How to build a custom bathroom vanity

Check out your local Bunnings store and take a look at our range of options available in the kitchens section. We've got sinks, vanities, mixers and a range of benchtops – the options are endless. There are also lots of different price points. Tap mixers – they start from as low as $28.50 and go right up to top-of-the-range options. Confusing, right – which one to choose? Don't stress – we have specially trained team members waiting to help you out, so ask as many questions as you need to. Just remember to take your dimensions with you – they'll help with the rest.

Before you choose anything else, settle on the vanity base you'd like to use. We opted for a simple 900 x 450mm white option with cabinet doors and drawers – it's cost effective and provides a great blank canvas to work with. You've also got the option of a wall-mounted, floating vanity vs a floor-standing vanity, which is a lot easier to install. Like everything else, there are a range of options with vanities, so choose the colour and size that suits your space.

Once you've decided on a vanity, have a think about how you want the top to look. Do you want a traditional vanity with a moulded sink unit? These are a great option – they're easy-cleaning and really reasonably priced at only $25. Maybe you're more interested in a counter-top and vessel sink or basin? Perhaps you'd even like double sinks? Once you've made your choice, make sure your top fits the dimensions of your vanity - If you're going with a timber, laminate or stone benchtop, remember you can get these cut to size. Just ask!

Timber is a great way to introduce a natural, warm texture to your space – we decided on timber for our bathroom reno, as it's fitted with the ‘coastal luxe' look of the rest of the house. Timber looks particularly good when paired with a plain, white vanity to achieve this look. Darker timbers work particularly well with dark bathroom fittings, providing a modern, contemporary feel. There are lots of different options to choose from – just have your specs to hand.

This is the fun part – choosing a sink! We have a huge range of above-counter basins you can pair with your benchtops. They have rectangular, deep round, square and shallow white options – all are super popular. There are also several varieties in white marble or bluestone. Our personal favourite is the square matte black option – it looks fantastic when paired with a dark timber benchtop. When deciding where to place your sink, have a think about where it will be used. Traditionally sinks are positioned centrally, but if you're looking to work it into a powder room, you may choose to move it to the side to allow for extra bench space.

When choosing a basin mixer, make sure you get one the right height to fit your basin. If you're going for an above-counter basin, you'll need a taller mixer. If you're going with an under-counter or drop-in basin, you can use a shorter mixer. We have heaps of options to choose from – matte black, contemporary mixers look fantastic with super-modern, minimalist spaces. Maybe you're going for more of a federation-style renovation? In this case you may want to look at ‘Farmhouse'-style ornate brass options – these look fabulous with claw-foot baths, traditional tiling and stone benchtops.

Once you've decided how you'd like your vanity to look, organise for someone to help you fit it. You could also give it a go yourself! You'll be surprised at how easy it is to fit your own bathroom vanity – just make sure the rest of your space is waterproofed, plumbed and ready to go.