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Can I use an undermount sink with laminate benchtops?

No — undermount sinks require stone benchtops. The sink is attached to the underside of the stone, which can't be done with laminate. If you choose laminate benchtops, you'll need a top mount (drop-in) sink.

Should I choose a single or double bowl sink?

It depends on your habits. Single bowl sinks offer more space for large pots and baking sheets, and are increasingly popular. Double bowl sinks allow you to separate wash and rinse (useful if you hand-wash dishes). If you have a dishwasher, a single large bowl is often more practical for rinsing and soaking.

Are pull-out taps worth the upgrade?

Most buyers who upgrade to pull-out or pull-down taps find them worthwhile. They make rinsing the sink, filling large pots and washing vegetables much easier. The upgrade cost is relatively modest ($100–$400) compared to other kitchen upgrades.

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Kitchen & Cabinetry

Sink & Tap Selection Guide: Undermount, Top Mount, Pull-Out & More

Undermount vs top mount, single vs double bowl, tap styles and finishes — a practical guide to sinks and taps.

5 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

Undermount sinks sit below the benchtop for a seamless look; top mount sinks sit on top
Undermount sinks require stone benchtops (they can't be used with laminate)
Double bowl sinks allow separating wash and rinse; single bowl sinks offer more space
Pull-out and pull-down taps offer flexibility for cleaning and filling large pots
Tap finishes range from chrome to matte black, brushed brass and gunmetal grey

The kitchen sink and tap are used more than almost any other fixture in the home. Choosing the right combination affects daily functionality, cleaning efficiency and the overall look of your kitchen. Understanding the options helps you make practical choices at your selection appointment.

Sink Types

Undermount sink — installed below the benchtop for a seamless look; no rim visible; allows easy bench-to-sink sweeping of crumbs; requires stone benchtop
Top mount (drop-in) sink — sits on top of the benchtop with a visible rim; works with any benchtop material including laminate; more affordable
Farmhouse (apron-front) sink — large single bowl with an exposed front; a statement feature; requires specific cabinetry
Double bowl sink — two basins allow separating wash and rinse; useful for hand-washing but each bowl is smaller
Single bowl sink — one large basin; more space for large pots and baking sheets; increasingly popular
Sink material — stainless steel (most common), granite composite (premium look, quieter), fireclay (traditional, farmhouse style)

Note

Undermount sinks can only be used with stone benchtops (porcelain, granite, marble). The sink is attached to the underside of the stone. If you choose laminate benchtops, you'll need a top mount sink, as laminate can't support an undermount installation.

Tap Styles

Pull-out tap — the spray head pulls out towards you; good for rinsing and filling pots on the bench
Pull-down tap — the spray head pulls down into the sink; good for rinsing the sink basin
Standard mixer — fixed spout, no pull-out function; most affordable
Filtered water tap — includes a water filtration system; may be a separate tap or integrated
Instant boiling/chilled water tap — provides instant boiling and/or chilled water; premium option
Gooseneck/high-arc tap — tall spout provides clearance for filling large pots

Tap Finishes

Chrome — the standard; easy to clean, durable, matches most kitchen styles
Matte black — increasingly popular; modern, dramatic; shows water spots less than chrome
Brushed brass / gold — warm, premium; popular in Hamptons and heritage-style kitchens
Gunmetal grey / brushed nickel — subtle, sophisticated;介于 chrome and black
Stainless steel — coordinates with stainless sink; understated

Example Sink & Tap Upgrade Costs

Upgrade	Example Cost
Undermount sink (vs top mount)	$200–$500
Double bowl sink (vs single)	$100–$300
Granite composite sink (vs stainless)	$300–$800
Pull-out tap (vs standard mixer)	$100–$400
Matte black / brushed brass finish	$50–$200
Filtered water tap	$200–$600

Real-world examples only. Costs vary by builder, brand and specification.

Tip

Coordinate your tap finish with your cabinetry handles and other kitchen hardware (e.g. rangehood, oven trim). Mixing metals can work intentionally, but for a cohesive look, matching tap and handle finishes is the safest approach.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

What sink and tap does the builder include as standard — top mount or undermount, single or double?
Can I upgrade to an undermount sink, and does it require a stone benchtop?
What tap finishes are available — chrome, matte black, brushed brass?
Is a pull-out or pull-down tap included, or is that an upgrade?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing an undermount sink with laminate benchtops — it requires stone, not laminate
Selecting a sink that's too small for your largest pots and baking sheets
Forgetting a pull-out or pull-down tap — a daily frustration once the kitchen is built
Not coordinating the tap finish with cabinetry handles and other kitchen hardware

Builder Tips

Undermount sinks require stone benchtops — decide your benchtop material first
Single bowl sinks offer more space for large pots — increasingly popular over double bowls
A pull-out tap ($100–$400) is a modest upgrade with significant daily convenience
Coordinate tap finish with cabinetry handles for a cohesive, designed look

Kitchen Selection Appointment Explained

Prepare for your kitchen appointment with a complete guide.

Read the Guide