The faucet configuration has to line up with the number of holes in the sink. The two components don't necessarily have to match exactly, as extra holes can be hidden with plugs and baseplates.
You can install a one-hole faucet in a three- or four-hole sink by adding a deck plate but not vice versa.
Two-hole kitchen faucets may be a bridge-style design or a handle/faucet combination with room for a sprayer. Three-hole kitchen faucets are traditional faucets with hot and cold taps and a fourth hole for the sprayer. Kitchen sink faucets usually come equipped with the sprayer feature.
Widespread faucets feature separate hot and cold handles that are independent from the spout and can be mounted on the countertop or on sinks. It can be mounted on sinks with three holes that fit 8 inches to 16 inches from one side to the other.
Sinks generally come in one of three configurations: 6”, 8”, and 6”-16”. The faucet will cover the holes in most of these configurations. You will need to measure the width between the outer holes or estimate it by measuring the width of the deck plate. A 3-hole sink is very common.
Sinks and faucets come in different configurations. The faucet configuration has to line up with the number of holes in the sink. The two components don't necessarily have to match exactly, as extra holes can be hidden with plugs and baseplates.
Faucet Design Details
Color coordinate - Don't forget to consider matching your sink and faucet for a cohesive, monochromatic look. Traditionally that's matching a stainless steel sink with a faucet, but you can incorporate more color into the kitchen with Silgranit.
We suggest choosing a single-hole faucet if you have a smaller sink so that you can use the extra space to your advantage. Centerset faucets fit three-hole sinks and have either a single lever or two handles mounted on a plate. On the other hand, widespread faucets have three separate pieces: two handles and a spout.
Most of the time, the hole for your kitchen faucet will be 1 3/8 inches across. That's the standard size you'll typically see. But here's the catch - not all faucets play by the same rules. Some of them require a little more breathing room with a 1 1/2-inch hole instead.
There are many types of faucets for bathroom use and not all bathroom sink faucets work with every sink. It's important to make sure the faucet you choose will fit your sink or basin. Standard faucet drillings are centerset, single-hole or widespread.
3-hole sinks allow for two-handle faucets only without accessories. 2-hole sinks allow for a single-hole faucet, and an accessory, like a sprayer. 1-hole sink has no deck plate, and is designed for a single-handle faucet.
Measure the countertop behind the sink, and the diameter of the pre-drilled holes and the distance between their centers. The hole dimensions are how to determine what size faucet will fit, before you buy the faucet.
💦 Hot and Cold Water: Some prefer separate control for precise temperature. 💦 Filtered Water: One for tap water, the other for filtered water. 💦 Instant Hot Water: One faucet for instant hot water.
Centerset Faucets
These faucets are mounted on 3-hole sinks with a 4-inch spread.
Due to so many different styles, kitchen faucets are not universal. The base plate is often the differentiating factor with some the mounting holes are the standard 1 3/8” but there are also faucets on the market that have a 1 or 1 1/2” mounting hole.
The easiest and most inexpensive way is to order faucet-hole caps to cover and plug the extra sink holes.
If there is a three-hole arrangement, determine the spacing by measuring from the center of the handle. Standard spacing is generally four or eight inches. If you prefer a single-hole faucet and the sink has three holes, don't worry. A cover plate can hide the other holes, and most faucets come with one.
Use the Specification Sheet, or measure the product for the hole configuration. The product Technical Specification sheet will have the recommended hole size and spacing required for installation. The specification sheet is on the website under the product's image, in the Documents and Specs tab.
So if you have a three-hole sink with the outside holes 4 inches apart, you should be able to install a single-handle bathroom faucet. However, a deck plate to cover all the holes is usually needed. Many single-handle bathroom faucets include an “escutcheon” or deck plate for this very reason.
Before installing a new kitchen faucet, be sure to go underneath your kitchen sink and check how many holes your existing sink uses. While a one-hole faucet can work in a 2-hole sink, the same won't be true for a 2 or 3-hole faucet in a one-hole sink.
This rule of bolt holes straddling the natural centerlines is sometimes referred to as "Two-Hole" the flange. This means that the two of the holes straddle the centerline. To "One-Hole" a flange means that the flange has been rotated so that one hole is right on the natural centerline.
Smart Faucets
Smart technology has been on the rise and is prominent in 2024 kitchen faucet trends. Touchless or motion-sensor faucets have been rising in popularity. However, voice-controlled faucets have been unique to the 2024 faucet trends. Smart faucets can even include customized temperature settings.
They come in different mounting types, hole configurations, and sizes. Common types include single-hole, centre-set, and widespread setups. It's essential to match the faucet to the sink's pre-drilled holes or choose a configuration that can adapt to your specific setup when replacing or installing new faucets.
“Many people feel they need to match their plumbing fixtures throughout the house,” explained Carla Aston of Designed With Carla Aston in Texas. “That definitely is not true. I like for each bathroom to sort of have its own identity.