Wide-Set vs. Centerset Faucets: Which Is Better?
Far apart or close together, find the faucet that will get the job done
Highlights
Wide-set and centerset faucets are named for the distance between their handles.
Both have two handles and a spout, but they’re best for different types of sinks.
Wide-set, or widespread, faucets have three separate parts: two handles and a spout.
Centerset faucets have two handles and a spout on one solid base.
Choose widespread faucets for big sinks and centerset faucets for smaller sinks.
Want a new faucet that bridges the gap between form and function? Wide-set and centerset faucets tap into your bathroom’s design potential, and they come in a range of styles to update the way you use your sink. They are different, though, with their own features, benefits, and drawbacks. Here, we’ll delve into these differences, pros and cons, and which might be best for your bathroom or kitchen.
Widespread Faucets vs. Centerset Faucets: Key Differences
Bathroom faucets all function in the same basic way—a handle or two turns on the water and adjusts the temperature while a spout delivers the water. The biggest difference between a widespread faucet and a centerset faucet is how far apart those handles and spigot are and whether they consist of three separate pieces or one solid unit. So, when you’re buying a new faucet, you really need to decide on the form behind the function.
What Is a Widespread Faucet?
Wide-set faucets have three separate parts—a spout and two handles. The three pieces feature wide spacing between the handles and the spout. Most have a range of 8 to 16 inches between the center of the handle holes, giving you or your installer more flexibility when placing the parts. Widespread faucets work well on larger sinks or countertops where they can take up more space and create a visual accent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Three separate pieces allow for custom spacing | More complicated installation |
| Various styles, designs, and finishes | Takes up more space than centerset faucets |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Higher cost |
| Fits larger sinks and countertops |
Best for:
Large sinks or wide countertops
Kitchens and bathrooms where the homeowner wants a customizable or visually striking fixture
Individuals who want more versatile fixtures to fit a certain design or provide a custom look
Pros of Widespread Faucets
If you’ve got room to spare on your sink or countertop and want greater flexibility and more style and design options, a wide-set faucet might be your best choice. While most installations place the handles between 8 and 16 inches apart, your imagination is the only limit when it comes to spacing and configuration. The separate parts and wider spacing also make it easier to keep the fixture clean.
Wide-set faucets come in a greater range of designs, styles, colors, and faucet finishes. They can fit on corner sinks and sinks that need side spouts, and you can install them as wall-mount faucets or bathtub faucets. So, whether your bathroom is modern, traditional, or has a custom-to-you decorating scheme, you will find a faucet to match.
Cons of Wide-Set Faucets
The three separate parts make the installation more complex than centerset faucets, so they’re not a good option for DIY or inexperienced installers. Call an experienced faucet installer to ensure your new wide-set faucet looks fabulous in your bathroom.
The three separate parts and wider design also mean they take up more space than other faucets, so they won’t be the best choice if you have a small sink or countertop.
What Is a Centerset Faucet?
Centerset faucets, sometimes called mini-widespread faucets, are single units with a connected spout and two handles. Their compact size, with the handles spread 4 inches apart, makes them a good fit for a compact sink or small countertop. They offer a minimalist look and are easy to install.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One single piece is easier to install | No customizable spacing |
| Smaller footprint for smaller sinks | Harder to clean |
| Look streamlined and simple | Can appear inexpensive or simple |
| Less expensive than wide-set faucets | Too small for large sinks and counters |
Best for:
Small sinks and countertops with limited space
Spaces that call for a more streamlined, compact faucet
DIYers who want a simple installation
Homeowners who prioritize functionality, easy cleaning, and maintenance above customization or high-end style
Pros of Centerset Faucets
Great things come in small packages, and that’s certainly true for centerset faucets. These compact fixtures have a small footprint, so they’re a smart choice to accompany small sinks in smaller bathrooms. They’re also one piece, so installation is much easier than with widespread faucets. If you’re installing your new faucet yourself, consider a centerset faucet.
And the price is right. Their size and popularity mean many manufacturers make them, so you can find good centerset faucets at various prices to fit almost any budget.
Cons of Centerset Faucets
Centerset faucets are popular for many reasons, but they do have some drawbacks. The biggest is their limited customization. These faucets come as one single piece, so what you see is what you get, and there’s no flexibility when it comes to installation.
You may also find your options are more limited than with other types of faucets, like wide-set and wall-mount faucets, which come in a larger range of styles and designs.
Cleaning can also be a tight squeeze. With their compact design and single-mounted handles and spouts, getting into the spaces for cleaning and maintenance is harder than with wider faucets.
Widespread vs. Centerset Faucets: Which Is Right for You?
The best way to choose a faucet is by comparing your options against your needs. Here’s how widespread faucets and centerset faucets rise to the challenge.
Sink Size: Tie
Not all bathroom faucets are the same size, and your sink size determines which type is best for you. If you have a small sink or countertop, choose a centerset faucet for its compact size. Choose a wide-set faucet for customizable spacing for larger countertops or sinks that have the necessary space and need the visual impact of a widespread faucet.
Customization: Wide-Set Faucets
Centerset faucets are a single piece, so customization is out. With wide-set faucets, however, you’ve got lots of options. Their separate parts mean you can install them on a wide range of sinks and countertops and change the configuration any way you’d like. There are a few limitations if you want to use them as wall-mount faucets or use a single- instead of a double-handle faucet.
Installation: Centerset Faucets
Centerset faucets are as plug-and-play as it gets for new fixtures. Since they’re one single piece, most are quick and easy to install, often without the need for a pro who replaces faucets. On the other hand, it’s more complicated to install wide-set faucets since they have three separate pieces. You’ll need a sink with pre-drilled holes, or you’ll need to decide how far apart to place the handles and spout and make new holes for the fixture.
Cost: Centerset Faucets
Although the cost to replace a bathroom faucet varies, wide-set faucets tend to be more expensive because of their separate components, design versatility, and customization options. On the other hand, centerset faucets feature a simpler design that makes them less expensive. They’re also easier to DIY and less expensive to install. However, hiring a local faucet installation pro near you is always a good investment if you need help.
Maintenance: Wide-Set Faucet
The bigger spacing between the handles and spout makes cleaning wide-set faucets a cinch, while centerset faucets can take more work to get totally clean because of their compact layout. If you want fixtures that are easier to clean and keep maintained, choose widespread faucets