Thursday, August 10, 2017

Freestanding Tubs with Deck Mount Faucets

Save Money with a Deck Mount Tub




Love the look of a freestanding tub but afraid it will push your renovation budget over the edge? While the price of freestanding tubs has come down in recent years, it's the hardware that can put you over the top. The price of a floor-standing tub filler can easily run upwards of $300. An easy hack to save some money? Finding a freestanding tub that can use a deck mounted tub filler. Here are some options.


Sax 5 ft. Freestanding Reversible Drain Bathtub in White by Maax  
The tub pictured in the photo above was installed in a shower - the perfect application when you're short on space but want to incorporate a freestanding tub and shower into your bathroom. A deck mounting the tub filler frees up much needed floorspace. Because this tub has a wide rim, your installer can drill holes to install the tub filler directly on the rim just like in the photo above.

You can order this Sax 5ft acrylic tub on Amazon here.


Woodbridge 67" Acrylic Freestanding Tub


Woodbridge 67" B-0002 Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub Contemporary Soaking Tub
This contemporary freestanding tub by Woodbridge is another great option when you're looking for an affordable acrylic tub AND want the ability to deck mount your faucet hardware. With a 31/4" lip there is adequate space for holes to be drilled for this application - once again, saving you money on your remodel or new bath.

Read the customer reviews as well as Questions and Answers on this product listing on Amazon here.


Ariel AM128JDCLZ Bath Whirlpool Tub


Ariel AM128JDCLZ Bath Whirlpool Tub, Rounded Front
If you're looking for a jets and whirlpool - take a look at this model by Ariel. This jetted tub includes 14 jets and chromotherapy lighting effects as well as hardware integrated into the deck. Just make sure you have an outlet nearby as this tub does require electricity to operate its multiple features. Also, the back side has a visible access panel and is flat, not rounded - so you'll want to make sure this one backs up to a wall, and a shower installation is probably not feasible with the electrical requirements.

Read reviews and questions about the Ariel Whirlpool tub on Amazon here.

Have other ways to save money on a bathroom remodel? Share them with us on our Facebook Page!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Considering the Kohler Brockway Sink? Read these Tips First

Kohler Brockway: Modern Industrial Style for Your Bath



Have you fallen in love with the Kohler Brockway sink? It's a great look, with very few imitations. While I usually try to find my readers an alternative solution to find the look they love for less, when it comes to finding the perfect trough sink for your home, the Kohler Brockway is hands-down the best option out there.

However, there are lots of questions that come up when it comes to installing a Brockway sink, so read on for my answers about faucets, plumbing, painting and more.

Faucets for Kohler Brockway Sink

The biggest complaints I see from shoppers who purchase the Kohler Brockway sink is that they have trouble finding faucets to go with it. Because this sink was intended as an industrial washbasin Kohler's faucet option, the Cannock Wash Sink faucet has a more industrial look with a rough finish. You might not like this - especially if you're using your sink in a children's bath. For a more refined  faucet option for your residential trough sink, many homeowners and builders opt for faucets from Chicago Faucets like this chrome option available on Amazon:




P-Traps for Kohler Brockway

Chrome P-Traps

Kohler Chrome P-Trap

One thing to note about your Kohler Brockway sink - with no cabinet, all of your plumbing will be exposed. That means P-Traps will be visible beneath the sink. For this reason, pick a high-quality chrome option as these will be visible in your bathroom. You don't want ugly PVC pipes ruining the look. Here's one by Kohler you can order with your sink.

Painting Your Kohler Brockway Sink

One of the most common questions people have about the Brockway sink is "How do you paint it?" Luckily, you have a few options. Most buyers simply paint with an oil-based paint in the color of their choosing (just be careful, this can get messy!). You can use a semi-gloss or flat finish depending on the look you're going for. For those who are perfectionists and want a perfect finish, powder coating is an option and can be done at your local auto body shop. However you do it, that perfect pop of color from the bottom of your trough sink is sure to brighten the room.



Leaving the Brockway in its original black finish creates a striking, industrial modern statement which looks great paired with rustic elements like this rough wood timber shelf. Here's one you can buy online from Etsy.

Where to Install a Kohler Brockway Sink

My favorite use for this popular trough sink is in a kids bathroom. Here's why I think the Kohler Brockway is perfect for use in a children's bathroom - especially a shared one.

  • A wall-mounted trough sink is perfect for tucking away those step stools that would otherwise clutter up your bathroom.
  • The Brockway 2-faucet style fits into smaller bathrooms when you're kids share a bedtime but don't want to share sinks.
  • There's even a 3-faucet style for larger families.
  • No wooden cabinet for your kids to drop water and toothpaste all over and completely ruin faster than you can say "Remodel".
  • No counter top to wipe up toothpaste blobs from...ever!


Love the red barn lighting pictured above? Here's an affordable option from Amazon.





We found the lowest price for the 3-faucet Kohler Brockway sink on Amazon. Click here to shop and read the customer review.

You can wall-mount a shelf underneath your Brockway sink for extra storage, like in the photo above. This is a great place to store rolled up towels, extra toilet paper and more. Pick teak or eucalyptus for a wood that won't warp or decay in the damp environment of your bath. Just make sure you install after you're P-traps and in so you don't mount it too high up.

Inexpensive schoolhouse pendant lights are also easy to find on Amazon.

Where to Get the Lowest Prices on Kohler

And lastly, if you're just wondering where to get the best price on Kohler sinks, faucets...and really all Kohler products check out the Kohler store on Amazon. This is where Kohler sells directly to consumers and I've found the prices are always lower here. So before you buy, compare your quotes to the prices on Amazon and check out the customer reviews and the Questions and Answers from Kohler on the product pages on Amazon. They tend to be very helpful!

Did you install a Kohler Brockway sink in your bath? If so, let us know how it turned out in the comments section!