Shower faucets and go-withs

We are re-doing our bathroom and need to select all the shower fixtures (style-wise we’re looking for something traditional/transitional). We’re hoping to include a multi-spray shower head, 2 body sprays, a hand shower on slide, and of course the controls. My contractor sent me to Simon’s Hardware, but they’re too high-end for us. I went to KGB Kitchen and Bath on Atlantic Ave and they’re more in line with our budget. They’ve got Kohler, Delta, Moen, Grohe, Rohl, Newport Brass, etc. Here’s a link to the products they carry: http://www.kbgbrooklyn.com/products. Are the different brands in the same general price range the same quality? Is the shower control most important and where to spend extra money? Does anyone have any helpful info to aid in us making a decision? Thanks, as always.

Guest User | 10 years and 4 months ago

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nyc_sport | 10 years and 4 months ago

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The brands you mentioned vary significantly in pricing. Rohl is more expensive, Newport Brass a few notches down, etc. Most faucet makers do not manufacture the cartridge and there will not be a lot of difference in utility among similarly priced models. But there is a difference in the construction that you can feel when you grab the lever of a well-built faucet. Whether that is worth a few hundred (or several hundred) more dollars is up to you. In my view, if you are looking for the traditional route, Grohe does not really fit that bill. Newport Brass is a good choice, though on the more expensive side of the brands you mention. And, these items often are significantly cheaper at places like qualitybath.com

mruby36 | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Quick agree with the above, a separate temp valve from the volume will save you the additional cost of the install in the first year. Grohe has a great valve for this I installed recently and the components felt pretty substantial and good quality. Its called a “central thermostatic mixer” http://www.grohe.com/us/6397/bathroom/bathroom-faucets/seabury/product-details/?product=19612-G095&color=000&material=19612000\. Can be bought at any plumbing supply house. I wouldn’t go to the “designer” places because you just pay more for the showroom. Take the spec sheet of what you want off the website and find one of those dirty plumbing supply places where everyone is rude and you’ll save a fortune. Hope that helps! Matt R www.nyc-hs.com

bobjohn | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Some shower heads have paraphin thermostat temperature control. I would highly recommend the feature. I got Grohe which look like you would find in Japanese onsens and very happy with them.

daveinbedstuy | 10 years and 4 months ago

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I think the valves are all about the same quality for all the name brands. Where they become much more expensive is in the finish like triple plated chrome or nickel, etc. Like cmu said, lots of water but you would have controls to turn thedifferent “points” on and off. they don’t all come on at once. I used restoration Hardware in the master bath and Pottery Barn in the second ones given that I liked the designs.

cmu | 10 years and 4 months ago

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Multi head showers are great in that b&b you rented, not so much when you discover how much water they use and maybe you have to re-plumb with larger pipes. But you probably know this. Personally I like old-fashioned hot/cold controls but they’re not to code anymore. Make sure there’s a volume control, even some high-end controls are like the hotel ones which simple control the temp., not the volume.