A bathroom vanity renovation in Melbourne is one of the highest-impact upgrades a homeowner can make. It changes how the room looks, how it functions, and how much it is worth. It is also one of the most commonly mispriced jobs in the renovation market, because most quotes do not include everything the job actually requires.
At Northside Joinery we are a one-stop shop for bathroom vanity renovations across Melbourne. That means we handle the full scope: removing the old vanity, coordinating the relevant trades, supplying and installing the custom joinery, completing the stone work, and caulking the finished job. One point of contact, one scope, no coordination gaps.
This guide covers what a bathroom vanity renovation actually costs in Melbourne in 2026, what drives the price up or down, and what you should expect to be included in a proper quote.
As a rough guide, every project is different and prices vary based on materials, joinery complexity, trades required, and site conditions. The figures below are indicative only.
Why Bathroom Vanity Costs in Melbourne Vary So Much
Two vanities that look similar in a showroom can cost very different amounts to supply and install. The difference comes down to what is inside the cabinet, what is behind the wall, what trades are needed, and what the existing vanity leaves behind when it comes out.
A standard off-the-shelf vanity unit uses particle board carcasses. In Melbourne's humidity-heavy bathroom environment, particle board swells, warps, and breaks down over time. Hinges loosen, drawer bases soften, and mould forms behind units that never sat flush against the wall. Custom joinery uses moisture resistant MDF or marine ply carcasses, built to the exact dimensions of your space, and specified for the wet environment it lives in.
The other major variable is trades. A straightforward vanity replacement where the plumbing connections stay in the same position requires minimal trade involvement. A vanity that changes position, adds a basin, or requires electrical work for integrated lighting needs a licensed plumber and potentially an electrician. Those trades add cost that a joinery-only quote will never show you.
What Drives the Cost of a Bathroom Vanity Renovation in Melbourne
Joinery Specification and Door Finish
The joinery itself is the largest variable in a bathroom vanity budget. The specification choices that move the price most significantly are:
Door finish: Two-pack polyurethane is the most durable painted finish available for bathroom joinery. It is harder, more moisture resistant, and more cleanable than standard paint. Timber veneer doors, particularly oak and walnut, are in high demand in Melbourne in 2026 and add $300 to $600 to the cost of a standard custom vanity compared to a painted finish. Both are valid choices with different aesthetic outcomes.
Hardware: Northside Joinery specifies Blum hardware as standard where the budget allows. Blum soft-close hinges and drawer runners are the industry benchmark for longevity and smooth operation in a bathroom environment. Budget-appropriate alternatives are used where the project calls for it, but Blum is the preference.
Handleless designs: Push-to-open or finger pull mechanisms are the dominant choice in modern Melbourne apartments and contemporary homes. The mechanism adds $50 to $150 per cabinet but significantly changes the look and feel of the finished joinery.
Carcass material: Moisture resistant MDF is the standard for all Northside Joinery bathroom work. It does not swell in humidity, holds fixings correctly, and provides a stable base for stone benchtops and undermount basins.
Benchtop Specification
The benchtop is the second largest cost variable in a bathroom vanity renovation. The choice of material, thickness, and edge profile affects both the price and the longevity of the finished installation.
A 40mm stone benchtop is the specification most commonly chosen by Northside Joinery clients for bathroom vanities. Stone is non-porous, easy to clean, resistant to the humidity and water exposure of a bathroom environment, and gives a premium finish that laminates cannot match. Laminate benchtops are available at a lower price point and work well in appropriate applications.
The 200mm drop stone bench profile, as used in the St Helena project shown above, is a popular choice for floating vanities. It creates a strong visual statement and provides practical splash protection at the sides of the basin.
Basin Configuration
The basin choice affects both the joinery specification and the trades scope. An undermount basin requires the stone benchtop to be cut and finished to receive it, which adds to the stone fabrication cost but produces a clean, seamless result that is easy to wipe down. An above-counter basin requires a different benchtop profile and waste configuration. A semi-recessed basin sits partially in the joinery and partially above the bench.
A single basin vanity has a simpler plumbing scope than a double basin. Where a double basin is specified, plumbing connections are required to each basin position, which adds to the trades component of the project.
Trades Coordination
This is the element that surprises most clients who have only received a joinery supply quote rather than a full scope quote.
