The High Tech Look in Kitchen Layouts

Because of all the recent developments in technology homeowners can enjoy more convenience and ease of use that are provided by innovative kitchen products. Technology in the kitchen is helping to save time, make kitchen chores easier and providing a more care free lifestyle for more families.Homeowners today are more tech-savvy and this makes the tasks of kitchen design professionals considerably more challenging.The work triangle that is created in the kitchen by the arrangement of the sink, stove and refrigerator will need to be rethought out again in the new high-tech kitchen. It may be necessary to use two of three work triangles in this new high-tech kitchen.Other trends contributing to this new high-tech look in kitchen layout and design includes:- beautiful cabinetry and countertop designs that are designed to go technologically advanced appliances. -an more open view in kitchen design, such as a great room that is ideal for cooking and entertaining - furniture style cabinetry with an Asian or European influence- the use of lighter colors in wood cabinetry combined with dark stained wood-developing clean clear lines that can help show off the counters and cabinetry- the use of granite, marble and stainless steel counters- detailing and inlaid counter surfaces and café tables- high-tech, smart appliances and gadgets that integrate with the cabinet design- built-in TVs Some features of smart appliances and gadgets that can be found in high-tech kitchen today are ranges that provide refrigeration capabilities that are controlled by a timing mechanism that can enable users to prepare meals up to a day ahead of the scheduled meal time. Some small appliance manufacturers are incorporating internet capabilities into their appliances.There are an almost unlimited number of kitchen gadgets available today. For example there are built-in espresso machines, as well as food mixers that can be hidden away when not in use with pop out shelves. There is a microwave drawer that places the microwave at the most convenient height for frequent use. This drawer opens with the touch of a button. It eliminates the guesswork that has been typically associated with microwave cooking, Kitchen faucets are another area that has really gone high-tech. The kitchen faucet today have a gleaming high-tech spout or be a traditional bronze fixture. But in either case it must be able to meet the demands of both the cooking and cleanup requirements of your kitchen.Some of the popular faucet features found in high-tech kitchen today include:-High-arching gooseneck faucets that are quite suitable for filling large pots due to their height.-Pull-out faucets - spouts with sprayers attached and can reach anywhere.-Pot Fillers - a spout on a hinged arm usually located next to the range or wall-mounted on the back splash behind it.-Pull-out faucets - spouts with the sprayers attached. This type of faucet can reach anywhere in a two or three bowl sink. Pull out faucets can fill large stockpots, coffeemakers, and buckets outside the sink.As for finishes most faucets are made of cast brass and are chrome-plated, however more recent developments have seen faucet made entirely of stainless steel, created from an entire block of stainless steel carved to form the design.
About the author:James Mahoney is the owner of Kitchen Designers Idea.com. Learn abouttoday's kitchen design ideas or subscribe to his newsletter go to: http://www.kitchendesignersideas.com/kitchen_design_articles.html. To find out more about hi-tech kitchens go to: http://www.kitchendesignersideas.com/kitchen_appliance_trends.htmlor http://www.kitchendesignersideas.com/kitchen_remodeling.html. Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Are Custome Made Faucets Right For You?

Everything is custom-made now, even faucets and tapsFrom the early days of indoor plumbing up until about 30 years ago, the kind of faucets and taps you had in your home didn't matter much. You used whatever came with the house. There were usually two different knobs, one for hot and one for cold, and sometimes even two separate faucets.The last thing anyone cared about was what "style" they were. But times change. As homes became more custom-built and society grew more image-conscious, a whole new market opened up: designer taps and faucets, made to suit the homeowner's personal tastes. Now there are literally hundreds of styles, all functioning essentially the same way but adding aesthetic appeal to the kitchen or bathroom.The bathroom is where homeowners have done the most with designer taps, maybe because guests are more likely to use this room than the kitchen, and maybe to help bring elegance to a room whose uses are less than appealing. Matching bathtub and sink faucets are common. Taps are usually made of steel, with finishes such as chrome, nickel and brass available.The best place to see the various faucets available is at a home improvement center. These stores usually have numerous styles on display, allowing you to see and touch and determine what will go best with the decor in your home. Styles such as "Victorian" or "modern" help guide you; Victorian taps in a distinctly modern bathroom might look odd.Most of the major brands offer lifetime guarantees on their taps, assuring you'll get years of good use out of them. It's rare that a homeowner changes faucets more than once, unless there's a complete overhaul of the home's interior design. For the most part, once you choose a style, it's part of the house for as long as you are. Choose something you like and let it enhance the beauty of your home.

