Know before you choose.
Practical guides to fit, compatibility and finish, written to help you specify a kitchen or bath with confidence.
Kitchen guides
Kitchen faucet types, explained
Bridge, pull-down, single-handle and commercial-style faucets compared, and how to choose by sink, counter and the way you cook.
Farmhouse, undermount or workstation? Choosing a kitchen sink
How farmhouse, undermount and workstation sinks differ in installation, cabinet size, materials and daily use.
Faucet finishes: how each one looks and wears
Unlacquered brass, brushed brass, chrome, nickel, matte black and bronze compared for looks, water spots and daily care.
Measuring for a new faucet, sink or pot filler
The measurements and connections to check before ordering kitchen fixtures, so everything fits on installation day.
Bath guides
Shower valves and trim: what has to match
Pressure-balance versus thermostatic valves, rough-in valves and trim kits, and why the valve and trim have to be compatible.
Choosing a bathroom sink and the faucet that fits it
Undermount, vessel, console and integrated sinks compared, with the faucet mounting each one needs.
Shower system layouts: rain heads, handshowers and body sprays
Common shower layouts compared, from a single head to a rain head with a handshower, and what each needs behind the wall.
Caring for bathroom fixture finishes
How to keep brass, chrome, nickel and matte black fixtures looking right in a humid bathroom.