Centerset Vs. Widespread Faucet – Differences and More

Whenever I visit a store to get a faucet, it is always centerset vs widespread faucet. And that gets me confused – I mean, how can I know which one is more suitable for me?

So, this time, I decided to compare them before going to a store.

As it turns out, both are convenient in their own ways – centerset are more convenient for installation and widespread is very easy to maintain. You can use the widespread faucets for larger vessels and the former for smaller ones. In terms of looks, they can both go well with different interiors.

There are more factors to the comparison that will help you decide the right one within a second. But for that, you have to go through this article.

Insights on Centerset Faucets – With Pros and Cons

Centerset faucets are also known as the 4-inch faucet spread type. This is because the holes usually contain a distance of 4 inches.

There are typically three holes but these faucets are versatile enough to be installed in a sink with one hole.

In these types of faucets, you will find that both the knobs as well as spout reside in one deck plate. This aspect makes them rather compact and space-saving.

Further, you should check their pros and cons for better understanding.

Pros

Cons

Insights on Widespread Faucets – With Pros and Cons

With a widespread faucet, you will typically find a distance of 8 inches between the holes. Or you can also find a distance of 16 inches. Here, the handles and the spouts are installed separately.

Therefore, they will require all three holes to be mounted and cannot be fitted in a single-hole sink. This aspect makes it quite convenient for larger sinks.

Here, we will get into their pros and cons for an overview.

Pros

Cons

Which One to Choose Among Centerset and Widespread Faucets?

Now that we have looked thoroughly into what a centerset and a widespread faucet are, it is time to choose.

For that, we will have to compare all the factors regarding them – and for your convenience, the comparison is provided here.

Method of Installation

When it comes to installation, centerset faucets win the deal. Since all the handles and spouts are in a single deck plate, it only takes about 45 minutes to install them – you can do it too.

On the other hand, widespread faucets require a professional plumber for installation. Since there are three holes that they will be mounted on, it can get quite tricky.

Design

You can have your own preferences in terms of the design. But, centerset faucets are suited for sinks that are small in size and vice versa.

Moreover, due to their design, their spray reach is lower than that of widespread faucets.

As a result, widespread faucets are preferred when it comes to larger sinks and commercial uses. This is also a matter of concern when choosing between single-hole and widespread faucets.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Surprisingly, widespread faucets are easier to clean and maintain. Due to the wide distance between the mountings, it is really easy to clean up the dirt from time to time.

Similarly, due to the one-deck plate design of centerset faucets, it is rather difficult to clean them.

Space Allocated

If you need some counter space to store your essentials, then going for centerset faucets would be the wisest decision for you. Since there is only a distance of 4 inches between the holes, a lot of space is left behind.

However, widespread faucets will take up all your counter space – so you will need to store your essentials somewhere else.

The Appearance of the Faucet

The appearance is also important when it comes to choosing the faucet. In general, centerset faucets are really good-looking. However, they are not very suitable for lavish interiors.

On the other hand, widespread faucets may go with all types of interiors but they themselves don’t tend to be very aesthetically pleasing.

Ease of Repair

When it comes to repairing, centerset faucets are usually a piece of cake. In most cases, you will be able to repair it all by yourself, depending on the extent of the problem.

But widespread faucets tend to be more durable – which means, they are less likely to need repair in the long run. However, if they do, then you will have to get it done by a plumber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a centerset faucet?

You will need a centerset faucet if you want to save your counter space and provide a minimal touch to your sink. These are also convenient in terms of installation, and they really go well with round and compact sinks.

2. What is a centerset faucet?

A centerset faucet is a faucet that contains 4 inches between its mounting holes. Usually, the knobs and spouts are all in one deck plate, which is why it can be installed in a single-hole sink as well.

3. Can you replace a centerset faucet with a widespread faucet?

Yes, you can replace a centerset faucet with a widespread faucet if the sink contains 3 holes. Moreover, you will also have to modify the distance between the mounting holes to 8-16 inches.

4. Can a widespread faucet fit a centerset?

This is an unlikely scenario without any sort of modification. However, if there is the scope of modifying the space between the mounting holes, then a widespread can definitely fit a centerset.

5. What does a 4-inch centerset mean on the sink?

A 4-inch centerset means the sink contains mounting holes 4 inches apart. In this case, there are typically 3 holes in a sink.

Final Words

Among centerset vs widespread faucet, which one did you choose? Well, I had a hard time choosing as well – but really, it’s a matter of what you will be using the faucet for.

When I realized that I need a simple bathroom faucet, I chose centerset. Similarly, you can determine your purpose of getting one and choose as well.