Bathroom faucet buying guide: widespread, centerset or single-hole
The first question with a bathroom faucet is not style, it is holes. The number and spacing of the holes in your sink or vanity top decides which faucets fit. After that, it is about reach, height and finish.
Count the holes
- One hole: a single-hole faucet, or a single-handle faucet with an optional deck plate.
- Three holes, 4" apart: a centerset faucet, with handles and spout on one base.
- Three holes, 6" to 16" apart (usually 8"): a widespread faucet with separate handles and spout.
- No holes: a wall-mount faucet, which needs the valve in the wall.
Replacing a faucet on an existing top? Match what is there. A single-hole faucet can cover a three-hole top with a deck plate, but not the other way around.
Spout reach and height
The water should land near the center of the bowl. Vessel sinks need a tall or wall-mount faucet so the spout clears the rim. With a deep undermount bowl, a little more reach keeps splashing down.
Valves and drains
Ceramic disc valves are the standard for drip-free life. Most faucets include a pop-up drain; match it to the sink (overflow or no overflow). WaterSense faucets use about 1.2 gallons per minute and still feel strong.
Finishes
Chrome is the most durable and easiest to match. Brushed nickel and brushed gold hide water spots. Matte black is striking but shows hard-water marks. See faucet finishes compared, and keep the finish consistent with the shower trim and hardware.
Swapping a faucet
A like-for-like faucet swap is one of our in-house quick installs in New Hampshire, quoted separately. The product finder filters faucets by hole count and finish.
Common questions
How do I know if I need a widespread or centerset faucet?
Measure between the centers of the two outer holes: 4" is centerset, 6" to 16" (usually 8") is widespread.
Can I put a single-hole faucet on a three-hole sink?
Yes, with a deck plate (escutcheon) that covers the extra holes.
What faucet goes with a vessel sink?
A tall single-hole vessel faucet or a wall-mount faucet, so the spout clears the rim of the bowl.
Related: faucets, faucet finishes compared, product finder, vanities.
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