By Brooke SterlingUpdated November 2026
A delta roman bathtub faucet is a good fit for people who want a classic, widespread tub filler with separate hot and cold handles and a traditional spout that sits on the tub deck. This review looks at the DELTA Faucet Lahara 2-Handle Widespread Roman Tub Faucet in Chrome, model T2738. It suits homeowners replacing an older Roman tub set, people upgrading a vintage-style bathroom, and anyone who wants a dependable chrome finish with familiar two-handle operation. It is less suitable for buyers who want a single-handle or thermostatic tub control, a wall-mounted spout, or a faucet they can install without a valve in place. Because it is a widespread design, the spout and handles are not fixed to a single plate, so you need to plan the layout before ordering.
DELTA Faucet Lahara 2-Handle Widespread Roman Tub Faucet, Chrome Tub Faucet, Roman Bathtub Faucet, Delta Roman Tub Faucet, Tub Filler, Chrome T2738
Product Overview
The Lahara T2738 is a two-handle widespread Roman tub faucet. In this design the spout, hot handle and cold handle are mounted separately on the tub deck or wall, and each component connects to the valve behind the wall through its own supply lines. Roman tub faucets are traditionally associated with freestanding and alcove tubs, and the spout on this model is set on a deck-mounted base that sits at the rim of the tub. Delta sells the T2738 in chrome, and the listing name confirms the chrome finish along with the Lahara collection name and the model number.
The faucet is aimed at replacement and remodel work. Owners who already have a Delta or compatible rough-in valve often choose it because it matches common Delta tub valve families and fits within the widespread layout many homes already use. It is not a complete plumbing system on its own. The valve body, shutoffs and any diverter or pressure-balancing components usually need to be installed or confirmed separately, and this is where most installation problems start.
Within Delta’s product line, the Lahara sits in the traditional and transitional range, meaning its styling leans toward curved handles and a rounded spout rather than sharp, modern lines. That makes it a reasonable match for many tubs, from classic cast-iron soaking tubs to newer alcove models with decorative tile surrounds.
Key Features & Specifications
The table below lists the characteristics that are confirmed by the product name and the widely published Delta specification for this model. Where a figure depends on your valve or install conditions, it is noted rather than guessed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand and collection | Delta Faucet, Lahara collection |
| Model number | T2738 |
| Style | 2-handle widespread Roman tub faucet (tub filler) |
| Finish | Chrome |
| Mounting | Widespread: spout and handles mount separately on the tub deck or wall |
| Handle operation | Separate hot and cold handles |
| Valve required | Yes; a compatible Delta rough-in or tub valve must be installed behind the wall |
| Intended use | Bathtub filler (tub spout and handles) |
| Installation type | Replacement or new construction with compatible valve |
Manufacturers typically specify the flow rate and maximum pressure for Delta tub fillers in their installation literature. Check the installation sheet packed with your unit for the exact gallons-per-minute rating and the rough-in measurements, because these details can vary by configuration and valve type.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Classic two-handle widespread look that suits traditional and transitional bathrooms.
- Chrome finish that is easy to match with other chrome bath hardware and shower trims.
- Recognized Delta brand, with replacement cartridges, stems and seals widely available for the family.
- Separate hot and cold handles give direct control for owners who prefer that layout.
- Widespread design leaves room on the tub deck for soap dishes and bottles, which owners often mention as a practical plus.
Cons
- Requires a compatible valve behind the wall; it is not a drop-in fit for every tub.
- Widespread layout needs careful measuring of the deck or wall spacing before purchase.
- Not a thermostatic or pressure-balanced control in the sense many newer tub sets are, so owners who want built-in temperature stability may look elsewhere.
- Installation is more involved than a single-handle tub faucet and is often better handled by a licensed plumber.
- Chrome can show water spots and fingerprints more readily than some brushed or matte finishes.
Performance Analysis
Performance on a widespread Roman tub faucet depends less on the spout itself and more on the valve, supply pressure and how well the rough-in was done. Owners of Delta tub fillers commonly report that the faucet operates smoothly when the valve and cartridges are matched to the trim, and that the hot and cold handles give a predictable mix once balanced. Reports of problems usually trace back to mismatched parts, undersized supply lines, or a valve that was never designed for a widespread trim.
Water pressure matters here. A tub filler is asked to deliver a large volume quickly, so a home with low static pressure may notice a slower fill. Many plumbers suggest checking that your supply pressure is in a reasonable range before blaming the faucet. If you have a tank-type water heater or long supply runs, the hot side can take a while to reach temperature, which owners sometimes read as a faucet issue when it is really a plumbing layout issue.
Leaks in tub faucets most often come from worn cartridges, stems or seals rather than from the chrome body itself. Because the Lahara is a two-handle design, each side has its own internal parts, and a drip on one handle is usually a localized problem. Keeping replacement parts on hand, and checking the packing or cartridge specification for your valve, makes maintenance far simpler over the life of the faucet.