About the Author:faucethut.com is a website packed with information on Kitchen Faucets and Automatic Faucets

Designer Sinks And Faucets For Your Bath

Sinks have certainly come a long way. The sink, and the accompanying faucet are more fashionable today than our grandmothers, or even our mothers could have imagined! You are only limited by your imagination. Imagine a gorgeous glass sink seemingly floating upon a rod iron filigree base, this is what is called a vessel sink. Imagine washing your hands over a glass sink of shimmering gold opalescent that looks like something from Dale Chihuly's glass studio. How about a lovely ceramic sink that has decorations reminiscent of a blue Ming vase? Is that really the Mona Lisa looking back up at your from that sink? These sinks are available in glass, painted ceramic, stone and granite, wood, copper, or mosaic. Then, there is the decision of shape of the sink, round, oval or square, or perhaps somewhere in between. Don't worry, if you have a Victorian home you are restoring you are in luck. The good old white ceramic pedestal sink is still alive and well, if you want one. Needless to say, along with the modernization and beautification of sinks has come the modernization and beautification of faucets! There are still the traditional two handle faucets, single control faucets and wall mount faucets. Again, only your imagination holds you back in the creation of your new bathroom. Faucets can now be mounted on the floor behind, or beside a vessel sink instead of taking room on a vanity. Faucets for vessel sinks are found in a wide range of finish and style. Polished chrome or brushed nickel, brass, copper and pewter are just some of the finishes available. You will want to look for a faucet with a PVD finish. This "physical vapor deposition" finish is state of the art and bonds the finish to the faucet. It is the most durable finish available in faucets today. PVD protected faucets will not corrode, tarnish or discolor.

