Delta Nicoli Brushed Gold Faucet 3 Hole, 8 Inch Widespread B
✅ PROS
- Brushed gold finish is applied via PVD (physical vapor deposition) — it resists spotting and won't flake like cheaper painted finishes
- Widespread 8-inch design with solid brass construction gives a substantial, premium feel without the premium price tag
- Diamond Seal ceramic disc cartridges carry a limited lifetime warranty — no washers to replace, ever
❌ CONS
- You'll need to purchase the pop-up drain assembly separately — Delta doesn't include one in the box
- 8-inch spread requires exact hole spacing; if your existing sink has 6-inch or 4-inch centers, this won't fit without drilling new holes
The Verdict
Let’s cut through the catalog copy. The Delta Nicoli in brushed gold is getting a lot of attention, and with 229 ratings averaging 4.6 stars, it’s not just hype. But before you click “add to cart,” you need to know what you’re actually getting — and what you’re not.
What’s Actually in the Box
Delta ships the Nicoli as a three-piece widespread set: two lever handles and a central spout. You get the supply lines (standard 3/8-inch compression fittings) and mounting hardware. What you don’t get is a pop-up drain assembly — that’s a separate purchase, typically $20–40 depending on finish matching. Factor that into your total cost.
The faucet measures 8 inches between the handle centers, which is the standard widespread dimension for U.S. bathroom sinks. The spout reaches 5.5 inches forward and stands about 6.5 inches tall — enough clearance for washing hands without splashing your backsplash.
Build Quality and the Finish Question
Here’s where the Nicoli earns its keep. The brushed gold isn’t a spray-on coating; it’s applied via PVD (physical vapor deposition). That matters. PVD bonds at the molecular level, which means it won’t chip, peel, or fade the way cheaper electroplated finishes do. One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “I was nervous about gold looking cheap, but this has a soft, warm tone that looks expensive. Six months in, zero water spots or tarnish.”
The body is solid brass — not zinc alloy, not plastic. Pick it up and you’ll feel the heft. The lever handles operate with a smooth, damped action, and the ceramic disc cartridges are the same internals Delta uses in faucets twice this price.
Real-World Performance
The Nicoli delivers 1.2 gallons per minute, which meets WaterSense standards without feeling weak. The aerator produces a consistent, non-splashing stream — useful when your sink basin is on the shallower side.
Installation is straightforward if you’ve done a faucet before. The three-piece design means you can set each component independently, which is actually easier than wrestling a one-piece unit into place. The supply lines are pre-attached, saving you a trip under the sink with a wrench. One buyer noted: “Took me about 45 minutes including the drain I bought separately. The instructions were clear, and the mounting nuts are brass, not plastic.”
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the downsides.
The drain situation is annoying. At this price point, Delta should include a matching pop-up drain. Instead, you’re hunting for a brushed gold drain that matches — and if you buy a cheap one, the finish won’t match, and it’ll stand out like a sore thumb.
The 8-inch spread is non-negotiable. If your vanity has a 4-inch centerset faucet or a single-hole configuration, this won’t work. You’ll need to drill new holes in your countertop or granite, which is a job for a pro. Measure your sink before ordering.
Gold is polarizing. Brushed gold has a warm, almost champagne undertone. If your fixtures are polished brass or antique bronze, this won’t match. It’s specifically designed to complement warm neutrals, white marble, and dark wood vanities.
Who Should Buy This
The Nicoli is perfect for three specific buyers:
- The renovator doing a full bathroom remodel in a warm-neutral palette — white shaker cabinets, marble tile, brushed gold accessories.
- The upgrade seeker who wants a premium look without paying $400+ for a designer brand. This delivers 90% of the aesthetic at half the price.
- The practical homeowner who values a lifetime warranty. Delta’s Diamond Seal technology means you’ll never replace a washer, and the limited lifetime warranty covers parts and finish.
Skip it if you need a centerset faucet, if your sink has non-standard hole spacing, or if you’re working with a cool-toned palette (chrome, nickel, or matte black fixtures).
FAQ
Q: Does this faucet fit a standard 3-hole sink? A: Yes, but the holes must be 8 inches apart (center-to-center). Standard U.S. widespread faucets use 8-inch spacing. If your sink has 6-inch or 4-inch spacing, it won’t fit.
Q: Is the brushed gold finish durable? A: Yes. The PVD finish is the same technology used in luxury hotel fixtures. It resists corrosion, scratching, and fading. Multiple reviewers report no wear after 6+ months of daily use.
Q: Do I need to buy anything else? A: Yes — a pop-up drain assembly (about $25–35 for a matching brushed gold unit) and possibly a drain flange wrench if you don’t have one. The faucet itself includes supply lines and mounting hardware.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a high-end look that will actually hold up, you have an 8-inch widespread sink, and you’re willing to buy the drain separately.
Skip it if you need a budget all-in-one kit, have non-standard hole spacing, or prefer a cooler metallic finish.
The Delta Nicoli earns its 4.6-star rating through honest craftsmanship: solid brass, PVD finish, and a lifetime warranty. The missing drain and strict spacing requirements are real friction points, but they don’t undermine what is genuinely one of the best-value widespread faucets in the brushed gold category right now.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a premium-feeling faucet at a mid-range price, held back only by the separate drain purchase and precise installation requirements.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.