Top Trends in Bathtub Faucets for Modern Bathrooms"
- "How Do I Repair a Leaky Bathtub Faucet? Expert Tips for Fixing the Drip"
- "How to Remove Bathtub Faucet: A Comprehensive Guide for DIY Enthusiasts"
- "How to Choose the Perfect Gold Bathroom Faucet for Your Home"
- "Change Bathtub Faucet to Shower: 3 Drill-Free Methods for Renters"
- "How Do I Repair a Leaky Bathtub Faucet? Expert Tips for Fixing the Drip"
- "Single Hole vs. 3 Hole Vanity Faucets — Which One Wins?"
