After consulting a plumber regarding your water pressure, you will be armed with knowledge on the types and models of tap that are suitable and can safely be fitted in your kitchen. The next most important factor to consider when planning a new kitchen, or at least revamping the sink area, is how the new tap will be fitted.

There are three types of mounting available - deck (on the work surface), wall or sink - and its worth thinking about the amount of space around the sink you have and whether you are looking for a traditional or contemporary style. Most of the styles have options to work at low or high pressure, though consult assistance from the store you are buying from if this isn't made obvious.

Wall Mounted Basin Taps

Where plenty of space is required, a sleek sharp wall mounted tap will allow for a sink to be fitted closer to the wall, if required, and will provide you with a fairly neat and tidy minimalist look. This type of mounted tap looks great and gives the impression and sense of space, however its pipes and connections will be hidden in the wall making it difficult to access should anything need maintenance in the future.

Deck Mounted Taps

Perhaps the most popular of kitchen fitted taps are those that are mounted onto the work surface next to the sink. Pillar taps are traditionally fitted on the deck because they need the space and usually have two parts which must be mounted, although this type of tap may not be suitable for sinks that have the holes already drilled. These taps have plenty of areas that need cleaning due to its two or three sections that are fitted on the worktop, perhaps not particularly useful for those kitchens with wooden work surfaces around the sink.

Sink Mounted Taps

Again, potentially a space saver any sink mounted taps need to be fairly tall to allow for washing of large dishes in the sink. Usually suitable for both low and high pressure water flow, they are largely available from designers and also to suit low budgets. These taps usually swivel 180 degrees and are fixed to one place where the movement allows water to flow over a double sink, or a sink and drainer - making it fairly easy to clean the area too.

Whatever your needs there is no doubt a tap out there that will fit your kitchen or bathroom perfectly. All you need to do is be prepared to put in the time to go and find it.