A complete bathroom vanity renovation typically requires a licensed plumber to disconnect the existing waste and water connections, remove the old vanity, and reconnect to the new configuration. Where the new vanity changes the position of the basin or adds a basin, additional plumbing work is required. Where integrated lighting is included, an electrician is required.
Northside Joinery coordinates these trades as part of the full project scope. There is no separate engagement of trades, no coordination gap, and no risk of trades arriving out of sequence. The job is managed from removal to caulking as a single scope.
Existing Vanity Removal and Disposal
Removing an existing vanity is not always straightforward. Older vanities may be tiled in, siliconed heavily, or sitting on uneven substrates that require preparation before a new floating vanity can be installed correctly. Disposal of the old unit and any associated materials is included in Northside Joinery's scope.
Bathroom Vanity Renovation Costs in Melbourne 2026
The figures below are rough guides based on Northside Joinery's pricing for custom bathroom vanity renovations across Melbourne. Every project is different. The actual cost of your vanity renovation depends on the size of the vanity, the materials and finishes selected, the trades required, and the condition of the existing installation. These figures should not be used for budgeting without a proper measure and quote for your specific project.
Basic Custom Vanity Renovation: $3,000 to $4,000
A straightforward vanity replacement with a custom moisture resistant MDF carcass, laminate or entry-level two-pack doors, a laminate benchtop, standard hardware, and plumbing reconnection to existing connections in the same position.
This tier suits a second bathroom or ensuite where function and durability are the priority and premium finishes are not required. It also suits a facelift project where the existing layout is working well and the goal is a clean, updated look without a full renovation.
What moves this number higher: stone benchtop instead of laminate, Blum hardware throughout, two-pack finish instead of laminate doors, trades requirement beyond a simple reconnection.
Mid-Range Custom Vanity Renovation: $3,500 to $5,000
A custom floating vanity with moisture resistant MDF carcass, two-pack polyurethane shaker doors, 40mm engineered or natural stone benchtop, undermount basin, Blum soft-close hardware throughout, and full trades coordination including plumbing and caulking.
This is the most common specification for main bathroom vanity renovations across Melbourne. It delivers a durable, premium-looking result that will perform well in a bathroom environment for many years. The floating installation makes the bathroom feel larger and is easier to clean beneath.
What moves this number higher: double basin configuration, timber veneer doors, handleless push-to-open mechanism, 200mm drop stone profile, integrated lighting requiring electrical work.
High-End or Full Bathroom Joinery Package: $5,000 and above
A comprehensive bathroom joinery package covering a custom floating vanity, integrated shaving cabinet or mirror cabinet, linen storage tower, full stone benchtop with premium edge profile, double undermount basins, timber veneer or premium two-pack finish, Blum hardware throughout, and full trades coordination.
This tier suits a main bathroom or master ensuite where the joinery is a feature of the room, not just a functional element. The combination of a custom vanity, integrated storage, and a considered stone specification creates a cohesive, high-quality bathroom that adds real value to the home.
What moves this number higher: additional storage elements, premium imported stone, full bathroom joinery scope across multiple elements, heritage home complexity, complex trades requirements.
Important: these figures are rough guides only. Bathroom vanity renovation costs in Melbourne vary significantly depending on materials, joinery complexity, the trades required, site conditions, and the specifics of your existing installation. Do not use these figures for budgeting without a proper measure and quote. Every project is assessed individually by James Taliana before any pricing is provided.
Planning a bathroom vanity renovation in Melbourne? Northside Joinery handles the full scope from removal to caulking. Book a Precision Measure and get a clear price for your specific project.
What Adds the Most Value in a Bathroom Renovation
Research consistently shows that kitchens and bathrooms deliver the highest return on renovation investment in Melbourne homes. Within a bathroom renovation, the joinery and stone specification is the element that most strongly signals quality to a prospective buyer or valuer. A custom floating vanity with a stone benchtop reads immediately as premium. An off-the-shelf unit on legs reads as entry-level regardless of how well it is styled.
The three choices that add the most value relative to their cost in a bathroom vanity renovation are:
Floating installation over floor-standing. A wall-hung vanity makes the bathroom feel larger, is easier to clean, and reads as more contemporary. The additional structural requirement is absorbed into the installation cost and is rarely a significant add-on.
