How our bathroom vanities are supplied: what's included and what your installer needs to know

When you order a custom bathroom vanity from Retrograde Furniture, you're getting a fully finished timber cabinet with stone or timber top, ready for your installer to position and connect. But unlike off-the-shelf vanities, our made-to-order approach requires some coordination between you, your installer and our workshop.

Here's exactly what's included, what's not, and what your installer needs to know before installation day.

What's included with your bathroom vanity

Your custom bathroom vanity arrives with:

• Timber cabinet to your specified dimensions
• Stone or timber top supplied uncut, unless otherwise specified by you
• If there are drawers, internal drawer cut-outs to accommodate plumbing, as specified by you
• All timber components fully finished and ready to install
• Optional pre-drilled holes in stone or timber tops (available on request for $80 per cut)

The vanity cabinet is supplied square, level and ready for installation. Stone tops are supplied loose and require fixing on site by your installer.

What's not included

You'll need to arrange separately:

• Basins, tapware, wastes and plumbing fixtures
• Installation of the vanity and stone top
• Final drilling of basin or tapware holes (unless previously specified)
• Plumber and bathroom installer

Per the normal process, here are some commonly asked questions 

Why aren't basin holes pre-drilled?

In most cases, final drilling of basin and tapware holes happens on site by your bathroom installer or plumber after the vanity is positioned.

This standard industry practice allows:

• Final positioning confirmed after waterproofing is complete
• Alignment with wall set-out and actual plumbing locations
• Flexibility if you change basin or tapware selection last minute
• Adjustment for site-specific conditions discovered during installation

Can you pre-drill the holes for me?

Yes, if you prefer certainty over flexibility.

We offer pre-drilling of basin and tapware holes for $80 per cut, based on final client-approved specifications and detailed drawings. Let us know if you'd like us to include this in your project scope.

If you would like us to pre-drill, please supply:

• Exact basin model and dimensions (including underside clearances)
• Exact tapware model and spindle spacing
• Confirmation that wall set-out is finalised and waterproofing complete
• Confirmation that your installer has confirmed hole positions in writing

🚨 Once drilled, hole positions cannot be altered. If your basin or tapware changes, or site conditions require adjustment, you'll need a replacement top.

What your installer needs to know

Plumbing accommodation:

• Drawer cut-outs provided per approved drawings
• Installer to verify plumbing clearances match actual site conditions
• Any variations from drawings may require on-site modification

Cabinet specifications:

• Vanity cabinets are supplied square, level and ready for installation
• Internal drawers have been modified for plumbing clearance per approved drawings
• Timber is fully finished - no sanding or sealing required on site

On-site prep & installation:

• Stone tops supplied loose, require fixing on site
• Installer to fix stone top to timber cabinet using appropriate methods (typically silicone bedding)
• Standard stone installation practices apply
  Unless otherwise arranged, installer completes all final drilling of stone or timber tops
• Hole positions to be marked and confirmed before drilling
• All drilling, fixing and commissioning per manufacturer and trade standards

Why we don't prescribe installation methods

Installation conditions vary significantly between sites:

• Stud spacing and wall construction differs
• Floor levels vary (especially in older homes)
• Plumbing positions shift based on actual site conditions
• Different installers have preferred fixing methods

We supply the vanity square, level and ready to install. Your qualified bathroom installer determines appropriate fixing methods based on your specific site conditions and their professional standards.

This approach ensures your vanity is installed correctly for your bathroom, not according to generic instructions that may not suit your situation.

Common questions about custom bathroom vanity supply

I'm in Melbourne, can I pick up the vanity instead of delivery?

Yes, you can collect from our Mordialloc workshop. We recommend bringing appropriate vehicle and protection like thick moving blankets. Stone tops and mirrors are heavy and fragile - secure transport is essential. Read more about our pickup and delivery options here →

What if my plumbing doesn't match the drawings?

Minor variations can usually be accommodated by your installer on site. Significant changes may require drawer modifications - contact us as soon as you find out and we can make the necessary adjustments.

Do you install bathroom vanities?

No, installation must be completed by your qualified bathroom installer. Your local bathroom renovator or plumber can recommend installers.

What happens if the stone top is damaged during installation?

Stone tops are the customer's responsibility once delivered. Your installer should have the appropriate insurances in place to protect your project in case anything happens.

Can you supply just the cabinet without stone top?

Yes, absolutely. This is a great option if you are working with a stonemason to select your own marble, travertine or custom stone option. We can supply our timber vanity cabinets without tops if you're arranging stone separately through your own fabricator. Get in touch for a quote →

Ready to order your custom bathroom vanity?

A bathroom renovation with on of our custom timber vanities require a little coordination between us, yourself and your installer - but the result is a solidly made cabinetry designed specifically for your bathroom in your chosen timber species.

Let's get started

Visit our Melbourne showroom at 48 De Havilland Rd, Mordialloc to see timber samples and construction quality, or contact us with specifications. Get in touch →

All timber vanities handcrafted in our Melbourne workshop from sustainably sourced Australian hardwoods, backed by our 10-year structural warranty.