About the Author:This article courtesy of http://www.about-faucets.com

Home Building - Bathroom Faucets

Most quality faucets are made from brass and are sold in several finishes, from powder-coated enamel to gold plating. Parts may be either machine made or cast in molds, but the cast process is considered to be superior. Another popular option is plastic.FinishLook for a long-lasting, low maintenance finish to complement your decor. Your choices are quite extensive and include chrome plating, nickel plating, white enamel, brass, colored epoxy (glacier white, almond, biscuit and black), platinum, porcelain, bronze, stainless steel and gold or silver. The favored finishes are chrome and brass because they are easy to maintain and very durable. A word of caution if you go with brass - it requires a special protective coating to prevent it from tarnishing. For lots of color options and easy cleanup go with an epoxy finish. Today, many manufacturers use a technology called PVD (physical vapor deposition) for their faucet finishes, which makes them almost indestructible.Basic stylesFaucets are manufactured in three basic styles, the centerset, widespread, and mini-widespread, with a number of variations within those styles.Centerset faucets are the most common style and are available in a two-handle (each valve has a separate hole) or single handle style (both hot and cold water feed through a single hole).Widespread faucets are where each of the valves - hot and cold - as well as the spout are all mounted separately. Because they allow for flexible installation (the pieces can spread across 8 to 20 inches) they tend to be more expensive than centerset faucets.A single-handle faucet can also be widespread, but in that case the handle is a separate unit, not mounted on the spout. Sometimes the handle is mounted away from the spout for the sake of convenience or aesthetics.Mini-widespread faucets are a variation of the widespread but with a 4 inch center to center instead of 8 to 12 inches.Spouts come in various styles from straight to gooseneck. Most are fixed, but some are available in swivel.Valves, which control your flow of water come in four basic types - compression, cartridge, ball and ceramic disc. Compression valves always have two controls, which operate by raising or lowering a stem, which has a rubber washer on the end to seal off the water flow. The problem with this type of faucet is it's prone to leaks because the rubber washer wears out. Cartridge units are offered on both single handle and two handle faucets and control water flow by...you guessed it... a cartridge. These faucets are quite reliable and easy to repair. The ball faucet uses a single lever that controls a rotating slotted metal ball to regulate your water flow. This faucet is only available in single-lever styles. The best valve of the bunch is a ceramic disc(actually two discs are used to regulate water flow). Because of it s flat form and highly durable structure, this valve is virtually maintenance free and usually carries a lifetime guarantee.Look for qualityAn inexpensive faucet may look as good as a more expensive one, but don't be fooled - it won't last long. Your flag should go up when plastic is used on integral parts, washers are controlling the flow of water (should have ceramic disks or replaceable cartridges) and are lightweight. Plumber bills will be far more costly down the road, than purchasing a high quality faucet from day one. The average cost of a faucet is $75 to $200 plus.Know your needsThe important thing you'll need to know when choosing a bathroom faucet is the design of your sink or countertop in which it will be mounted. You will need to know whether you need a single hole design, a 4 inch mini-spread or center set, or an 8 inch widespread.When it comes to your tub and/or whirlpool you'll need to know whether your installation calls for a wall-mount, a deck mount, and whether a hand spray will be required. Shower faucets should be discussed with your plumber or designer because there are so many different styles and options that you could easily choose a faucet that won't work effectively with your bathroom plumbing, like valves and supply lines.Making it fitIt is imperative that you buy your faucet and sink together to make sure they are compatible. The sink must be drilled or have holes punched out to match the faucet you buy, and not all units will go together. Some specialty sinks require special faucets that match them. If you've opted for a cultured marble top, you‚ll need a faucet with a longer spout to fit correctly because of the setback. Never assume that everything will fit - make the salesperson earn their salary and have them show you the pieces work together. It's also important to note that many faucets require additional trim to complete the faucet or faucet handle set - this allows for greater choices in the design and appearance of your faucet.Shower faucetsThere are many types and styles of shower faucets, but the most common is a wall-mount faucet over the drain.. As for choosing a shower spray, a handheld sprayhead offers the most flexibility for cleaning, hair-washing and massage. You will have to choose your shower valve before construction begins to make sure the correct rough-in valve is installed. Even though the package says it's universal - that's not always true. If you want a high-tech shower system, like a car wash shower with multiple heads and sprays, be sure you have an adequate water supply.
About the Author:http://www.thehousedesigners.com are independent architects and designers who joined together to provide you the best home plans at the best price.

