How To Make A Paper Towel Holder Out Of Wood? Easy Step-by-step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
20 min read

If Dunn DIY has taught me anything, it’s that learning never ends. As my skills continue to improve, I sometimes revisit old projects and re-create them in a better way. This DIY paper towel holder, for example, was a Dunn DIY effort from the beginning.

Aside from the fact that it’s simple and cost-effective, this is one of my favorite projects for a variety of reasons. At Dunn DIY, we believe in giving people the tools they need to succeed. This DIY paper tower holder is a great introduction to fundamental skills, and at the end of it, you receive an eye-catching item in your kitchen.

MATERIALS

  • Hemlock, 1 x 6-by-3-inch board
  • Copper Pipe, 3/4 in. x 24 In.
  • The 3/4″ Copper Pipe Cap is sold separately
  • Treatment of Kitchen Wood with Daly’s
  • Polyvinyl Acetate Adhesive
  • Paper Towels or Rags
  • He is known as Krud Kutter.
  • Flotation Devices

TOOLS

  • Hacksaw
  • Handsaw
  • The aforementioned Tape Gauge
  • A Power Drill.
  • A Spade Bit with a 7/8″ Shank
  • Sandpaper
  • With a Steel Knife
  • Clamps

How to Make a Paper Towel Holder for Your Kitchen | Family Handyman

Step 1: Cut copper pipe for paper towel holder

Once the copper pipe has been sized, it is time to begin. Our pipe was 12 1/2′′ long, which means you’ll have roughly an inch of pipe showing over the paper towel roll.

When I cut metal for the first time, I was terrified. While wood can be difficult to cut, I actually find it easier to work with pipes because they’re hollow and composed of metal, which is malleable and constant. With a pipe cutter or hacksaw, you can cut the pipe. (A hacksaw is a metal-cutting saw with small teeth.) It’s surprisingly easy to cut through copper with the correct equipment. Using a permanent marker, indicate the area where you’ll be cutting. Clamp it in place with the miter box’s 90-degree slot. As a result of its extremely fine teeth, a hacksaw is a great tool for getting started on a new project. It’s easier to begin sawing by pushing the saw toward you because the teeth point slightly forward. Once you’ve established a rhythm by making a few strokes in the same direction, you can increase the speed and frequency of your sawing.

If you have any particularly sharp places at the end of the pipe, you can use rough sandpaper to sand them down.

Step 2: Clean and polish paper towel rod

As a result, you may find copper pipe to be a little boring. First and foremost, I like to clean the pipes before anything else. In the case of stubborn filth, Krud Kutter works well, and Krud Kutter Adhesive Remover has been my go-to remedy.

The next step will make an enormous impact in terms of how the pipe appears once it has been cleaned. Polish the copper with a fine steel wool cloth. If you see any stamping, you can use steel wool polish to remove it. Because the pipe cap will be visible above the roll of paper towels, it is important to thoroughly clean and polish it.

Step 3: Mark wood for paper towel holder base

We’ll be cutting the one-by-six into a hexagon or square for the base of the holder. If you prefer one or the other, I’ll present both.

Since most lumber isn’t available in two-foot lengths, we opted for hemlock because of its lovely natural color and the fact that it can be obtained that way. There are many other types of wood to choose from if you have an existing one-by-six of your own that you’d like to incorporate into the design.

Measure the length of the square to be the same width as the piece of wood you’re using for the project. As a reminder, “nominal dimensions” is a fancy way of explaining that even though this board is designated “one-by-six,” it isn’t truly 1″ x 6″ However, it was planed down and smoothed throughout the process of being prepared for sale so that it could be sold. A lot of prep work reduced the size of the board, so it’s actually 3/4″ x 5 1/2″. When it comes to wood, don’t trust that a board referred to as a “one-by-six” will literally measure 1″ x 6″—in other words, don’t rely on the name of the piece.

You’ll need this template to cut out the hexagon (3 5/16″), so print it out and measure it after printing in case your machine automatically scales it. Lay out the template on a piece of cardstock. The sides of the hexagon should align with the one-by-six. Make a mark on the wood by tracing the shape.

Step 4: Cut paper towel holder wood base

Our one-by-six is too big to fit in a miter box because we are cutting it instead of a one-by-four. Freehand sawing is an option if you’re confident in your ability. Because I’m such a stickler for details, I start my cut by aligning my speed square with the lines. Freehand cutting takes over once I’ve established a rhythm.

With a backsaw, start by pushing the saw toward yourself before cutting in a back-and-forth motion. As a result of the saw’s teeth pointing forward, pushing the saw in that direction is more difficult. Starting with light pressure, you can gradually increase your speed as soon as you get into a groove.

Step 5: Mark center of wooden base

The next step is to determine the base’s width and mark the center (2 3/4″ approx. ).

