- Kitchen Faucet Mounting Position:
- Kitchen Faucet Mounting Holes:
- Kitchen faucet accessories:
- Kitchen faucet summary:
There are two methods of mounting a kitchen faucet.
The most common mounting of a kitchen faucet is on the back edge of the kitchen sink as shown in Figure 33. However, it has become more common, especially with farmer or apron style sinks (Figure 34) or retro decor kitchens, to mount the taps on the wall behind the sink.
Figure 33 - Kitchen faucet mounted behind kitchen sink
Figure 34 - Apron sink with wall mounted kitchen faucets
By far the most common mounting of a kitchen faucet is based on 3 in-line holes where the two outside holes are 8 inches on center. However, with new single lever faucets only 1 hole may be required (Figure 33). Faucets that have independent valves and accessories, can create a wide assortment of hole configurations.
It should also be noted that different style faucets require different sized holes. Hole sizes can vary from 1 to 2inches.
If you have a drop-in sink, you may have a back-rim that has pre-drilled holes that may restrict the style of kitchen faucet that you can purchase.
Figure 35 shows a kitchen sink with one hole in the back rim. Because of space limitations, it would be difficult to install a kitchen faucet that required 8 inch centers and conveniently reach both bowls on this sink.
Figure 35 - Kitchen sink with one faucet mounting hole
If you are mounting a new set of kitchen faucets in a new countertop (rather than the back of a kitchen sink rim), it is important that you purchase the faucets before the holes are cut in the countertop material. This is especially important on countertops made of natural stone such as marble and granite, as repairing a hole for a kitchen faucet drilled in the wrong position, can be a very expensive exercise. This will ensure that hole size and positioning is correct.
There are a number of faucet hole covers (Figure 36) and cover plates (Figure 37) available to hide countertop and sink holes that are not needed.
Figure 36 - Faucet cover hole
Figure 37 - Faucet Cover Plate
Additional information on kitchen sinks
There are a few different accessories that can be purchased along with your kitchen faucet. Some accessories are sold as part of the faucet while others are options.
The most popular kitchen faucet accessory is a sidespray (Figure 38), followed closely by soap dispensers (Figure 39).
Figure 38 - Kitchen faucet sidespray
Figure 39 - Kitchen faucet soap dispenser
No matter what your decor, traditional, contemporary, modern or retro and no matter what your budget you will be able to find a set of kitchen faucets that meet your needs.