A Tallmadge Homeowner's Guide to Remodel Fixtures and Materials

Kitchen sinks: how they mount and why it matters

The mounting style affects your countertop choice, how easy the sink is to clean and what the plumber needs to do.

• Drop-in (top-mount): the rim rests on the counter. Works with any countertop, including laminate, and is the easiest to replace later.
• Undermount: attached beneath a stone or solid-surface counter, so crumbs wipe straight in. Needs a waterproof countertop and careful support.
• Farmhouse or apron-front: the front of the sink is exposed. Heavy, so it needs a cabinet built to carry it.
• Single vs. double bowl: a single large bowl fits big pans; a double lets you soak and rinse separately.

Shower valves and controls

The valve inside the wall is the most important part of a shower and the hardest to change later. A pressure-balancing valve keeps the temperature steady when someone flushes a toilet or starts the dishwasher, by adjusting the mix of hot and cold. A thermostatic valve goes further, letting you set an exact temperature and control volume separately. Thermostatic valves cost more but suit showers with several outlets.

Also decide on extras before the wall is closed: a handheld shower, a rain head, body sprays or a diverter for a tub spout. Each needs its own outlet roughed into the wall.

Toilets and vanity sinks

Toilets differ in height, bowl shape and flushing method. Comfort-height models are easier for many adults, elongated bowls are more comfortable but take more room, and one-piece designs are simpler to clean. Wall-hung toilets save floor space but need an in-wall carrier installed during the remodel.

For the vanity, options include undermount, vessel, integrated and pedestal sinks. Vessel sinks sit on top of the counter and need a taller faucet or a wall-mounted spout; integrated sinks are molded into the countertop for a seamless look.

Faucet finishes

Polished chrome is durable and easy to match, but it shows water spots. Brushed nickel and stainless finishes hide spots and fingerprints better. Matte black is popular and forgiving of spots, though it can show mineral residue in hard water. Brass and gold tones vary a lot by manufacturer, so look for a durable coating. Whatever you choose, keep finishes consistent within a room. Our Tallmadge faucet installation page covers the kitchen and bath faucets we install.

The pipe behind the walls

For water supply, PEX tubing is flexible, quick to install and less likely to burst if it freezes. Copper is long-lasting and handles exposed runs well. Both are good choices, and we often use them together. For drains, PVC is the standard for new work, with transition couplings where it meets existing cast iron.

If your remodel includes a gas range or cooktop, a correctly sized gas line is part of the plan. Learn more about our gas cooktop installation in Tallmadge.

Putting the plan together

At your free estimate, we can talk through these options in your actual space and flag any that need special rough-in. You approve the final specifications before work begins, and the finished job gets a quality inspection with every fixture tested. For more about our full service, see the Stark County bath and kitchen remodeling page.