Need help picking Kohler shower, handle, bath spout trim set!

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I’ve had a difficult time picking a Kohler Shower head, handle, and tub spout. They have a lot of designs which I can find a problem with each.

(a) Refinia - I like the design overall, however I can’t find it in a show room to double check. I’ve been told its “builder grade”. I worry that the spout is too long and I wonder how well the diverter works

(b) Alteo - I like the design overall, however I was told it was “builder grade” and I saw the spout in-person and I didn’t think it was easy to use. Also if I move the diverter to the handle, the spout becomes longer and I have not found an example of the alternative spout to verify

(c) I love the composed shower head and handle. They seem classic and well done. I do not however like the spout as its too modern and too long.

I am considering the toobi spout as a replacement for the composed one. Although I don’t like the modern spouts, I am warming up slightly to it. I saw it in person and its not too long.

(d) I am still looking at bancroft as a “settle” as its not exactly me, but its a set that could work… and its not builder grade

——

I can’t believe how tough this is! Very frustrating to me.

Featured Answer

armchairshopper

8 years ago

Don’t let those condescending pretentious sales people up-sell you into over investing. Builder grade in Koehler products is just fine. Pick what you like and what fits your budget. They are all beautiful, each in their own special way.

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Comments (9)

User
8 years ago
No matter how many times you post the same dilemma, the answer is still the same. You need to buy the transfer valves and thermostatic control valves first. That limits the trim options up front. What you are describing will not do what you want it to do.
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Ryan Pulliam
Original Author
8 years ago
Sophie... a no point have I ever had any issue figuring out valves. For some reason you are obsessed with pointing out valves to me. Of course we would get the right valve. It is obvious.
Ryan Pulliam
Original Author
8 years ago
ArmChairShopper I ended up going with Bancroft.

While I liked the Alteo
(a) the diverter on the spout didn’t seem easy to use
(b) It didn’t seem as high quality as the Bancroft

While I liked the Refinia
(a) I wouldn’t purchase it without seeing it in person
(b) The diverter is non-traditional so I assume it might suffer from same issue as the Alteo
(c) It didn’t seem as high quality as the Bancroft

While I liked the Composed
(a) The spout was way too long… and not a spout I liked (and they didn’t have a more traditional alternative I could see and verify)

After seeing the Bancroft in person I found
(a) it’s high quality
(b) it looks great in chrome
(c) its a safe bet; very classic/traditional
(d) I can go with 1 set rather than mix/match
palimpsest
8 years ago
Look at the various pricing on the actual Kohler website. That will be some indication of various quality of different lines.

I like their commercial Taboret. If you don't want volume control, which your choices do not have either.
Molly D. Zone4B
8 years ago
Good choice! I love mine. FYI -If you need Hardware, some Houzzers recommended that RH Grafton series goes well with Bancroft and that’s what I did. Good luck!
armchairshopper
8 years ago
Koehler makes matching towel bars and tissue holders for Bancroft.
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
8 years ago
I like the Kohler Purist line. It leans modern, but you can make it less so if you go for the cross-handle knobs instead of the levers. I also recently specified the Kohler Loure line; very modern and sleek. I like them both.
Ryan Pulliam
Original Author
8 years ago
Sabrina Alfin Interiors while I don't mind the purist (and it looks better in person) I wasn't sold on the non-traditional spout. I definitely am not a fan of the boxy and wide look of the Loure; it's just not me.... BUT thank you for the suggestions.

After much agony I went with the safe bet; which is the Bancroft. I had considered the composed showerhead and handle as I thought they were great, but wasn't sold on using another spout.