Deck-Mount Faucets VS Floor-Mounted Faucets

Pros of deck-mount faucet bathtubs

1. Space-saving:

Compared with other types of bathtubs, deck-mount faucet tubs have the upper hand when it comes to being space-efficient.

Deck-mount faucet bathtubs occupy less space around the sides and rear of the tub than traditional bathtubs. Making them a smart option for bathrooms with limited space or smaller dimensions.

Needless to say that since the plumbing fixtures are integrated into the bathtub's rim, no additional room is required to accommodate exposed pipes and fixtures.

2. Easy to maintain:

As a whole, deck-mount faucet bathtubs aren't hard to maintain thanks to their design, setup, and accessibility.

Since the plumbing fixtures are easy to reach for any necessary maintenance or repairs because they are situated on the tub's deck, it is simple to replace a faucet or other component if necessary without removing the bathtub or making significant changes to the plumbing.

Still, always keep your tub clean and dry to prevent water spots and mineral buildup, and also, check regularly for signs of leaks and have any issues addressed promptly to prevent water damage.

3. Reduced risk of leaks:

In general, deck-mount faucet bathtubs' design, sealing, accessibility, and appropriate installation all significantly reduce the likelihood of water leakage.

By reducing the number of joints and connections, sealing around the plumbing fixtures, and allowing for easy access and repairs, deck-mount faucet bathtubs offer a practical as well as durable solution if you want to avoid the hassle and expenses of dealing with leaks.

Cons of deck-mount faucet bathtubs

1. Requires drilling holes in the tub:

Installing deck-mount faucets to bathtubs is sometimes trickier than one may assume, and while this may vary depending on the model that you choose or the plumbing structure beneath your bathroom floor, there are a couple of things worth considering.

The fact that you'll need to drill holes in the tub in order for it to fit the plumbing, which, if poorly executed, could cost you a whole bathtub.

At the same time, you want to make sure that the plumbing fixtures are properly aligned with the holes in the bathtub deck.

And because these fixtures are built within, you might need to make some modifications to the existing plumbing in your bathroom to accommodate the new bathtub.

2. Limited customization options:

While owning a bathtub is a luxury in and of itself, not all bathtubs are created equal, and if you're the kind of person who appreciates giving a room your own unique touch and spirit, you could find the following restriction unpleasant.

When buying the faucet for your deck-mount tub, you’ll soon find out that there’s a limited number of compatible faucets to choose from.

Unlike floor-mounted faucets whose style, finish, color, etc. can be completely different from the tub’s design, that isn’t the case with the deck-mounted ones.

Although this is not considered a technical drawback, some may find such detail a little annoying when decorating their bathroom.

3. Maintenance:

Having the fixtures integrated within your bathtub can be a double-edged sword, as this can make it more difficult to clean around the edges and corners of the bathtub where they’ve been mounted.

Over time, dirt, soap scum, and grime can gather in these places, so if you’d like to keep a clean and hygienic bathtub, you definitely want to avoid this.

Some deck-mount faucet tubs could even have more complex fixture designs, making cleaning quite a challenging task. As an example, tubs with a hand-held showerhead or other fittings may have more splits and difficult-to-reach spaces where dirt may build up.

Pros of floor-mounted faucets

1. Flexibility:

For a variety of reasons, both functionally and aesthetically, floor-mounted faucets are very flexible.

They offer design versatility by being connected to the plumbing system through the floor instead of the wall. This allows them to be used whether the tub is positioned against a wall or in the center of the room, and their height is adjustable to the setting that feels the most comfortable to you.

2. Elegant approach:

In terms of looks, one might assume it would be unreasonable to expect a tub faucet to contribute in some way to the ambiance of the bathroom.

Evidently, though, it isn't.

A floor-mounted faucet is what you need if you want a bathroom design that exudes luxury yet remains elegant at the same time without relying on unnecessary, expensive items that do nothing but clutter the space.

Adding a little extra touch of minimalism and classiness to your bathroom would be the perfect excuse to buy one of these.

3. Durable and long-lasting:

Generally, floor-mounted bathtub faucets are considered to be reliable and long-lasting. After all, they are designed to deal with the wear that entails daily use.

These faucets are assembled using rigid, corrosion-resistant materials like brass, stainless steel, and chrome. Hence their right to claim such a characteristic.

Of course, there are other aspects to consider than the materials that make up the faucet in order for it to be exceptionally durable.

But with proper installation, constant cleaning, and periodic maintenance, you shouldn't be worried about experiencing any technical failures or malfunctions in your faucet for many years to come.

Cons of floor-mounted faucets

1. Quality is a must:

Low-quality bathtub faucets can cause you some headaches.

After remodeling your bathroom, an unsteady faucet is the very last thing you want, as it can leak and flood the inside of your house. You also don't want to have to buy a new one after only a few months of use just because it was made of low quality, less durable materials.

That’s why investing in a high-quality faucet is crucial, and this can be a turn-off for many people as top-quality faucets which are made of premium materials are usually pricey and less affordable.

2. Harder to install:

Installing floor-mounted faucets can be more complex and time-consuming compared to wall-mounted options.

It may require professional expertise and additional adjustments to ensure proper alignment, connection, and stability of the faucet, which can add to the installation challenges.

3. Limited Placement Options:

While floor-mounted faucets provide design flexibility, they may limit the placement options for the bathtub.

The presence of the plumbing lines running through the floor restricts the positioning of the tub, as it needs to be aligned with the faucet location and it may not always fit with the desired placement or layout of the bathroom.

This limitation can be particularly challenging in smaller or irregularly shaped bathrooms where finding an ideal spot for both the tub and the floor-mounted faucet becomes more difficult.