Frequently Asked Questions
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About
Where is your furniture made?
All our custom timber furniture pieces are proudly designed and made in Melbourne. Our workshop is located in the beautiful bayside suburb of Mordialloc, where we've been handcrafting quality furniture since 2014. Feel free to ask us about our processes or even take a peek at the workshop – there's something special about seeing where your furniture will be crafted.
You're very welcome to visit our showroom to view finished pieces and timber samples. We're open by appointment only to ensure you get our full attention during your visit.
Where does your timber come from?
All the timber we use is either sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests with minimal environmental impact, or reclaimed from old homes and factories. We love and respect where we live as much as the next person, and do our best to ensure all our practices are as earth-friendly as possible.
Due to the nature of timber as an organic material, timber tone, features, and grain patterns may vary from piece to piece – this natural variation is part of what makes each piece of furniture beautifully unique. Our reclaimed timber options carry additional character marks and history from their previous life, adding even more personality to your furniture.
Can I visit your showroom, and what can I expect?
If you're in Melbourne, we strongly encourage visits to our Mordialloc showroom where you can see, touch, and feel.
You'll see our full range of timber samples, finished furniture pieces showcasing different design collections, and get glimpses into our adjacent workshop. Our team can discuss your project needs, explain construction techniques, and help with timber selection based on your style and practical requirements.
If you're interested in peeking at the workshop (just 30cm away!), you can see timber in various stages – from raw packs of grubby sticks to finished pieces – large, dusty machinery in action, and current projects in progress.
Visits typically last 30-60 minutes, and we love showing what goes into quality furniture making.
What's the environmental impact of your timber furniture?
We source timber from sustainably managed forests and use locally sourced recycled timber where possible. Solid timber furniture has a much lower environmental impact than composite alternatives – it stores carbon, requires less energy to produce, and can be repaired rather than replaced. We use natural Fiddes Hard Wax Oil finishes made from a blend of natural oils and waxes, which are food-safe and child-safe when dry, certified to EN 71 Toy Safety standards. These natural finishes penetrate the timber rather than creating a plastic coating, allowing the wood to breathe naturally. Choosing quality, locally-made furniture supports sustainable practices and reduces environmental impact.
Do you work with architects and interior designers?
Absolutely! We love collaborating with trade professionals on custom joinery projects via our Made for Trade program. Whether you're an architect needing built-in solutions or an interior designer seeking statement pieces, we provide trade pricing and work to your project timelines.
Our furniture
What kind of hardware do you use?
We work hard to ensure our products are of optimum quality, inside and out. All our hardware is European made and has been extensively stress tested in-house to ensure longevity. From drawer slides to door hinges, we select only premium hardware that matches the quality of our solid timber construction.
What makes your furniture different from imported or mass-produced pieces?
Our furniture is handcrafted in our Melbourne workshop using solid hardwood timber where it matters most, traditional joinery techniques, and premium materials throughout. Unlike imported furniture often made from lightweight composite materials, we design and build pieces that remain stable, durable, and squeak-free for decades.
Every piece is sustainably made with food-safe and child-safe finishes, backed by our 10-year structural warranty – something you'll never find with mass-produced imports. When you choose Retrograde Furniture, you're supporting Australian craftsmanship and can visit our Mordialloc workshop to see your furniture being made and meet the craftspeople building it.
What's the difference between made to order and custom furniture?
Made to order features our most-loved designs in proven sizes, crafted in your choice of timber species – think time-tested proportions that we know work beautifully in Australian homes.
Custom furniture is designed specifically for your space and needs, with unlimited design possibilities and sizing options.
Both come with the same 10-year warranty and Melbourne craftsmanship quality.
How does your custom furniture design process work?
Our custom process starts with understanding your vision, space requirements, and lifestyle needs. We'll create initial sketches and work with you to refine the design and select your preferred timber species. Once your project is approved, we'll supply detailed drawings before construction begins. From there, our Melbourne craftspeople work through your project with the care and skill needed to produce exceptional quality furniture. You're welcome to visit our Mordialloc workshop to see progress along the way.
Do you have timber furniture available now with no wait times?
Yes! Our In Stock range features our favourite designs in a range of timber types, finished to our high standards and ready for immediate delivery. These pieces deliver the same handcrafted quality and 10-year warranty as our custom work, just without the lead times. Perfect when you're moving house, renovating on a deadline, or simply can't wait for custom furniture. Our furniture is made in our Melbourne workshop, and we deliver Australia-wide.
Can I still customise in stock furniture?
Our In Stock pieces are finished furniture ready for immediate delivery, so major customisation isn't possible. However, we can often accommodate minor modifications like a stone vs timber top on a vanity. For significant customisation, contact us to get your custom project started.
How can I pay for my furniture?
We accept bank transfer, credit card, and cash payments.
For made to order and custom projects, we typically require a 50% deposit to commence work, with the balance due on completion before delivery or pickup.
