FAQ - Frequently asked questions
General questions
What does newly carpentered mean?
"Newly carpentered" means solidly carpentered washbasins made from selected woods, some with hand-carved decorations, according to old construction plans from the Wilhelminian era and, in some cases, Art Nouveau. Finally, they are varnished and sealed by hand.
How old are our antique chests of drawers?
This is highly dependent on the particular chest of drawers. Most chests of drawers date from the Gründerzeit period between 1850 and 1890. We also have a small selection of 200 to 250 year old pieces from the Biedermeier period, rarely older pieces.
What do we call rough diamonds?
We lovingly refer to all our antique treasures that have not yet been restored and are unpainted as rough diamonds. It takes a bit of creative imagination to imagine the pieces fully restored and painted. The advantage is that you can be creative yourself. This applies to the surface design as well as the fittings and decorations, which you can choose yourself.
Are such washbasins also available at a lower price?
We are certain: No, because a very important goal of ours is to offer "made in Germany" by professionals at fair prices. We work out of passion. Of course, all wages, rents and materials must be paid and all taxes paid, but that's enough for us. In the case of cheaper, apparently similar products, please check whether:
- they are made of MDF or pressed wood?
- high-quality fittings, towel rails etc. were used?
- they may be replicas of our or classic models, possibly produced in China. (A little anecdote: at the IMM furniture fair in Frankfurt, a competitor told us that his wooden washbasins were naturally not waterproof. That wouldn't be possible with wood. Luckily, we know better!) ... so ask very carefully about this point
- Are the surfaces mirror-smooth, soft to the touch, highly water-repellent and healthy for the air?
Our washbasins are unique, high-quality, individual and fairly priced:
- Solid pine or oak
- All washbasins receive our quality-tested, tried-and-tested surface treatment on site in our workshop in Schenefeld near Hamburg: waterproof with lotus effect (see "Highly water-repellent")
- Individuality: you decide what your washbasin will look like in the end and are involved in the process right through to the end
- Each washbasin is individually adapted to the conditions in your bathroom
- Individual pieces (if specified) are unique, something that only you own and therefore the opposite of today's mass-produced furniture
- Antiques (if specified) have their price in themselves and are clearly superior in quality to today's furniture (solid wood, durability)
- Individual, high-quality fittings, some incl. towel rail
- Our washbasins are flexibly interchangeable
- Last but not least: from consultation to production, only professionals who know their trade are at work (see "Our team").
Bathroom material and location
What material or wood are the washbasins made of?
Our washbasins are made of oak, spruce, pine and veneer wood.
Wood in the bathroom is that possible?
Yes, of course! The question is justified, as very few suppliers can achieve a truly waterproof wood surface. Nevertheless, we have to smile a little at this question, as this is precisely our specialty and has been tried and tested by us for years. Pictures usually say more than words, so please take a look at our Highly water-repellent link. What most people don't know: Conventional bathroom furniture is made of MDF/pressed wood and is therefore in principle much more vulnerable than "real" solid wood. We protect the wooden surfaces so that no water can penetrate the wood.
Is solid wood susceptible to water?
The wood is solid and can absorb and release moisture. It therefore adapts to the climate. For example, wood is used everywhere outdoors for a long service life and only needs the right protection in the form of varnish or glaze.
Is the washstand top waterproof?
Thanks to our decades of experience, we finish Land und Liebe washbasins so that water runs off the surface (lotus effect - see "Highly water-repellent"). Natural wood surfaces: Our ecological hard wax oil is also used to treat wooden floorboards and wooden parquet, i.e. for floors that are naturally exposed to much greater stress (from wet shoe soles to tipped-over glasses of water, splashes when watering flowers, etc.). It is also recommended for painting children's toys and is therefore harmless to health. Lacquered surfaces: Our lacquers are also used on standard industrially manufactured washbasins and bathroom vanity units. These are often made of plywood or pressed wood, which is much more susceptible to water than the solid wood of antique chests of drawers or chests of drawers made by us. From our own experience: the first washbasins we produced are of course in our own bathroom and are put through their paces every day by us and our children. There are no water stains, even though water always remains on the table top and is only wiped off again in the evening.
Which paint is used?
We use weatherproof varnish, which is normally used outdoors. This is very resistant and elastic, so the wood can withstand strong temperature fluctuations as well as rain, snow and UV rays for years.