Step 6: Drill hole for paper towel holder pipe

Clamp your base to a piece of scrap wood once you’ve marked the middle. Measure up from the point 7/8″ on your 7/8″ spade bit and wrap the spade bit with masking tape. (You can use this as a reference to determine how deep to drill.) While the spade bit’s central point will penetrate the wood, it’s important to avoid drilling all of its way through the material. A larger area will be available for the pipe’s adhesive to adhere to. Even if you drill all the way through, you can still get it to operate.

Because a spade bit is significantly larger than a typical drill bit, it can be a little difficult to use than a regular drill bit. Make sure the point of the spade bit is pressed firmly into the wood so that it doesn’t move while you’re drilling, and that the drill doesn’t move while you’re drilling. As soon as the side points make contact, start the drill at a high speed and apply light pressure. Make sure you’re drilling in the right direction at this point. That means the drill is crooked and you’ll need to straighten it up before moving on to the next step. Start applying extra pressure to the bit when it has made contact with the wood on all locations. However, if you apply pressure and the drill remains stationary, you may want to check for any wood shavings embedded in the bottom of the spade bit and clear them out.

Continue to drill until the masking tape comes into contact with the wood’s surface.

Step 7: Sand paper towel holder base

Sanding is the final step after all the cutting and drilling has been completed. Using 150-grit sandpaper, sand the edges and the hole in the center of the base well. If you’re going to sand the base, make sure to sand in the direction of the grain to get the greatest results.)

Step 8: Condition wood for paper towel holder

However, if you already have mineral oil on hand, we recommend Daly’s Kitchen Wood Treatment. Furniture polish is a common ingredient in both of these products. Rubbing it in with your hands will help it absorb more of the substance, which you can then reapply if you notice any signs of wear or the color starting to fade.

Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping off any extra Daly’s Kitchen Wood Treatment after applying generous amounts with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.

Step 9: Glue paper towel holder together

Fit the copper cap onto the cut pipe and glue it in place while the wood is curing. It’s best to apply glue to the hole first, and then fit your pipe into position. Allow the glue to dry before removing any excess with a paper towel.

Step 10: Add rubber feet to paper towel holder

Add rubber feet to the base of your holder to finish it off. When you go to grab a paper towel, you won’t have to worry about it sliding around on the counter.

It’s done! Even your paper towels can now reflect your personal design. There are many of quick and easy ways to improve the look and function of your kitchen. To get some ideas for organizing your home, have a look at our DIY bulletin board. or our pegboard storage (love this for small spaces especially).

Dongplayer Wooden Paper Towel Holder, Paper Towel Dispenser, Wood Roll Paper Rack for Kitchen Home Countertop Organization: Racks & Holders: Amazon.com.au

The Best Paper Towel Holders for Every Home

Best Overall: OXO Good Grips SimplyTear Standing Paper Towel Holder

OXO’s SimplyTear is the greatest paper towel holder on the market thanks to its sleek design, inexpensive price, and unmatched customer satisfaction.

A spring-activated arm ensures a one-handed tear with every sheet, which is the product’s distinctive characteristic. If you need to replace or remove a paper towel roll, you may quickly adjust the arm so that it fits any brand and any size.

The SimplyTear is 7 inches wide and 13 inches tall. You can put it anywhere in the kitchen you like thanks to its freestanding design and the stainless steel finish that matches with any decor.

A rubber non-slip band is also included to keep the item in place on the counter (even when you’re frantically grabbing at it to clean it up).

Runner-Up, Best Overall: simplehuman Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder

A excellent paper towel holder is one that you don’t even notice you’re using, like many other kitchen products. The simplehuman Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder is exactly what it says it is. It is discreet, reliable, and simple to operate.

Using just three screws, the item can be attached to a wall, under a cabinet, or even inside a cabinet door—whatever works best for your home. Customers rave about how easy and quick the installation process is.

The 13-inch length of this stainless steel holder makes it ideal for all paper towel brands, and the mounting bracket, made of die-cast zinc, adds further strength.

Changing paper towel rolls has never been easier thanks to the quick-release knob. A simple squeeze of the knob will allow you to remove it from the holder, making it easier to get to.

Best Design: Crate and Barrel French Kitchen Marble Paper Towel Holder

Elegant, fine-grain marble has been used to create this paper towel holder, which is both practical and beautiful at the same time. In order to give off a modern look, it uses nothing more than a robust base and an upright spindle.

Although the item does not have as many features as some other paper towel holders, such as a high-tension arm, a rubber ring on the bottom, and so on, it nevertheless gets excellent internet ratings, with the vast majority of people giving it five stars.

Isn’t it the best? It’s a steal at this price. Crate & Barrel sells these for roughly $20, which is about the same as the average steel or wood paper towel holder.

Best Budget: Home Basics Paper Towel Holder

You don’t have to go over the top to make a good impression. When it comes to paper towels, the Home Basics Paper Towel Holder is a great value.

The item is available in three colorways—black, bronze, and steel—so you can find the right match for your kitchen decor. And because it’s freestanding, you can put it anywhere you wish, from the counter to the cabinet.

