Hi, This is totally normal. To answer your question, the location of the taps depends on the sink. If the sink has a landing (space for a tap hole) you can elect to obtain it with or without the hole/s and have the tap on either the sink itself or the benchtop. If as in the case of the Franke one you've selected, there is no landing then the taps are mounted on the stone. The cabinetmaker usually provides a template of the benchtop when the carcasses are installed for the stone supplier. This is then used by the stone supplier to make the correct size and cut outs for eg the sink. They will want the sink so that they can do the cutout to suit. They either then drill the holes for the tap/s during production or do it on site. It's no biggie. You just need to have the tap selected so they know what size holes to drill and where you want them. Take care to keep in mind clearances between the sink bowl and the cupboard carcass or other items. It's usually tight. We always plot the location of the taps while we have the template on site so we can check clearances etc. Cheers

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I have timber on island and laminate on rest and am happy with that. Would need to tonal,y match so it is your choice of timber or stain.

Do what you can afford in the butlers pantry. I would prob would not do timber laminate on top but keep it plain and not compete for attention the laminate does not deserve,