Repair And Maintenance Of Kitchen Faucets

The kitchen is the heart of many homes. This is the room where the family prepares and shares meals together. Because so much time is spent here, the fixtures and accessories need to be functional and fit with the style of the room. Kitchen faucets in the sink and kitchen islands are made with style in mind. With so many choices, you are sure to find the right fit for your home. Most people match the fixtures to style of kitchen cabinets.Styles of Kitchen FaucetsThe sink faucet use to be merely functional; the purpose was to deliver water to sinks for cooking or cleaning. Nobody really thought about what it looked like or if it matched the décor in the room. Those days are over. Kitchen fixtures are now available in a range of finishes and styles to match every home. Some of the available finishes include:+ Brass (natural is more popular than polished)+ Weathered brass+ Nickel+ Bronze+ Antique copper+ Brushed nickel+ Stainless steel+ Porcelain + Chrome + Black The brushed and weathered look is more popular than the shiny, polished finishes. The polished chrome faucet is most often used in contemporary style kitchens now. Elaborate Victorian designs are available for more formal looking kitchens. Their use as a design feature has resulted in fixtures being one of the most popular upgrades for people purchasing a new home.If your home has boring fixtures that seem out of date or don't match your home, replacing them is easy and inexpensive. Just make it part of a small home improvement and decoration project. The price for replacements varies and the finish plays a role in the price. Chrome is the least expensive and most durable material used. Other materials can be quite a bit more expensive and require extra care. Visit your local plumbing or home improvement store to see the various styles available. A plumber can do the job for you in about fifteen minutes. Installation ProceduresThe new faucets are easier to install than older models. Most manufacturers include all connections and fittings needed to install the unit yourself. Complete installation instructions are included with the faucet. Look for complete kits that come with the flexible hoses needed to attach to your water supply. If these aren't included, you will need to purchase them separately. Don't be alarmed if you notice particles in the water when you finish installation. This is just particles trapped in the fixture from manufacturing and installation. They will rinse clear if you let the water run for a few minutes. Kitchen Faucets: Repair and MaintenanceRepairing and maintenance is easier than ever before and can be done by a handy homeowner. Rubber rings can be easily replaced at home when needed. Before working on the sink, turn off the water and cover the drains. Properly cleaning and maintaining your faucet will extend the life and keep it in good working order. Check the manufacturer's directions for cleaning the finish. Most can be cleaned with mild soap and water or window cleaner. Don't use harsh cleaning products, which can damage the finish. Polish matte finishes with a furniture polishes. Check the label to be sure the product you use is safe for the material of your fixtures. Shower and Bathroom FixturesThe combination of style and function found in kitchen fixtures has extended into the bathroom as well. There is a wide variety of choices available in shower faucets. You can choose the standard wall mount faucet or go for a removable head. Many can be adjusted to regulate the water flow according to your preference.There are two basic choices in handles: pull out and individual knobs. Some people find one handle to be more convenient and easy to use. Two handles are more stylish and a variety of styles are available in the handles. You should choose according to the style of your sink or bathtub. Faucets can be matched for the tub and sink, if you choose.

About the Author:Guy Morris is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com. Robert is specializing in subjects like kitchen faucets http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/kitchen-faucets.html and kitchen designs.

Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide

Kitchen faucets don’t just serve as a functional piece of the kitchen. Today, they set the style with shapes, sizes, designs and finishes to fit any décor. Whether you are looking for classic country or ultra modern, there's a faucet design to fit your style. Below are considerations to make when choosing a new kitchen faucet.
1) How many holes does your sink have?
One of the most important questions when buying a new kitchen faucet is how many holes are in your existing sink or counter top.
2) What handle options do you prefer?
Two Handle Faucets - Provides precise temperature and water flow adjustment, with separate hot and cold controls, utilizing 3 or more holes of a sink or countertop. This is a great style to consider if you’re creating a traditional or period-style kitchen.
Single Handle Faucets - Allow for quick and easy water flow and temperature adjustments with one hand, which is helpful when your hands are occupied. Single Handle Faucets are generally compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. This design requires 1 or more holes depending on layout and styles range from traditional to modern. Most models are available with or without side sprays.
Wall-Mount Faucets - A unique style that requires no deck holes as the faucet actually mounts to the wall above the sink. This design does require water supplies that extend above the countertop in the wall. This is a great option if you’re looking for an antique style kitchen.
Pull-Out or Integral Spray Faucets - A great mix of style and functionality, the faucet head pulls out and with a touch of a button the water pattern switches from regular flow to spray. This design requires 1 or more holes depending on the handle configuration and number of accessories, creating a clean style that lends itself to a contemporary or transitional look.
Pot Filler Faucets - A “must have” for an avid cook. This cold water faucet is installed in addition to a regular kitchen faucet and mounts on the wall behind a stove or on a countertop near the stove. It is used to fill a pot that is already positioned on the stovetop. This faucet comes in a wide array of designs including single or dual handles, long or gooseneck swivel spouts.
Bar Sink/Entertainment/Prep Faucets - Compared to a regular kitchen faucet, bar faucets are simply smaller in order to work with the bar/prep sinks they are intended to be used with. A great addition to any room, these faucets come in a variety of styles and designs utilizing 1-3 holes. When used in a kitchen application they are often “matched” to the same style as the larger kitchen sink faucet.
3) What Spout Height and Reach Do You Want?
Standard Arch - Faucet spout is generally 3-5 inches high and are best for smaller sinks and everyday pots, pans and dishes.
High Arch - Provides plenty of room between the bottom of the sink and the spout to conveniently wash large pots or oversized dishes. High arch faucets start are 6 inches, but most are 8-10 inches high.
Spout Reach - Another important factor in deciding which faucet is best is the number of bowls you have and the overall size of the sink. The faucet should direct water into the center of the sink, a small faucet can get lost on a large sink and a large faucet can overpower a small sink. Most faucet have a reach that ranges from 7½” to 10”. If you have a double bowl sink, be sure to choose a faucet that can reach both bowls.
4) What Additional Accessories Will You Need?
There are a number of handy kitchen accessories that can be used in empty holes in your sink. If you have one or more extra holes, consider a hot water dispenser, filtered water dispenser, soap dispenser or side spray.
A wide selecton of quality kitchen sinks can be found at http://www.faucet.com. Call and speak with one of our product specialists to find the right kitchen sink for you!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Auer

