try overstock.com or bob's faucets n' things.

Kohler has a decent looking three handled set in their coralels line. It was about the best option I could find when I was looking--maybe someone else knows something nicer.

Here is a link that might be useful: coralels lever handles

>Unless you are changing the valve set up in the wall: that brass thing that the hot and cold waterlines run into and the shower supply line runs up from--unfortunately you may be stuck with the three ugly knob thing.

Now I'm confused. I thought the OP said the problem was that the tile was already cut for three handles? If so, you can change the valve from the back, if you have access to it that way. If not, you're in for a surround retile anyway, so you might as well get whatever your first choice would have been.

If you're changing the valve, you'll either get a pressure balanced or thermostatic valve, because that's what they sell nowadays. It prevents scalding. If you get a thermostatic control, one of the holes in the tile can be used for the thermostatic control. The second can be used for the volume control, and the third for the tub/shower diverter.

>Unless you are changing the valve set up in the wall: that brass thing that the hot and cold waterlines run into and the shower supply line runs up from--unfortunately you may be stuck with the three ugly knob thing.

To clarify - we can change everything behind the wall. The reason I thought I had to go with a 3 handled faucet is because we have three existing holes cut in the existing tile and no spare tile with which to patch/change the configuration.

But suero has an interesting proposal! Do you have suggestions of faucets that have these components? Or a suggestion for what to search for to find them?

writersblock, the Kohler faucet looks pretty good. Non-offensive, at least! And I'd get to pick out a showerhead that I like, which I like. I'll keep that one in mind!

They also make chrome plates so that you can change from a three handled system to a single central diverter and cover up the other holes. Kind of like the plate that comes with your single hole kitchen sink faucet to cover the two side holes, only bigger. It may be an esthetic compromise, but it would give you the convenience of a single control diverter.

This is just an example

Here is a link that might be useful: Shower renovation cover plate.

Personally, I looked at those cover plates, and they are absolutely ginormous. Be sure to see one in person if you're considering that route. To me, they just shout "big old compromise renovation cheap work here!" The idea is very, very appealing, but the plates aren't.

I tend to agree that they are a compromise and can Look like one, but if you can't redo the tile, you may not have many options, unless you wanted to cut out a section of tile and replace it with something different that looks "intentional".

My tile was mortar on wire mesh, so it was either a full gut or nothing. I looked at these because I was tired of having to jump in and out of the water during 'peak hours' because the water went from freezing to scalding in a few seconds. (Apartment condo).It was a moot point because the valve was partially embedded in the mortar so even though I had back access I couldnt get it out. I lived with what I had until I could gut.

But the OP said they can go in the back to replace the valve. It shouldn't be too hard to find one that fits the existing holes closely enough.

Sure, but many of the three valve ones do not have thermostatic control/anti scald valving, while most of the single -holed ones do. Its probably getting better but I couldn't find a three holed one that fit and had anti scald when I was looking. Whether I could get it out or not wasn't the issue. Plugging the holes was.

Oh, yeah, I get you now. Yes, if you want antiscald or it's required by your local code, you're likely to have trouble with the three holed valves.