The Benefits of Brass Bathroom Fixtures

No bathroom remodel is complete without overhauling the faucets and fixtures, but which material should you use for yours?

For years, brass bathroom fixtures have been one of the industry’s standard materials for various reasons, including their durability and versatility. Brass faucets, accessories, and other bathroom parts are known for lasting for years – much longer than some of the different materials used. For that reason, brass is worth its sometimes more expensive price tag.

When choosing brass fixtures, those with solid brass construction are much higher quality than fixtures with brass plating or a brass finish.

You can usually distinguish between the two because solid brass is much heavier. If you aren’t sure if the fixtures you want to use are solid brass, it’s a good idea to ask a professional plumber or contractor, who will likely be able to tell the difference. If you’re deciding whether to use brass fixtures in your newly upgraded bathroom, take a look at these benefits the material offers:

Durability

It’s worth repeating: Solid brass is known for its durability. Fixtures from the material will last decades and withstand much wear and tear when those bathroom faucets and other parts are put through. In fact, brass fixtures almost always stand up to hot water damage and other corrosive environmental factors better than any other material, including plastic and steel. Plus, its sturdiness makes it hard to damage through daily use.

Versatility

Because brass is so often used in bathrooms, it’s simple to find almost any plumbing part or fixture made of the material, making replacing bathroom parts easy. Plus, solid brass fixtures can be found in several different finishes, making them perfect for any style of bathroom, from vintage to modern. Take a look at some of the most common finishes:

• Chrome: Chrome is the shiny silver finish often found in contemporary or mid-century bathrooms. It’s one of the most common faucet finishes and fits in with various bathroom styles. For instance, a chrome faucet may look great on a white vessel sink in a more modern space.
• Bronze: Bronze and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures are darker, distinguishing them from other finishes. Oil-rubbed bronze bathroom faucets have a cool visual texture reminiscent of older styles, making them perfect for a vintage-style clawfoot tub or sink.
• Brass: Polished brass finishes aren’t used as often as chrome but look great in vintage and modern bathrooms.
• Nickel: Nickel and brushed nickel finishes are warmer in tone and a little darker in color than chrome and brass finishes. Nickel is often more expensive than others, but it’s also durable, elegant, and perfect for a spa-style master bathroom.

Ease of use

Solid brass plumbing fittings and bathroom fixtures are also known for being easily bent and shaped. This means that despite a higher upfront cost, bathroom installations and maintenance will likely cost a little less because the material is so simple to work with.

Added value to your home

Because of its durability compared with other materials, brass bathroom fixtures will add value to your home – especially if you choose the material over cheap steel, zinc, or plastic versions. In fact, antique brass bathroom faucets are commonly used in vintage bathrooms because it’s easy to find them in excellent condition.

Remember that brass bathroom features aren’t limited to your faucet, plumbing, and bathroom parts. Look for bathroom accessories like toilet paper holders or towel racks in the same durable material that will last years!