When you are considering the location of your sink, you will need to take into account where the water pipes and drainage are and the locations of the hob/oven and the fridge. You want these three items to be in a triangle and within easy reach of each other so that you do not have to travel very far to take things from the cooker to the sink etc. If you have a small kitchen which is L-shaped, you may want to consider a corner sink with the main sink on one wall and the drainer on the other wall, but both next to each other in the corner. This corner position will then give you long runs of worktop for food preparation and serving, and plenty of space for a hob.

Sinks come in many shapes and sizes. You can buy double sinks, with both sinks the same size for washing and rinsing; single sinks with a drainer; one and a half sinks for washing and tipping waste; sink and waste disposal unit; three bowl sinks with a small central bowl for waste etc. Some sinks fit into the work top, others, like Belfast sinks have their own front edging. It all depends on the style of your kitchen. Belfast sinks look great when teamed with handmade wooden kitchens to give a country style.

Let's consider different types of kitchen sinks:-

Stainless Steel Sinks – These sinks are practical, durable and look great in any style of kitchen. They have been popular for decades and are liked by everyone. Stainless steel is a good choice because it does not stain with dirty washing up water or waste, is easy to keep clean and looks great for years. Look for 1mm/18 gauge stainless steel sinks, as thinner stainless steel can dent more easily.

Enamel/Porcelain sinks – These sinks are enamel or porcelain on top of cast iron or steel. Enamel or porcelain over cast iron is much more durable than over steel. The disadvantage of these sinks is that they can get chipped and show the base metal.

Granite sinks – Also called Fragranite, Silgranite and Rock by manufacturers, granite sinks are simply granite cut into a sink shape. Granite sinks are practical and durable because they are heat resistant up to high temperatures, stain resistant and scratch resistant. They are easy to clean and if they get chipped in any way, which is unusual, the colour of the granite goes all the way through and so damage won't be obvious.

Ceramic sinks – Ceramic sinks are often in the “Belfast” style and fit onto brackets on the wall. They are white and have a sluice style overflow. Modern inset ceramic sinks are also available. Always be careful to clean up any brightly coloured stains such as tomato sauces otherwise you may discolour the sink.

Corian sinks – With corian, your sink can be integrated into your work surface without joins or seams, it is actually moulded into the work surface. They are hygienic, because there are no joins in which germs can lurk, they are heat and stain resistant and also scratch resistant. They are easy to clean and very low maintenance.

Quartz Composite Sinks – Like granite, these sinks are coloured all the way through and are very durable and resistant to stains and scratches.

Acrylic Sinks – These sinks are stain resistant, non-porous and are easy to keep clean and hygienic. They are available in a variety of sizes and colours to suit any kitchen. Be careful with hot pans and tins because acrylic can melt at high temperatures. Acrylic sinks are not as durable as granite or quartz composite sinks.

After you have chosen your sink, you will need to choose the right kitchen tap. This may be easy because your chosen sink may have a range of matching taps. Otherwise, you can choose from traditional pairs of taps, single mixer taps, wall mounted taps and rustic, country style taps to go with your country kitchen. Taps are also available in different metals and colours. Whatever your style of kitchen, you will easily find taps to match.