Kitchen Faucet Mounts - Which is Right For Your Sink?

Installing a new kitchen faucet can completely transform the look and functionality of your sink area. With so many options on the market, one of the most important yet often overlooked decisions is choosing the right mounting style for your faucet.

The type of kitchen faucet mount you select will impact the installation process, your ability to keep counters clutter-free, and how seamlessly the faucet fits with your existing sink and decor. This comprehensive guide covers the most popular kitchen faucet mounting options so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Types of Kitchen Faucet Mounts

Wall Mount

Wall mounted kitchen faucets are installed directly to the wall above the sink basin. This mounting style leaves more room on the countertop since the faucet and handles are completely out of the way. Wall mounted faucets have a sleek, minimalist look and are ideal for contemporary kitchen designs.

Pros:

• Frees up counter space
• Creates a minimalist look
• Easy to keep the counter and sink area clean

Cons:

• Limited reach can make filling pots difficult
• Wall reinforcement often needed during installation
• Generally a more expensive option

A wall mount faucet works best when paired with an undermount or vessel sink. The exposed drain pipes and supply lines on a top mount sink would detract from the clean aesthetic.

Deck Mount

Deck mount is the most common kitchen faucet mounting style. The faucet base is installed directly to the countertop, with holes drilled to accommodate the faucet spout and handles.

Pros:

• Classic look, works with nearly any kitchen decor
• Allows for greater reach when washing dishes or filling pots
• Easy installation process

Cons:

• Takes up more countertop space around the sink
• Exposed holes must be sealed carefully when replacing an old faucet

A deck mount faucet is an excellent choice for any standard drop-in sink. The exposed mounting holes can be covered with a decorative escutcheon plate for a cleaner appearance if needed.

Worktop Mount

Worktop mount faucets are similar to deck mount but installed on top of the counter rather than drilling holes. Supply lines are concealed under the countertop for a seamless look.

Pros:

• No holes required makes installation simple
• Flexible placement options
• Neat appearance without mounting deck holes

Cons:

• Limited faucet height due to needing to fit under cabinets
• Condensation can collect under the faucet base

Worktop mounts pair nicely with solid surface countertops like quartz or granite. They also work well when mounting a faucet to the edge of a kitchen island.

Splash Mount

Splash mount faucets are installed directly to the backsplash behind the sink basin. This eye-catching look keeps the counters completely clear while providing full access to the sink.

Pros:

• Unique style option for a contemporary kitchen
• Leaves the most countertop space around the sink

Cons:

• Requires a tile, stainless steel, or other solid backsplash
• Limited reach can make filling pots difficult
• Higher installation cost

Splash mount faucets make a dramatic statement paired with an apron-front or other decorative sink. They work best in compact galley kitchens where a deck mount faucet would be obtrusive.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Kitchen Faucet Mount

Existing Sink Type and Placement

Consider your current sink setup when deciding on a faucet mount style. An undermount sink gives you more flexibility while a top mount may limit options like wall mount that require exposed drain pipes. If replacing an existing faucet, you want to reuse the same mounting holes if possible.

Available Space and Kitchen Layout

The size and configuration of your kitchen will impact mount choice. A small or galley kitchen benefits from a wall mount faucet to open up counterspace. A kitchen island or peninsula often pairs best with a worktop mount for a cleaner look.

Usage - Residential vs. Commercial Kitchen

For busy kitchens, a sturdy commercial style deck mount faucet is a smart option. Light residential usage can take advantage of trendy styles like splash mounts. Your needs will help determine which mount fits best.

Number of Holes Required

If you want to avoid making new drill holes, a worktop, splash or wall mount that uses less or no holes may be preferable. Reusing existing holes makes swapping out faucets easier.

Ease of Installation

Deck mounts are generally simplest to install yourself. Worktop mounts are also fairly easy. More complex options like wall mounts may benefit from professional installation.

Faucet Style Preferences

The type of faucet style or finish you prefer narrows suitable mounting options. For example, wall mount faucets come in more contemporary styles to complement the minimalist look.

Budget

Cost is always a consideration. Deck mounts tend to be most affordable. Splash mounts and worktop mounts are pricier. Wall mounts are generally the biggest investment.

Special Features Needed

If you want special functionality like a pot filler or water filtration, you’ll need to ensure your mount choice accommodates this. Filtration and hot water dispenser faucets are commonly deck or worktop mounts.

Recommendations for Common Kitchen Types

Small Galley Kitchens

In a tight galley kitchen, open up workspace with a wall mount or splash mount faucet. For a prep area beside the sink, consider a deck mount with side sprayer.

Large Open Concept Kitchens

An island worktop mount or deck mount wall-facing faucet helps delineate spaces in an open kitchen. Add a second prep sink with bar faucet for convenience.

Island Sinks

Island sinks suit a worktop mount faucet installed on the countertop edge. Or go bold with a dramatic wall mount if open shelves allow plumbing access.

Vessel Sinks

Vessel sinks demand a wall mount faucet to complement the contemporary style. Alternatively, deck mount the faucet behind the vessel on the countertop.

Farmhouse Sinks

Traditional farmhouse sinks look best with a sturdy deck mount faucet in a coordinating finish. For a modern twist, position the deck mount faucet behind the sink.

Bar/Prep Sinks

Small bar and prep sinks take up minimal space. Use a compact bar faucet mounted to the countertop or backsplash to maximize functionality.

Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens require durable faucets designed for repeat heavy use, often paired with a separate pre-rinse faucet. Deck mounting is most common.

With so many kitchen faucet mounting styles available, take time to consider your needs and layout before deciding. Wall mounts free up the most counter space while deck mounts offer versatile installation. Splash mounts provide a unique look. Worktop mounts add flexibility without making new holes. There are also options tailored to bar sinks, islands, commercial use, and more.

Measuring your existing sink, thinking about your ideal faucet placement, and taking stock of your kitchen’s style will help narrow suitable choices. With all the information provided in this guide, you now have the knowledge to confidently tackle this important yet often overlooked facet of selecting the perfect kitchen faucet.