Tip-Top Tap Tips: How to Choose the Best Taps for Your Bathroom

Nothing can make or break a stylish bathroom quite as much as taps. We take a look at how to choose the best taps for your bathroom.

You can repair most taps. That means whatever taps you install will most likely last as long as the house itself.

So it's vital to pick the best taps to make your renovation worthwhile.

If you don't want to replace your taps in the next decade or so, it's important to pick a material that can withstand the elements and constant wear and tear. Plus the style has to stay trendy for the coming years. And the finish has to last decades of use.

But don't worry, we'll help you decide what's best.

Below we cover the most common materials, styles, and finishes for the best bathroom taps.

Consider the Material

Brass and ceramic are the two most common materials used to make bathroom taps.

Brass

Pure brass taps last the longest, usually decades. They need the least amount of care, and they hold up well in cold winter months. They're durable against hot water and the usual wear and tear that taps endure.

But their durability means brass taps are often the most expensive option. But they pay for themselves in the long run.

In fact, brass is so durable that antique sinks are often found and still used in renovations. After decades, these sinks are still in great condition.

Brass is also a versatile option that's common in bathrooms. Parts are easy to come by. Brass is easy to shape and bend. This means that despite upfront costs, repairs are much cheaper than other options.

A brass option you might encounter is a die-cast zinc alloy. These taps aren't as durable. Zinc corrodes when it comes in contact with water. You'll need to replace die-cast zing alloys sooner than a pure brass tap.

A solid brass tap will be heavy. If you still aren't positive if your taps are solid brass, ask your plumber - they'll know the difference.

Ceramic

Two ceramic plates define ceramic disc taps. These plates line up to create watertight seals that stop leaks in their tracks. Ceramic taps are almost maintenance free and are long-lasting.

If a ceramic tap does start to leak, jostling a handle usually fixes the issue. The ceramic disc cartridge is the most likely culprit for repairs. If you do need to replace it, the entire disc cartridge costs no more than £25.

Consider the Style

This is the most exciting part of picking the best bathroom taps for your home. What sort of style are you hoping to achieve? Most countertop basin taps fall into two styles: traditional or contemporary.

Traditional

Handles with traditional bathroom taps often feature cross-heads or rhinestones. Traditional spouts are usually short, or they feature long, water-pump style necks.

Traditional bathroom taps are the ideal way to add a touch of rustic charm to a country home or beach cabin. Check out these Heritage Taps for more ideas.

Contemporary

Contemporary taps feature a sleek, minimalist style. Many contemporary bath and basin taps create a softer flow that mimics the way water flows in nature.

Contemporary styles add a dash of elegance and are a great way to accent a stylish basin sink. Contemporary taps work well anytime you want to add a more modern touch to your home.

Consider the Finish

Whether you choose a brass or ceramic tap, the finish creates the end style. Each of these finishes works well with either a traditional or contemporary tap.

Chrome

Chrome has been an ongoing favourite for years. It's versatile and easy to clean and maintain. Chrome is the most inexpensive finish for your bathroom taps.

Chrome taps are a staple in most homes, kitchens, and bathrooms. As such, they seem to always be in style, making them a long lasting choice that's guaranteed to go with any color palette.

It's a good thing it's easy to clean because chrome needs it regularly. Chrome shows fingerprints, water spots and dust, which is by far its biggest drawback.

Nickel

Nickel is great if you want to get away from chrome but still love a sleek shiny finish. It goes well with most styles. It's durable and easy to clean.

Also, consider brushed nickel. It doesn't show fingerprints or water spots the way chrome does, but it has a softer hue than polished nickel. This is also one of the most durable finishes.

The downside to nickel? It's pricier than chrome. But if you don't want to polish your taps every day, the investment is worth it.

Pewter

Pewter is a brushed nickel finish. Its blue-grey matte appearance pairs well with brushed sinks. Pewter is easy to clean and resistant to rust.

However, the soft metal means it's prone to scratches and dents. Always clean pewter with a soft cloth, as abrasive cleaning pads can scratch pewter.

The Best Taps for Your Bathroom Are in Reach

We covered the most common options for modern bathroom renovations.

Brass taps, while expensive up front, are often well worth the investment due to their durability. Ceramic taps are easy and affordable to fix.

While traditional styles are a proven, lasting trend, contemporary styles are sleek and elegant and likely to last.

Finishes come in a wide variety, and it's important to pay attention to the unique differences. How easy are they to clean? How dirty do they get in the first place? How long is a finish likely to last.

If you're still struggling to find the best taps for you, contact us today to book a bathroom or kitchen redesign.