It's best to check the specification sheets and calculate the best length spout. There is a helpful diagram on the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: About Kitchen Faucets

Thanks, rococogurl... I've already done that, and I feel that the best length spout would be one with a reach of at least 10 or 11 inches. However, most of the faucets out there are around 9" in spout reach. I'm going to assume that one would need to spend the extra $$ and get the longer reach for their Shaws... because to me, a 9" reach just seems too short. Am I wrong??

i used the rohl country bridge faucet model number A1459LM. you can check on their website for specs which give you the length. pic below of install.

It's more than just the length of the spout because, remember, the faucet is set back behind the sink. Usually that's 1-1/2" or so but may be more or less. The set back needs to be added in. (diagram on the link explains it quickly).

So the calculation is number of inches from the faucet spout center to the stem center point plus the set back.

Sink specs give you measurement from the center of the drain to the edge of the sink. Add the setback to the center of the faucet and you can see how the spout lines up.

Drains are 3" wide standard so there's leeway. When it's perfect, the faucet stem is aligned with the center of the drain and the spout empties into the center of the drain openinng. But it's forgiving.

Best to avoid having the water hit the edge of the drain, which could cause splashing.

babushka... thank you for your input and your photo. Your link says your faucet has a 9" reach. I can't tell from the front-angle of the photo, but I'm assuming (based on 18" depth of Shaws sinks) that your water does not hit the middle of the sink and rather, closer to the back wall. Am I correct? Have you found this to be awkward at all?

rococogurl... Yes, I completely understand that I need to add 1.5-2" to the length of spout because of apron sink set-up. That is precisely why I think I'll need an 11" reach to not only have the water hit center of sink bowl, but also to hit the center of the drain (which is offset). It's just that 11" faucets limits my choices and I want to make sure that a 9" would really be too short. Wish I could see arial shots of it to clarify.

I think I'm going to have to trek into the showroom. It's a haul for me and the salespeople there are not accommodating at all! They also don't have my sink on their floor.

it does not hit the back wall of sink, it is near the drain but not exactly in center. it works perfectly fine, am happy with it. if splashing it is due to hitting the sink grid. will check when i get home this evening and post an update

dragon -- in my 30" Shaws, the center of the drain is 9" to the outside edge/back of the sink. So if the Rohl spout projection is only 9" then when it's set, it sounds like you're right, especially if you're undermounting the sink.

Similar bridge faucets are also made by Waterworks in the Julia and Easton colls and I believe those spouts are longer. Samuel Heath makes a few gorgeous ones (English, lesser known, equal quality) which may work.

babushka... I didn't mean to imply that it would hit back wall of sink, but rather that it wouldn't be long enough to hit the center. I would greatly appreciate an update this evening. Thank you!!

rococogurl... that's exactly my thought. I will check out your other recommendations. Thank you!!

ok, i am home. the water hits the sink floor behind the drain by 3/4". i do not have splashing and was not even aware it was not hitting right until you asked me to look! call the rohl rep - am pretty sure you can special order different length necks. just be careful about scale - if you go too long it could end up looking funny. based on diagram and my set up i would be better off with 11", 10" cutting it too close. i wish you hadn't asked - i was in blissful denial, now i need to decide what to do! :)

Babushka... first off, THANK YOU for updating!! Second, I do not think there is a "right" way, which is why it became such a difficult decision for me. I've read about deep sinks and high faucets causing lots of splashing, in which case having the spout centered directly over the drain would alleviate the problem. What was bothering me was how a shorter neck reach would look on a 30"x18" sink from all angles, especially the side, and whether not having the water flow closer to you would make it inconvenient to wash dishes, etc. On top of this, I wasn't sure if this would be a moot point if I would have a pullout or sidesprayer.

Your sink looks perfect and I love the bridge faucet! If it works happily for you w/o any inconvenience or splashing, I'd keep it the way it is! Thanks again! You've been super helpful!

Also, FYI... I did finally call Rohl and as soon as I mentioned Shaws sink and faucet, he told me they recommend an 11" in order for spout to reach drain.

thanks dragonfly! i am going to study mine more now that i know this to see if i need to make an adjustment. i am irritated as asked the same questions at the showroom and they recommended the 9"! seems to be working but if the 11" is better wonder if i should investigate....will percolate.