Customers have complained that this paper towel holder is too light and easy to tip over. Customers, on the other hand, laud the product for its unique combination of high performance and low cost.

Best Standing: simplehuman Tension Arm Paper Towel Holder

One free hand is all you need to tear a sheet from this paper towel holder, regardless of the stain, spill, or mess you’re dealing with. Paper towel rolls are held in position by an adjustable, high-tension arm, assuring a precise tear every time. It’s a no-brainer. Nothing goes to waste.

A simplehuman product, one of the best-known names in kitchen, bath, and beauty equipment at an affordable price. In terms of size, it is 8 inches broad and 14 inches tall, which is adequate to hold any paper towel roll.

In addition to its solid weighted base, customers laud this towel holder for its portable freestanding form.

Best Wall-Mounted: Kamenstein Perfect Tear Brushed Stainless Steel Wall-Mount Paper Towel Holder

Wall-mounted paper towel holders have several advantages over freestanding ones. In general, they are more durable, better at saving space, and more pleasant to the eye when used in a private residence. A paper towel holder affixed to the wall by Kamenstein ticks all of the above boxes and more.

An easy and long-lasting addition to your kitchen, the product may be installed either vertically or horizontally with just two screws. It’s made to fit whatever size paper towel roll you buy and has a stainless steel finish that will gleam wherever you decide to install it.

Best Over-the-Cabinet: InterDesign Classico Over-the-Cabinet Paper Towel Holder

Convenience and space savings go hand in hand with this InterDesign over-the-counter paper towel holder. The robust stainless steel bar can be used to hold paper towels, but the little basket at the top can also be used to store a variety of kitchen essentials.

Although freestanding and wall-mounted paper towel holders are more frequent, over-the-the-counter versions are a time saver since they can be installed within any cabinet door without the use of screws, tools, or manual labor. 12.25 inches long, 5.25 inches high, and 5.25 inches wide are the dimensions of this item.

A foam backing protects the doors of your cupboards, making the item just as inexpensive as freestanding and wall-mounted paper towel holders.

Best for Bathroom: Oasis Creations Touchless Wall Mount Paper Towel Dispenser

When seeking for a toilet that doesn’t require the use of your hands, Oasis Creation’s touchless model is a good choice. For a more hygienic restroom experience, the exterior is composed of sturdy plastic and dispenses one paper towel at a time. If you install it in a heavy traffic location, you won’t have to refill it as often. It stores up to 500 paper towels.

How to Organize All of Your Household Paper Products, Including Paper Towels, Napkins, and More

Always remove the original packaging.

Remove the item from its original packaging when storing paper towels or toilet paper to make it easier, advises Ashley Murphy, the co-founder of NEAT Method. You can organize your products in a linen closet, pantry, or even under a sink, depending on the contents and your storage capacity,” she advises. To keep your counters clear and your home appearing tidy, use this method. ”

Don’t be afraid to split up bathroom essentials.

Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method’s other half, recommends breaking up your collection and storing stuff in several locations if you don’t have a huge linen closet. It is recommended that you maintain a few extra rolls of toilet paper in your bathroom vanity and store any excess in a basket in your linen closet or another cabinet. For those who lack under-the-sink storage space or a linen closet, “a lovely basket in the bathroom works, too,” she says. Your makeup removers? According to Hagmeyer, they can be placed in a labeled basket or acrylic bin. In the absence of a basket or container, consider storing these goods in drawers.

Keep only what you need in the kitchen.

Paper towels, for example, can take up a significant amount of room due to their large size, especially if they are still in their original plastic packaging. For this reason, Murphy advises keeping these goods out of view whenever feasible. You can put them in a huge basket or in rows in a cupboard or pantry shelf, she advises. “Either way, make sure they are neat and tidy,” she says. Just store one to two rolls of toilet paper in a bucket with your other cleaning supplies if you’re low on room.”

Think outside the (storage) box when organizing paper napkins and plates.

You have more storage options because napkins and paper plates are smaller. It’s a terrific idea to keep paper napkins and plates in separate baskets on a pantry shelf or in a kitchen cabinet for convenient access,” Hagmeyer says. To store these goods together, yet separated, you can use an expanding drawer separator.”

Save space by shopping smart.

As a first line of defense against clutter, Murphy recommends attentive shopping, which means that if you buy more things than you have room for (or need), you won’t be able to store them. Our top piece of advise is to shop for the space you have,” she says. Paper basics should be purchased in smaller quantities if you are short on storage space. She also recommends reusing goods if possible. Not only will they save you money by reducing your product inventory, but they’re also better for the environment.

Roll paper storage rack beech wood paper towel rack kitchen countertop solid wood vertical toilet paper roll holder|Racks & Holders| - AliExpress

Conclusion

You can create a paper towel holder out of wood at home with a few simple tools and supplies. Try making your own holder instead than buying a generic one. Crafts and other accessories can also be stored in paper towel holders. As a result, constructing a few paper towel holders might help you keep your home in order. Here, you’ll find even more cleaning and organizing tips.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

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