Putting in a bathtub faucet can make you feel like you’re putting together IKEA furniture without basic instructions. But there’s a catch: it doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Whether you’re elevating your bathroom style, stopping a pesky leak or making your faucet the star of the room, knowing how to install the right faucet is an independent home improver’s dream.
In this blog, we’re going to help you understand these three popular tub faucet styles—floor-mounted, wall-mounted, and deck-mounted—so you can make the right choice for the layout you want to achieve and the skills required to make it happen. Trust me, by the end of this read, you will not only have identified which one fits your bathtub, you’ll even know how to install it without breaking a sweat (let alone the tile).
Table of Contents:
- 1. Floor Mounted Tub Faucet Installation: A Statement in Style
- 2. Wall Mounted Tub Faucet Installation: Sleek and Space-Saving
- 3. Deck Mounted Tub Faucet Installation: Classic Convenience
- Conclusion: Choosing the Right Faucet is About Style and Setup
- FAQ: Your Tub Faucet Questions, Answered
1. Floor Mounted Tub Faucet Installation: A Statement in Style
Those chic, stand-alone freestanding tub fillers that give bathrooms the look of a high-end hotel? And that’s the beauty of floor mounted bathtub faucet. These lovelies emerge right from the floor, often toward the side of a freestanding tub, and just scream “modern spa vibes.”
What You’ll Need:
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Floor mounted faucet kit (obviously)
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A good wrench
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Pipe wrench
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Plumber’s tape
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Level
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Supply lines and rough-in valve kit
How It’s Done:
First things first—check your floor. Is there access underneath (like through a crawl space or basement)? You’ll need to connect the water supply lines below the floor. Mark where the faucet will go, usually centered with the tub. Use a level to make sure everything is perfectly vertical—no one wants a faucet that leans like the Tower of Pisa.
Now, connect the rough-in valve to your hot and cold lines. Secure the valve in place, then attach your supply lines. Finally, mount the faucet body on top, connect the lines, and secure it all with the screws provided.
Pro Tip: If you have concrete floors, well, you might need a pro or at least a serious hammer drill. This one’s a little more advanced, so if you’re a DIY plumbing novice, recruit a friend or hire a pro.
Why People Love It: It’s an aesthetic and lifestyle choice. You can place it right where you need it, independent of wall or tub structure.
2. Wall Mounted Tub Faucet Installation: Sleek and Space-Saving
If you’re short on space or just want that sleek minimalist look, wall mounted bathtub faucets are where it’s at. These are installed directly into the wall of your tub and are popular in renovated spaces and in smaller bathrooms.
What You’ll Need:
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Wall-mounted faucet kit
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Pipe wrench and adjustable wrench
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Plumber’s tape
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Screws and anchors
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Drill
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Stud finder
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Silicone sealant
How It’s Done:
Before anything else, turn off the water. You’ll start by locating the wall studs—these will help support the faucet’s weight. Cut an opening in the wall to access the plumbing. (This part is often messier than expected, so keep a vacuum close.)
Install a support board between the studs, then mount your rough-in valve securely to this board. From there, connect your hot and cold lines and attach the faucet outlet. Apply plumber’s tape to threaded connections to prevent leaks.
Now that everything is run, it’s time to close the wall. You can patch the drywall and tile over the patch or use a decorative plate that comes with many faucet kits. Apply silicone around the edges for a watertight finish.
Why People Love It: It’s so easy to clean, and it looks cool and modern. And it saves space — great for city apartments or the design-minimalist crowd.
3. Deck Mounted Tub Faucet Installation: Classic Convenience
Deck mount tub fillers are affixed to the rim — or deck — of the tub or surrounding platform. Think built-in bathtubs with a little ledge around the edges. This is one of the most popular and easiest installations, perfect for both remodeling and new construction.
What You’ll Need:
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Deck mounted tub faucet kit
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Drill with hole saw attachment
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Wrenches
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Silicone sealant
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Plumber’s putty or tape
How It’s Done:
Measure twice, drill once. Seriously. Mark where the faucet and handles will be on the deck, and drill holes to follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Apply plumber’s putty around the base to prevent leaks.
Then run the faucet and handles through the holes and connect the mounting hardware from under the tub to keep them in place. Then, hook up the water supply lines to the faucet valves.
It's a good idea to revisit connections at all points and open the water to see if there’s a leak. If everything works smoothly, you can seal the edges with a little silicone, and you’re done.
Why People Love It: This type offers a balanced blend of ease, familiarity, and flexibility. It’s also easier to repair or replace than floor or wall options because everything’s right there on the tub deck.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Faucet is About Style and Setup
When it’s time to install a bathtub faucet, the right way to do it will depend on your space, your style, and—let’s be real—how confident you are in your DIY abilities. On the floor below-mounted faucets add the drama and the modern touch. Wall mounted ones are always good for clean and modern look. Deck mounted installations are the classic go to that provides the perfect mix of fashion and function.
So whether you’re giving your bathroom an extreme makeover or simply updating a bath setup, just know: A good faucet can take your soaking game seriously up a notch. And yes, with the help of the proper tools and a dash of patience, you can totally install it yourself.
FAQ: Your Tub Faucet Questions, Answered
Q1: What’s the easiest type of bathtub faucet to install for beginners?
A: Deck mounted faucets tend to be the most beginner-friendly. The plumbing is more accessible, and the installation doesn’t require opening up walls or floors.
Q2: Can I install a floor mounted faucet on any floor type?
A: Technically, yes—but with concrete or slab floors, the job gets much trickier. You’ll likely need professional tools or a plumber to run the water lines properly.
Q3: Do I need a plumber to install a wall mounted faucet?
A: Not necessarily, but if you’re not comfortable cutting into walls or rerouting pipes, it’s a smart idea.
Q4: Are there any tools I must have before attempting a faucet installation?
A: Absolutely. A pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, and a level are non-negotiables. A drill with a hole saw is key for deck-mounted installations.
Q5: How long does a typical installation take?
A: For someone moderately handy, expect 1–2 hours for a deck mount, 2–4 hours for a floor mount (with access), and 3–5 hours for wall mounted (if you’re opening up drywall).
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