How to Choose Kitchen Sink Faucets

Choosing appropriate faucets for your kitchen sink is as important as choosing the shape and size of the bowl. Faucets come in all shapes and sizes. Avoid a tiny faucet on a big, bold sink, and vice-versa. Be sure that the faucet you have chosen directs water into the center of the bowl. Also, make sure your new faucet matches the correct hole drillings in your sink.
Faucets come with a one or two handles. With one handle, you have the convenience of controlling water temperature and volume with just one hand. Two-handled faucets offer more styles and spout designs. Look for a long-lasting, low maintenance finish to complement your decor.
The most important aspect to look for in a faucet is its durability -- how long it will last without dripping? Faucets should perform for a long time and be drip-free for life.
A faucet must have anti-scald features such as hot-limit safety stops, pressure-balancing valves to protect users from drastic temperature changes and thermostatic valves that allow users to select a favorite temperature on an easy-to-read dial.
You can purchase a faucet that requires one hole (single-handle), or three holes (separate hot and cold handle). However, if you are planning on purchasing an accessory as well, such as vegetable spray, soap dispenser, or hot water dispenser, they each require a separate hole.
Faucets come with various features such as pull-out faucets, widespread faucets, bar faucets, and wall-mounted faucets. You can choose faucets based on functionality, size, finish, spigot, or handles.
When deciding between different types of kitchen faucets, consider design compatibility with other hardware in the room, as well as how you use your sink.
One easy way to identify the different types of kitchen faucets is by the material from which they are constructed. Stainless steel and chrome are popular choices since they can be shined to a high polish, looking sleek and contemporary. For a more traditional style there are nickel, brass and copper faucets.
Kitchen Sinks Info provides detailed information on stainless steel, copper, vintage, granite, corner, and acrylic kitchen sinks, faucets, and more. Kitchen Sinks Info is the sister site of Granite Counter Tops Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman

Tips For Buying Great Bathroom Faucets

Is your bathroom looking a bit drab but you can't afford to pay for a total overhaul? Or maybe you're going for a total overhaul in your bathroom. In either case one of the key aspects of redecorating your bathroom are the faucets you're going to use. These items are used daily in your bathroom so it's best that they're not old and ugly - it's the last thing you'd want a guest to see. Or to have to use for that matter.
If you're working to a tight budget then you may make a move towards the cheapest faucets you can find in your local hardware store. Before you start forking over your money for these cheap faucets you should take some things into consideration. To buy a faucet worth owning you should:
* Check the warranty. If there's no warranty then it's going to be more expensive in the long run if the faucet develops a fault.
* What do you use your sink or tub for? Make sure the faucets will suit the needs of your family and their bathroom habits.
* Choose a material that will require as little maintenance as possible - brushed chrome usually requires the least amount of maintenance.
* Faucets come in several configurations - make sure the one you buy will fit in the spaces provided on your sink.
Once you get the faucets home it's time to fit them. The quickest and easiest way to do this is to simply call a plumber and have them do the work for you.
You may, however, wish to do this yourself. If this is the case then make sure you shut off the water valves in your home before attempting the faucet replacement. Has the valve ever been turned or used? What if it snaps off? You'll wind up paying a small fortune in emergency plumbers fees so treat the valve with some WD40 before putting any pressure on it.
Once your new faucets are fitted you can stand back and admire how they've added to your bathroom overall.
Your bathroom faucets are going to be used every single day. Don't you want to make sure they complement your bathroom and not lower the tone of the room? Which faucets should you get for the bathroom? Check out BathroomCentral.com for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Niall_Roche