Who Should Buy This Product?
This faucet is a strong choice for homeowners who already have a Roman tub setup or a compatible Delta tub valve and want a like-for-like replacement with a traditional look. It also makes sense for remodelers working on a vintage or period bathroom who want a classic chrome finish and a widespread layout that matches older tub decks.
You should probably skip it if you are starting from scratch with a bare wall and no valve, if you want a single-handle or thermostatic tub control, or if you are planning a wall-mounted spout with a concealed valve. In those cases a different Delta tub system, or a faucet designed around a newer valve, will save time and reduce the chance of a fitting mismatch.
Buying Guide
Before you order any delta roman bathtub faucet, measure the existing spout-to-handle spacing, confirm whether the valve behind the wall is a Delta-compatible model, and check the tub deck or wall thickness. Widespread trims are sensitive to these dimensions. If you are unsure, photograph the existing valve and trim and compare it with the rough-in specification in the manufacturer’s installation sheet. For guidance on sizing and fit for a related Delta family, see Delta Jacuzzi Tub Faucet: How to Choose, Install and Fix One and Delta Soaker Tub Faucet: How to Choose, Install and Repair One.
Also think about how you will maintain the faucet. Delta cartridges and stems are standard parts in many of its tub lines, so a repair kit you buy today may still fit a future repair. If you want to plan ahead, 8 Best Delta Bathtub Faucet Cartridge Picks for Repairs in 2026 and 9 Best Delta Bathtub Faucet Repair Kits for Common Leaks and Drips are useful references.
If the Lahara does not fit your layout or style, two well-known alternatives are worth comparing. The first is the Delta rough-in valve used by many Roman tub installations, which is a good companion if you are building the valve side from scratch:
DELTA Faucet Roman Tub Rough-In Valve for Delta 2-Handle Roman Tub Bath Faucets R2707
The second is a widespread Roman tub faucet with a high-flow valve and classic three-hole mounting, a practical option for buyers who want a chrome finish at a lower-profile price point and are comfortable checking the valve and trim compatibility carefully:
sumerainwith Valve, Brass, High Flow, 3 Holes, Classic Style 2 Handle Widespread Roman Tub Faucet, Chrome Finish
For more Delta-specific comparisons in the tub category, Delta Champagne Bronze Bathtub Faucet: 10 Best Picks for 2026 and 9 Best Delta Windemere Bathtub Faucets for Every Need (2026) cover other finishes and styles worth considering.
FAQ
Does a delta roman bathtub faucet need a special valve?
Yes. A widespread Roman tub faucet is designed to connect to a compatible tub valve behind the wall. Confirm the valve family before you buy, and check the installation sheet for the required rough-in.
Can I install a Roman tub faucet myself?
Some experienced DIYers do this work, but it involves shutoffs, supply lines and sealing the spout connection. If you are not comfortable working behind the wall, hire a licensed plumber. This is a plumbing job with potential for water damage if something goes wrong.
Is the Lahara T2738 a single-handle or two-handle faucet?
It is a two-handle widespread faucet, meaning separate hot and cold handles that mount apart from the spout.
What finish does the Lahara T2738 come in?
The model is listed in chrome, which matches most traditional chrome bath hardware.
Why does my tub fill slowly after installing a new faucet?
Slow fill is often caused by low supply pressure, undersized supply lines or a restricted valve, not the spout. Check your household pressure and confirm the valve is fully open before troubleshooting the faucet itself.
What is the most common problem with Roman tub faucets?
Owners most often report drips from worn cartridges or stems, and occasional spout leaks from loose or worn gaskets. Keeping the correct replacement parts on hand makes these repairs far easier.
Is a widespread tub faucet harder to install than a single-handle one?
Generally yes. The separate handles and spout require accurate spacing, and the connections to the valve are more involved. Plan extra time and check measurements before you open the wall.
Final Verdict
The Lahara T2738 is a sensible choice for anyone who wants a traditional two-handle widespread Roman tub faucet in chrome and has, or is installing, a compatible Delta-style valve. Its strengths are the classic look, the familiar Delta brand and the availability of replacement parts. Its limits are the need for a matching valve, the careful measuring required for a widespread layout, and a more involved installation than simpler tub fillers. If your bathroom already suits a Roman tub setup, it is a solid option. If you are starting from a bare wall or want a thermostatic control, look at other Delta tub systems first.
Installation involves water supply connections behind the wall. If you are not confident with plumbing work, consult a licensed plumber before purchasing or installing.
About Brooke Sterling
Brooke writes about kitchen faucets & sinks. Each guide starts with research into how products are built and what owners report after months of use, and is revised when better options appear.