Stone over laminate for the benchtop. The price difference between a laminate and a stone benchtop is real but the visual and durability difference is significant. Stone does not chip, does not swell, and does not age the way laminate does in a wet environment.
Soft-close hardware throughout. The feel of a vanity door or drawer is the first thing a visitor notices after the visual. Blum soft-close hardware on every hinge and drawer runner is the standard that Northside Joinery builds to because it is the standard that holds up over years of daily use.
How to Get an Accurate Bathroom Vanity Quote in Melbourne
Book a Precision Measure first. An accurate quote for a custom bathroom vanity cannot be produced from a photo or a description. The existing plumbing positions, the wall substrate, the floor level, and the available space all affect the scope and the price. Northside Joinery's Precision Measure ($175, redeemable on your project) produces a detailed scope and a clear price before any commitment is made.
Know what your quote includes. A complete bathroom vanity renovation quote from Northside Joinery covers removal of the existing vanity, coordination of all required trades, supply and installation of the custom joinery, benchtop fabrication and installation, and caulking of the finished job. A supply-only or joinery-only quote from another provider will require you to arrange and coordinate all of these elements separately.
Specify the finish before you compare quotes. Two-pack polyurethane and laminate are not the same product at a similar price. Stone and laminate benchtops are not comparable on cost alone. Make sure any quotes you are comparing are for identical specifications, not just similar-looking finished products.
Ask about the carcass material. The outside of a vanity is what you see. The inside is what determines how long it lasts in a bathroom environment. Moisture resistant MDF or marine ply carcasses will outlast particle board significantly in Melbourne's humid bathroom conditions. Ask every cabinet maker what carcass material they use before accepting a quote.
Ready to get started? James Taliana has been building and installing custom joinery across Melbourne for 16 years. Contact Northside Joinery today for an honest conversation about your bathroom vanity renovation before you commit to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom vanity renovation cost in Melbourne?
As a rough guide, a custom bathroom vanity renovation in Melbourne in 2026 ranges from approximately $3,000 to $4,000 for a basic custom vanity with laminate finishes through to $5,000 and above for a high-end floating vanity with stone benchtop, timber veneer or two-pack doors, Blum hardware, and full trades coordination. Mid-range custom vanity renovations with stone benchtops and two-pack shaker doors typically sit between $3,500 and $5,000. These figures are indicative only and vary based on materials, joinery complexity, trades required, and site conditions. A proper measure and quote is required for accurate pricing on your specific project.
What is included in Northside Joinery's bathroom vanity price?
Northside Joinery is a one-stop shop for bathroom vanity renovations. The scope includes removal and disposal of the existing vanity, coordination of all required trades including plumbing and electrical where needed, supply and installation of the custom joinery, benchtop fabrication and installation, and caulking of the finished job. There are no coordination gaps and no separate trade engagements required from the client.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom vanity renovation?
The joinery specification and door finish is typically the largest single variable in a custom bathroom vanity budget. Two-pack polyurethane and timber veneer finishes cost more than laminate doors. Stone benchtops cost more than laminate. Blum hardware costs more than standard hardware. Trades coordination, particularly where plumbing requires relocation or a basin is being added, is the second most significant cost variable. A double basin configuration adds both joinery complexity and trades scope compared to a single basin vanity.
How long does a bathroom vanity installation take in Melbourne?
As a general guide, a straightforward bathroom vanity replacement by Northside Joinery typically takes one to two days on site, including removal of the existing vanity and installation of the new joinery and benchtop. Projects requiring trades coordination for plumbing or electrical work may take slightly longer depending on trade scheduling. The custom joinery is manufactured in Northside Joinery's in-house workshop before the installation day, so the on-site time is efficient and predictable.
What adds the most value in a bathroom renovation?
Custom joinery with a quality stone benchtop consistently delivers the strongest visual impact and resale value in a Melbourne bathroom renovation. A floating vanity installation makes the bathroom feel larger and reads as more contemporary than a floor-standing unit. Stone benchtops do not chip, swell, or age the way laminate does in a wet environment. Soft-close hardware on every hinge and drawer runner is the detail that signals quality to anyone who opens a door or pulls out a drawer. These three elements together define the quality of the finished bathroom more than any other combination of choices.