New Designs in Kitchen Faucets

Consider changing the faucets on your sink. There is a tremendous range of beautiful faucets available today, and you can find some really nice ones at reasonable prices. Among this choice of design is surely the one that will perfectly suit the style and decorating scheme your kitchen follows. You can have a look that complements the room and is pretty and practical. You will be amazed at how changing the faucets can make an impact on the look of the room. You can obtain any kind you like, including wall mounted faucets, free standing faucets, ones that pull out from the top of the sink, ones that have single or double handles. On top of that, you can choose from a wide variety of materials such as chrome, copper and brass.
Besides choice of design and material, you can also have a choice in color. The faucet you pick can be so perfectly chosen as to match with your cabinet, counter tops and general decor, in addition to matching the sink. And today's faucets are easy to install, so you will not have to engage in the services of a plumber. You can pick sleek, modern designed faucets, or faucets with an antique look that nevertheless have all the modern features you would want even though they exhibit the antique beauty of yesteryear. No matter how you have decorated your kitchen, no doubt you will find something to suit from the many designs available.
When it comes to budget, the same principle holds true. There are so many designs to choose from that you will find something that will please you within your price range. Even lower priced faucets give you great value, offering quality workmanship with fine design. You can really extend the choice of these items for your own kitchen by shopping on line, where most of the manufacturers have sites that have great deals. Comparing styles, features and prices is easy to do on the Internet with just a touch of your fingers, and you can often great great buys as well, on the same quality goods that are in stores.
You can even shop on the Internet by manufacturer, style, color, material and price range. You will be able to easily find the exact choice for your kitchen design as well as within your price range. And you will be dealing with the same top manufacturers that sell faucets in the big home improvement stores, so you know the quality will be good. Installing the "just right" faucet in your kitchen sink will go a long way to improve the way your kitchen looks and you will benefit from great new features and functions while you improve the look of your kitchen.
Clinton Maxwell's detailed papers are published on many online sites associated with kitchen cabinet. His articles on kitchen faucets can be discovered on his webpage as well as other web pages.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clinton_N._Maxwell

Gold Plated Faucets – Golden Glory

Making a home look magnificent, royal and one-of-its-kind is not an easy task. Even if the owner has the financial capacity to enhance the home, it is essential to have the vision to decorate the home. Often, owners decorate the entire house very tastefully but neglect one very important part of the house. The bathroom is an equally and in fact even more important part of the home and must be decorated in the most elaborate way. One of the most majestic ways of embellishing the bathroom is to have gold plated faucets fitted in it.
Sparkling Clean
The bathroom is more than just a utility area for many people. Our day begins with a visit to the bathroom. Also, after a long and tiring day at work, there is no better way to relax than having a nice hot shower or relaxing in the favorite tub. All this makes the bathroom extremely important. Therefore there is every reason to make this place very special. The sign of a plush bathroom can certainly be seen from its arrangements and from its accessories. The faucets in the bathroom are very important and must be carefully fitted. The bathroom definitely looks awesome if there are gold plated faucets in it. The golden plating makes the faucets sparkle in the lights and also gives a very pure feeling to the individual. There are different kinds of faucets available like chrome plated, nickel plated, ceramic and many other kinds of faucets. However, the glow that the gold plated faucets give cannot be compared to any other type of faucet.
The gold used for plating the faucets can be different specifications. Needless to say that 24-carat gold would definitely have the greatest effect and make the faucets look brilliantly sparkling. Especially, when gold is used for plating the stainless steel body of the faucets, the overall effect that it has is sensational. A very important advantage of the gold plated faucets is that it does not get stained or flawed with time, unlike other metals.
Gold plated faucets in the bathroom are the perfect choice in lavish homes. They would surely give the feeling of a royal bath each time an individual is in the bathroom.
The author specializes in finding as much information as possible about all aspects of improving your home. For lots of home improvement, home decor and great ways to make your home your castle visit: http://www.didyouknowthisabout.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allan_Wilson

