It is worth spending some time considering the taps for your bathroom renovation. Here’s some information and questions when planning tapware for your bathroom.

Materials

Taps come in a wide range of materials and textures.

Tapware materials include chrome, brass, nickel, gold and steel. Did you know the material you choose will makes little difference to the overall usability, performance and efficiency of your taps.

Textures or Finish
Taps come in a range of textures including glossy or matte/brushed finishes.

Types

There are generally two types of taps:

• Mixer taps

With mixer taps water emerges from a single spout. There are a range of advantages to mixers taps. For example, its easy to get warm water and the single mixer lever/handle means it easy to turn off and on.

• Separate taps

Bought in a set, separate taps include a tap hot and cold water. These come in a range of styles including crosshead (i.e. shaped like a cross) and lever taps.

Water efficient taps

To save water we suggest you choose taps with the highest WELS rating, with the exception of your bath taps.  If you are filling your bath reducing or restricting the flow achieves nothing.

Practical considerations

When selecting taps for your bathroom renovation, be practical and consider how they will be used. Aesthesis is important but so is practicality. Being able to relax in the bath without being scolded with hold water (especially if you’ve got kids) or being hit the head or legs by a bath spout are practical considerations. Being able to access taps with wet, dry and dirty hands are useful considerations.

Warranty and Maintenance

We suggest purchasing tapware from well know and proven manufactures including Grohe or Argent. Generally well know companies will offer a good warranty to back up their product.  

Budget

You can purchase quality tapware, from well know manufacturers such as Grohe that include a 15 year warranty on the ceramic cartridge and 6 star WELS rating for less than $200.

For example, the Grohe Bau Flow or Bau Edge available in our on-line shop.

Some questions to consider

• What is my budget for tapware?
• Where will the taps be located?
• Do I want the taps to match or am I happy to have different styles?
• Do I prefer mixers or taps?
• Do I prefer old-fashioned or modern tapware? For example, do I prefer a chunky, fine, rounded or square tapware?
• If I’m replacing my existing tapware should I take a picture and get the measurements of the taps?
• What materials do I prefer? Chrome, Brass, Steel?
• Do I prefer a matte or glossy textured finish?
• What is the WELS rating?
• Have I considered where the taps will be positioned and why?
• Have I considered the size and measurements for the taps?
• Who manufactured the taps and do they offer a warranty?