Are you thinking of installing a double-handle faucet in your bathroom? Well, you’re not alone. Many people love the style and functionality of double-handle faucets, and there are plenty of options available in the market. Widespread and centerset faucets are one of them.
I know it can be a bit overwhelming when trying to decide between widespread and centerset faucets.
Both Widespread and centerset faucets have double handles that allow you to control water flow and temperature. But there are some key differences between them. In this article, I’ll break down the differences and help you choose the perfect fit for your bathroom.
Key Points
Centerset Faucet:
- Combines the spout and handles into a single unit
- Designed to fit into three holes spaced 4 inches apart
- Compact and suitable for small spaces
- Easy to install and less expensive than widespread faucets
- Limited in style options and finishes
Widespread Faucet:
- Consists of three separate pieces: two handles and a spout
- Requires three separate mounting holes
- Offers more design versatility and style options
- More expensive than centerset faucets
- Suitable for both large and small sinks
What Is a Widespread Faucet?
A widespread faucet offers more flexibility in the sink. In the widespread faucet, you get 2 handles and a faucet spout.
All these parts are not connected to each other. So, you can install them separately on the sink. The ideal distance between these handles is from 6 to 16 inches.
You can adjust the gap between handles according to the sink. It gives you more control and flexibility to install the widespread faucet.
Widespread faucets are a good choice for the big-size sink. If you have a corner sink, the widespread faucet will fit easily there. In a widespread faucet, you get a swivel spout. This type of spout gives more flexibility to cover the large sink area.
Widespread Faucet Pros and Cons
Pros
- Its parts are not connected so you can adjust the installation according to the sink design.
- Enough space between parts allows you to clean the widespread faucet easily.
- The style options for the widespread faucet are not limited. From modern to classic, you will find every style for it.
- It offers a more beautiful and modern appearance in the sink.
Cons
- Its installation takes more time because you need to install every part separately.
- Not a good option for a small size sink.
What Is a Centerset Faucet?
In the centerset faucet, the faucet spout and handles are combined into a single unit on a deck plate. This faucet is designed to fit into 3 holes. All parts are connected so you don’t need to install every part separately.
The centerset faucet is also called a mini-spread faucet or 4-inch faucet because of the distance between its 2 mounting holes. Centerset faucets are generally used for the bathroom sink.
Centerset faucets are a good choice for small-size sinks. These faucets maximize the use of the small sink space. Their small size takes less space on the sink. In the centerset faucet, you don’t get a swivel spout because of its short design.
Centerset Faucet Pros and Cons
Pros
- This faucet is compatible with most pre-drilled sink configurations.
- Connected parts require less time for installation.
- Its small size gives you more space on the small sink.
Cons
- Connected parts make centerset faucet cleaning difficult.
- You don’t get any option to adjust the size of the faucet on the sink.
What is the Difference Between Widespread Faucets and Centerset Faucets?
There are key differences between centerset and widespread faucets. These differences you should keep in mind when you decide between these faucets.
Their Installation Process Is Different
Both widespread and centerset faucets have 2 handles and a spout but their installation process is different.
Widespread faucets have an adjustable installation process. You can adjust the gap between handles to customize the installation according to the sink. This provides a flexible installation for the widespread faucet.
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On the other side, parts are connected to centerset faucets. Due to the connected parts, you can’t adjust the centerset faucet on the sink.
Because of this, you should check the distance between holes in the sink so you don’t buy the wrong centerset faucet for your sink. So you get limited flexibility for the centerset faucet for the installation.
Required Difference Space on The Sink
Both centerset and widespread faucet requires different space on the sink for installation.
The widespread faucet can be installed from 6 to 16 inches gap between holes. While the centerset faucet requires 4 inch gap between holes. This gap is fixed for all centerset faucets.
Style
For an elegant look of the bathroom sink, a stylish faucet is important. In my opinion, the widespread faucet is more stylish than a centerset faucet.
The centerset faucet comes with a compact look. This look good for small sink.
The widespread faucet comes with an elegant, modern, and premium look. The widespread faucet gives a luxurious touch to the sink area.
Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning widespread faucets are more easy to clean. They have separate parts that are easy to clean.
You get enough space between the handle and spout for the cleaning. With little effort, you can keep your Widespread faucet as new for longer.
Cleaning Centerset faucets are not as easy as cleaning widespread faucets. Handles and a spout in centerset faucets are closer.
So, you get limited space between them for cleaning. It becomes difficult to clean in that limited space. You can’t use any cleaning tool properly there. It allows to water accumulate there. This becomes the reason for buildup and stains and it deteriorates the faucet’s shine within a few months.
Can You Replace A Centerset Faucet With A Widespread Faucet?
Yes, you can replace a centerset faucet with a widespread faucet.
The centerset faucets require a fixed space in the sink for the installation. But there is no such fixed space condition for the widespread faucet. You can easily install the widespread faucet at the place of the centerset faucet.
But one thing you should consider in this faucet replacement process is the size of the widespread faucet handle.
The centerset faucet requires less space for the installation. If the widespread faucet handles are big in size then you might face issues when you install it. So make sure you check the size of the widespread faucet before buying.
Final Thoughts
Now you have a clear idea of widespread vs centerset faucets differences. If you are buying any one of them, it becomes important to measure the gap in the sink for hassle-free installation.
In my opinion, a widespread faucet is a good choice if you have a wider sink and you want to customize the installation. Centerset needs less space so good for a small sink but customization is not available for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Centerset Faucets Need 3 Holes?
It may depend on which model you have. Not all centerset faucets require 3 holes, some require single or 2 holes. You can check before buying how many holes it needed for the installation.
Is Centerset Same as Single Hole?
Centerset and single hole faucets are different. Single hole faucets come with a single handle that controls water flow and temperature. On the other side, centerset faucets have separate handles to control water flow and temperature. A single hole faucet needs only one hole for installation and centerset faucet needs 2 or 3 holes for installation.
Do Widespread Faucets Fit All Sinks?
Not all sinks are made for the widespread faucets. These faucets require 3 holes for the installation. If you have a sink that doesn’t have 3 holes, you have to do extra holes for the installation. This drilling requires extra care.
Can You Use a Centerset Faucet With a Single Hole?
No centerset faucets be installed in a single hole sink. If you have a single hole sink, you need to make extra holes in the sink for the cenerset faucet installation.
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James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.