Choosing A Kitchen Faucet

These days, kitchen faucets do not only serve as a basic, functional piece in the kitchen. With all the shapes, sizes, designs, and finishes available in the market, they now become a factor in setting the style of your kitchen.
Whether your kitchen has a classic country design or an ultra modern architecture, there is a faucet available to exactly fit the atmosphere you wish to create.
Here are some considerations that you need to think about when choosing a new kitchen faucet:
First and foremost, choose a faucet that matches your sink's faucet connection. Then, check how many mounting holes your kitchen sink or your counter top has. Make sure you choose a faucet that will be easy to operate when mounted into the sink. Choose one that is just the right size relative to your sink.
There are a wide variety of sink faucet materials in the market. Whether it is brass or polished, made of copper, stainless steel, or chrome, the kitchen faucet body must be durable, heavy-weight, maintenance-free, suitable to your kitchen theme, and should not corrode or discolor. Faucets made of brass are very resistant to adverse conditions, while chrome-plated ones are most affordable. It is important that you go for durability - your faucet should last a very long time without dripping. Thus, try to choose one that is of best quality and fits your budget just right.
The handle and the spout usually determine the style of kitchen faucets. Faucets can have single or two handles. Single handled faucets are quite convenient when it comes to control of water temperature and volume. Double-handled one, on the other hand, allows the precise flow and temperature adjustment as it has separate cold and hot controls. It can also be more stylish than the former. There are also three different spout styles to choose from. There are those that have pull down or pull-out sprays, those that have side sprays and those that don't. Imagine what you usually use kitchen faucets for and choose one based on your needs. There are also wall-mount faucets that require no deck holes, pot filler faucets that can be mounted near the stove, as well as bar or entertainment faucets that can be added to other areas in the kitchen.
The fourth factor that you should determine is the spout height and reach. Standard arch faucets are usually 3-5 inches high and are best for smaller to average-sized sinks and for everyday use. High arch faucets are usually 6-8 or even 10 inches high for washing pots and oversized kitchen wares. Also, you should make sure that your spout reach is compatible with the sink size and the number of bowls or dishes you anticipate to wash. Whatever the spout reach you choose is, make sure that it directs water directly into the center of the bowl. If your sink is the double-bowl type, choose one that can reach both areas.
Lastly, find out what other additional accessories you will need in your kitchen such as water filters, hot water dispensers, or soap dispensers. You would need one or more extra holes in your sink for these accessories. With all the types of faucets available, it can get very confusing and overwhelming to choose one that will fit your kitchen. You do not only choose based on aesthetics and budget, but more importantly, on your current and future needs.
Please visit author's websites at Quality Undermount Stainless Steel Kitchen Sinks, Faucets and Home Improvement Articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Art_Copper