Can water get into the washbasin through the feet?
No. The feet of all washbasins are protected with 5 mm high, invisible plastic caps, so that even if splash water or a puddle forms here and there, no water can enter the washbasin from below.
Is the humidity in the bathroom damaging my washbasin?
No. The humidity in the bathroom does rise temporarily, but not permanently of course, otherwise the walls would start to mold. Your washbasin, on the other hand, would even tolerate higher humidity and is much better protected than your walls.
Does it splash when the fitting is next to the basin?
No, it doesn't splash! This is because we choose the position of the tap so that the water jet hits the basin in the right place. What's more, the new taps are water-saving, i.e. the water has a lot of air in it and the water jet is much gentler than in the past. If water does drip, e.g. from wet hands, the drops bead up on the surface, are not absorbed and can be wiped away with a towel.
Are woodworm holes a danger?
Antique furniture that has been through a lot can sometimes show its age and it is very rare for there to be no woodworm holes at all. Of course, the presence of wormholes does not mean that the woodworms are still alive. As a precaution, we treat all chests of drawers with an environmentally friendly anti-woodworm agent so that the unpopular little creatures do not survive. If there was still a live woodworm in the old wood and it survived the anti-woodworm treatment, the following should be noted: The woodworm's ability to destroy wood is very low. The wood only loses its stability when there is an extremely high density of woodworm holes. The small woodworm is often confused with the really "dangerous" wood borer, which leaves holes of approx. 4-5 mm in size and therefore has "real destructive power". Woodworms die out by themselves in today's warm and dry living climate. Woodworms need cool, damp cellars. In addition, the beetles are basically "localized", i.e. they remain in their "home wood" and do not infest other neighbouring wooden furniture.
Designing your washbasin
Can the fittings and handles be replaced?
Yes, the handles and fittings shown can be exchanged as required. In the case of antique, ready-designed washbasins, there is a surcharge; in the case of new solid wood washbasins, there is usually no surcharge.
What color scheme is possible?
A color design according to your wishes is generally included with our raw diamonds, for newly carpentered pieces made of solid wood for an extra charge! Unfortunately, we cannot repaint our antique, already designed washbasins afterwards, as they have already been painted or finished in a certain way.
What special requests are possible?
There's no such thing as impossible - we also try to make unusual requests possible! Frequent special requests are e.g:
- Other washbasins (countertop basins) can usually be exchanged without any problems for both antique and newly carpentered washbasins, as we only cut the washbasin to size after purchase. Built-in basins can only be exchanged on request (this is no problem with new solid wood washbasins, but is often only possible with antique pieces by exchanging the table top, which of course incurs higher additional costs).
- Other colors (with the antique already designed washbasins with surcharge, with the solid carpentered new goods usually without surcharge).
- Other handles and fittings (at an extra charge for the antique pre-designed washbasins, usually at no extra charge for the new solid joinery).
- Other dimensions for the solid carpentered new product (at an extra charge).
- Other shapes are based on the existing table models (at extra cost) - example: closed panel instead of round legs or drawers instead of doors)
Please write any special requests you may have in the notes when purchasing. If you are unsure or would like to ask whether this may result in additional costs or different delivery times, please call us on +49 (0)40 879 34 700 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Can a newly carpentered washbasin also be shabby chic?
Naturally! Each of our newly carpentered washbasins is also available in a shabby chic version. Simply specify that you want your washbasin to be shabby when ordering. Some of our newly carpentered washbasins are already available in shabby.
Can I use my own basin or fittings instead of the ones presented?
Yes, this is also possible. If you decide to use your own basin for the washbasin, we will deduct the purchase price of the standard basin from the total price and require a template to outline your basin on the worktop. If you purchase a fitting other than those offered on the website, we will need a technical drawing from you for implementation.
Before the purchase
What height should my washbasin be?
The final dimension including the basin should be approx. 90 cm high to ensure a back-friendly and comfortable posture when washing.
What width should my washbasin be?
We recommend: Let your washbasin "breathe". There should be 5 to 10 cm of space to the right and left of the edges.
What payment options do I have?
You have the choice between payment in advance (bank transfer), Paypal or cash on collection. When paying in advance, a deposit of 10% of the purchase price and the remaining payment before delivery or on collection can be agreed. For security reasons, we cannot accept €500 bills in cash.
