Choosing an unlacquered brass kitchen faucet is one of the most significant design decisions in a kitchen renovation. Unlike chrome or brushed nickel — which look essentially the same regardless of quality — the character of an unlacquered brass faucet is shaped by the quality of the brass alloy, the precision of the handcrafting, and the proportions of the specific design. Getting this decision right matters.

This guide covers everything: the different faucet styles available, which installation configurations they require, how to choose the right size for your sink, what to expect from the patina, and the questions you should ask any supplier before purchasing. All our kitchen faucets are handcrafted from solid unlacquered brass by our artisans in Marrakech, Morocco, and ship worldwide with a lifetime structural warranty.

Step 1: Choose Your Faucet Style

Bridge Faucets — The Classic Choice

The bridge faucet is the most recognisable unlacquered brass kitchen faucet design. Two handles connect to a central bridge that supports the spout — a silhouette with over a century of kitchen design history. Bridge faucets require three pre-drilled holes in the countertop or sink, typically 8 inches (203mm) center-to-center. They suit farmhouse, traditional, country, and transitional kitchen styles. Our bridge faucet collection includes over 20 designs.

Gooseneck Faucets — The Versatile Single-Hole Option

High-arc gooseneck faucets offer generous spout clearance for large pots and deep farmhouse sinks. Single-hole installation suits kitchens where the countertop or sink has only one drilled hole. A clean, modern footprint that works across a wider range of kitchen styles than the bridge design.

Bridge Faucets with Sprayer — Function Meets Classic Form

For busy kitchens where the side sprayer is a genuine daily necessity — rinsing large pots, filling deep stock pots, cleaning the sink — our bridge faucets with matching unlacquered brass side sprayers deliver both the classic bridge aesthetic and practical spray functionality. Three-hole installation.

Step 2: Check Your Installation Configuration

Step 3: Verify Spout Height and Reach

The spout needs sufficient height to clear your sink basin when it contains a large pot, and sufficient reach to deliver water to the center of the basin. Check both dimensions against your specific sink before ordering. Our team in Marrakech is happy to advise on which faucet dimensions suit your particular sink configuration — contact us at contact@brassforhomes.com.

Step 4: Understand the Patina Commitment

An unlacquered brass kitchen faucet will develop a natural patina from the first week of use. This is not optional — it is how the material works, and it is the source of its long-term beauty. Before purchasing, make sure you understand and embrace this process. See our full patina timeline guide for a detailed month-by-month breakdown of what to expect.

Questions to Ask Any Supplier

• Is it solid brass or brass-plated? Brass-plated fixtures have a thin layer of brass over a zinc or steel base. They look the same on day one and significantly worse within three years.
• Is it truly unlacquered? Some suppliers sell “unlacquered” faucets that have a very light wax coating. This delays patina development and should be disclosed.
• What is the warranty? A solid brass faucet should carry a lifetime structural warranty. If a supplier only offers 1–2 years, the build quality may not match the price.
• Are plumbing adapters included? If ordering internationally (from the US to UK, or vice versa), confirm that the appropriate plumbing adapters are included. All our faucets include both US and UK adapters.