We'll provide clear payment terms and schedule when confirming your order.
Orders & warranty
How long will my order take to complete?
Our In Stock items are available to purchase now for immediate delivery. If purchasing a Made to Order item, our current lead time is around 6-10 weeks. Note that our production lead times fluctuate depending on time of year and how busy we are, so check back on this space for the latest updates.
Please let us know if you need your order completed sooner than the lead time quoted above, and we'll see what we can do. A 25% rush fee may be incurred for expedited orders. If you're still working on final measurements with your architect or builder and your deadline is looming, we suggest leaving a deposit first to secure your place in our production line while we work to firm up the details of your order.
Do you deliver and assemble furniture Australia-wide?
Yes, we deliver across Australia from our Melbourne workshop. We offer local delivery within Melbourne, and our furniture also regularly travels to their new homes in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and beyond. We offer flat rate shipping to Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane. For delivery quotes to other locations, contact us with your postcode.
If assistance with assembly is required, we can organise to send one of our friendly staff over to help assemble for an additional fee (Melbourne only)
Can I pickup my furniture order?
Definitely! Many Melbourne customers prefer to collect directly from our Mordialloc workshop. Pickup is available between 9am and 4pm weekdays, and we can provide basic loading assistance. For larger pieces, please bring an appropriate vehicle and extra hands. Pickup saves on delivery costs and gives you a chance to see our workshop in action.
Do you offer payment plans for custom furniture?
Yes, we offer flexible payment terms for made to order and custom furniture projects. We typically require a 50% deposit to secure your project, with the remaining 50% due on completion before delivery.
For larger projects, we can arrange staged payments aligned with project milestones. Contact us to discuss payment terms that suit your budget.
In stock furniture requires full payment to secure the item for immediate pickup or delivery.
What is your return or refund policy?
For In Stock items, we accept a 14-day change of mind return in the form of store credit. Delivery costs may not be refunded, and delivery costs to return the item to our factory will be at your expense.
For Made to Order items, we're unfortunately unable to provide a return or refund once the deposit invoice has been paid. We work closely with you to ensure all necessary specifications are captured and supplied in writing (via email and reflected in your invoice) to avoid any miscommunication. Any errors by us will of course be rectified in a timely manner.
What warranty do you provide on timber furniture?
We pride ourselves on using the highest grade timber and construction techniques to ensure a lifetime of use. We offer a 10-year structural warranty on all our furniture pieces, covering construction quality and joinery integrity. This reflects our confidence in solid timber construction and traditional craftsmanship techniques.
The longevity of the finish depends on its treatment and environment. While we have very few issues and our finish stands up very well to moist areas, we can't offer a warranty on the surface finish. That said, we can assist if you need advice on refinishing or rejuvenating your furniture. All warranty work is completed in our Melbourne workshop by the same craftspeople who built your furniture.
Timber care
What type of finish do you use on furniture?
We use premium Fiddes Hard Wax Oil across our entire range – a natural blend of oils and waxes that penetrates deep into the timber grain for lasting protection. We offer two base finish options: Raw finish maintains the natural, freshly-milled appearance with cooler tones and minimal colour change, while Matte finish enhances warmth and depth in the timber. Both finishes provide excellent durability without peeling or flaking, and are food-safe and child-safe when dry, certified to EN 71 Toy Safety standards.
How do I care for my timber furniture?
Regular care is simple: dust with a microfibre cloth and use Fiddes Wood Floor Cleaner for deeper cleaning when needed. Avoid harsh chemicals, excessive moisture, and direct heat sources. The hard wax oil finish can be refreshed when needed – we provide detailed care instructions with every piece and offer ongoing maintenance advice.
What's the best timber choice for bathroom vanities?
For bathroom vanities, we recommend timber species that handle moisture well when combined with our proven construction techniques. Tasmanian Oak is excellent for its durability and light colour that brightens bathrooms, while American Oak offers classic appeal with superior moisture resistance. Recycled timber creates a striking rustic centrepiece that adds character to modern bathroom designs. All our bathroom vanities feature moisture-resistant finishes designed specifically for Australian conditions, regardless of timber choice.
What's the best timber choice for dining tables?
Popular choices include Tasmanian Oak for its durability and light colour that suits any décor, American Oak for classic appeal with beautiful grain patterns, and Walnut for stunning dark richness. For families with young children, harder species like Oak handle daily use exceptionally well. Recycled timber offers unique character and can be more forgiving of the inevitable wear and tear that comes with busy family life. We can guide you based on your style preferences and practical needs.
Is it difficult to maintain a timber bathroom vanity?
Not at all! Our bathroom vanities feature moisture-resistant finishes specifically designed for Australian bathroom conditions. Regular cleaning with appropriate products and good bathroom ventilation will keep your timber vanity beautiful for decades. Solid timber construction actually handles moisture better than many composite alternatives when properly finished.
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