The New Bathroom Faucets

Bathroom faucets are not just for function anymore. Of course, function is the first concern when purchasing a faucet, but today there are so many styles and finishes to choose from it is a regular smorgasbord.
Bathroom faucet function
When selecting a bathroom faucet, don't choose the bottom of the line to save a few dollars. The valves are an important part of a faucet and choosing solid brass or brass base metal valves will save you aggravation and leaks.
Many of today's faucet also feature waterless valves. Those with ceramic disc or the cartridge models are much less prone to leaking and will last longer.
Bathroom faucet style
When you consider style for your bathroom faucet, you should also coordinate with your bathtub and shower fixtures in order to get a complete and coordinating look in your bathroom.
There are a multitude of styles from vintage looks to very sleek and contemporary looks in bathroom faucets. You will find bathroom faucets offered in single handle lever units, separate hot and cold handles if you prefer, and various types of spouts including the high rise or goose neck that was once only seen in the kitchen.
The high rise spout can make shampooing much easier, but if you choose this option make sure the basin is deep enough to avoid splashing.
Bathroom faucet finishes
There is a bathroom faucet finish to suit any taste. Traditionally polished chrome has been the most popular. While this gleaming finish can be attractive, it requires more upkeep because of water spotting.
Brushed finishes such as brushed chrome or brushed nickel offer less gleam, but nevertheless are very attractive, stylish and far easier to keep up especially in a busy household.
There are also many rubbed finishes that add to the styling and give more of a vintage look. Copper and even black faucets are now available.
Choosing the right bathroom faucet for an existing sink
If you are not starting fresh with a new sink as well as new faucets, then you need to match up your faucet with your sink.
If the faucets install directly to the sink, then you need to determine if the existing sink is set up for single hole, minispread, widespread or centerset faucets, so you can match up to the existing holes.
Centerset faucets are where the handles and spout are mounted to a single base. Minispread and widespread faucets are where each element of the faucet assembly is individually installed onto the sink. And the single-hole is self explanatory.
More information on bathroom faucets and selecting new vanities and sinks.
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History Of Faucets

Plumbing systems have already existed during ancient times. In fact, at around 1700 BC, The Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete first featured a terra cotta-based piping that provided water for faucets, as well as faucets made of marble, gold and silver. During the Roman period, personal bathrooms and lead pipes have already existed (1000 BC - 476 AD). Rome's public baths were already equipped with silver faucets along with fixtures made of gold and marble.
Since then, public systems have changed, including faucets. For many decades, faucets had two handles - one for hot water, and the other for cold water. In 1937, however, this design changed, and this change was initiated by a college student named Al Moen. One fine day in 1937, he turned the faucet handle to wash his hands but scalded them since the water came too hot. This gave him the idea of designing a single-handle faucet.
Between 1940 and 1945, he designed various kinds of faucets: from a double-valve faucet to a cylindrical design, and finally he sold his first single handle mixing faucet in the latter part of 1947. By 1959, his design was used in a million homes in the United States and sold in around 55 countries all over the world. Today, single-handle faucets are popular and can be found in about 50% of American homes.
Aside from single-handed faucets, Al Moen also came up with other inventions in his lifetime, which included the replaceable cartridge (to eliminate washers in the faucets), push-button shower valve diverter, screen aerator, flow control aerator, pressure balancing shower valves and swivel spray. Aside from Al Moen, Landis Perry was also involved in doing innovative faucet designs. In 1945, he designed his first faucet ball valve which aimed at providing a combined blending control and volume with an effective means for sealing valve elements. This design was patented in 1952 and was first introduced in 1954 by Delta faucets (who bought the patent beforehand). Four years henceforth, their sales topped a whooping $1 million.
About two decades later, Wolvering Brass patented the ceramic disk for water control. Unlike rubber-based cartridges, ceramic discs are lapped and polished in such a way that their flatness is only measured in light bands. Ceramic disks tend to last a lot longer than cartridges since they have high wear resistance and are able to provide a more accurate control. These disks are widely used today.
More recent innovations in faucets include built-in cartridges used to reducing the level of lead, cysts and chlorine, built-in pull out sprays, electronic faucets as well as those designed for disabled people. Electronic faucets were introduced in the early 1980's for hygienic and water conservation purposes, and come with infrared beams that detect motion. When a person happens to put his hand underneath the faucet, the infrared beam is disrupted, and this disruption triggers the water to run. In addition, battery-operated electronic faucets have also been distributed. More developments will surely come in and improve the lives of many homeowners.
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