Be honest—have you ever turned on a faucet in your kitchen or bathroom and thought, “Hmm, I wonder how this thing is made?” Yeah, probably not. Most of us just twist the handle, get the water we need, and move on with our day. If it works, great—mission accomplished. But if you’re starting a kitchen or bath renovation, this is actually the perfect time to ask that question. Because when it comes to faucets, what’s happening inside matters just as much as how they look on the outside.
Here’s the thing: not all faucets are created equal—even if they look nearly identical on the shelf. That stylish faucet you saw at a big-box store might share the same style as one you’d find at a plumbing supply showroom, but inside, they’re built very differently.
Showroom-grade faucets usually pack some serious hardware: solid brass or stainless-steel bodies, ceramic disc cartridges, and sturdy internal parts that are built to last. Bonus—they’re often designed to be repaired if something goes wrong, which means you don’t have to toss the whole thing at the first drip.
On the other hand, big-box faucets are built to keep costs down. That often means more plastic parts, lighter metals, and simplified cartridges. They’ll work just fine for a while, but when something breaks, you’ll likely be replacing the entire faucet instead of swapping out a part.
And let’s not forget about finishes. Higher-end faucets often use PVD (physical vapor deposition) finishes, which hold up against scratches and tarnishing. Budget-friendly faucets may use sprayed-on finishes, which can look great at first but wear down quicker over time.
Now, that doesn’t mean box-store faucets are bad. In fact, they can be a great choice for a powder room or a quick refresh where the faucet won’t see heavy use. But for high-traffic spaces like your kitchen, spending more up front on a showroom-grade faucet can actually save you money in the long run—since you’ll get more durability, repair options, and a longer lifespan.
At the end of the day, it’s all about knowing what you’re buying. Understanding the construction helps you set realistic expectations so your faucet not only looks good but also keeps up with your lifestyle.
Contact us today or visit our Shrewsbury showroom to explore our curated faucet selection. Discover the design center difference with our quality products, professional support, and results you’ll enjoy for years to come.