How high are the shipping costs?
Our goods are shipped with a very reliable furniture shipping company (NO risky general cargo transportation, as is often the case).
Shipping costs within Germany:
Within Germany, your furniture and accessories will be delivered to your home free of charge.
Shipping costs to Austria:
For deliveries to Austria, shipping costs of €100 will be charged for orders up to €3,500. For orders over €3,500, we charge shipping costs of €200.
Shipping costs to Switzerland:
For deliveries to Switzerland, shipping costs of €200 will be charged for orders up to €3,500. For orders over €3,500, we charge shipping costs of €400.
We offset the customs duties of approx. 8%, customs clearance of €100 and the costs for preparing export documents of €55 against German VAT. We will be happy to refund the difference between the German VAT and the costs advanced by us in connection with the export after the export has been documented. This requires a request from you after delivery or export and the provision of the account number.
Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland:
On request
Further international shipping within the EU on request.
Deliveries abroad may be subject to customs duties, taxes and fees which are not included in the total price.
Is installation included in the price?
The washbasin vanity unit (chest of drawers, sideboard, bedside cabinet, etc.) is delivered fully assembled. Accessories such as basins, taps, mirrors, inserts, marble tops and similar items are supplied packed separately. Unfortunately, we are unable to assemble the accessories in our factory or install them on site. On the one hand, this is because safe transportation of the goods would no longer be guaranteed and, on the other hand, installation on site must be carried out by a specialist. Unfortunately, we cannot offer you this service.
Is the cutting of the panel and the back panel included in the price?
Yes, we saw the cut to size in the top (for the washbasin and tap) and in the rear wall of the carcase, if available. Any existing drawers and shelves are cut out as sparingly as possible to fit your connections and therefore remain as usable as possible. After your purchase, you will receive your confirmation of purchase and a sketch, which you can use to measure and send us the connection dimensions for the supply and waste water in your bathroom. If you have not yet installed any connections, we will be happy to suggest ideal dimensions for your desired washbasin, which will then be implemented by your plumber. If you opt for a washbasin from another manufacturer or dealer, there may be an additional charge for some washbasins due to the planning and implementation work involved.
Is the piece of furniture delivered as a whole?
Yes, our bathroom furniture and country house furniture is solidly carpentered, i.e. wedged and glued and delivered or finished as a complete piece of furniture. All your local plumber has to do is professionally connect the washbasin, tap, etc. so that the washbasin can be used
Are the fittings sold suitable for an instantaneous water heater? High pressure/low pressure?
The taps we sell are suitable for use in combination with an instantaneous water heater. They are high-pressure taps designed for use with one cold and one hot water pipe. If there is only one cold water pipe in your bathroom and the hot water is treated by a hot water cylinder or boiler, you will need a low-pressure tap with 3 connection hoses, which we do not have in our range.
After the purchase
Why can't I take my washbasin with me?
Because the individual cut to fit your connections has not yet been made and the carcass and panel have not yet been painted or sealed to be water-repellent.
I have ordered a washbasin. When will production start?
In principle, the customization and dispatch of the goods only takes place after receipt of payment and receipt and confirmation of the individual dimensions of your water connections. For this purpose, it is necessary that you send us the exact dimensions using the template provided by us or confirm them in writing. The production or delivery of the goods will be delayed if the dimensions are not provided or confirmed, or are incomplete or incomprehensible.
Why do I only receive the invoice upon delivery?
Immediately after your purchase, you will receive a purchase confirmation containing the same details as the subsequent invoice. The delivery date is required by law on every invoice. As the delivery date is not yet precisely dated at the time of purchase, we only send the invoice upon delivery. This is because we can then state "delivery date corresponds to invoice date" and ensure that the invoice has been issued correctly.
What should I do if my goods are delivered damaged?
When your goods are delivered, they are checked for (transport) damage in the presence of the driver. This must be documented by photo or video.
So far, we have always had good experiences with our furniture removal companies. However, if the goods are damaged or defective, you must have the damage or defect confirmed in writing by the driver of the transport company. In this case, you must also contact us immediately on +49 (0)40 879 34 700 or by e-mail: [email protected] so that a claim can be made and a solution reached together.