How to make a wooden paper towel holder with a built-in dispenser

A wooden paper towel holder with a built-in dispenser is a functional and stylish addition to any kitchen or bathroom. This project combines woodworking techniques with a practical design to create something useful and aesthetically pleasing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making one yourself.

Materials and Tools Needed:

• Wood: Choose hardwood like oak, maple, or walnut for durability and a nice finish. Softwoods like pine also work if you prefer something lighter.
• Wood Glue
• Screws: Choose screws that match the thickness of your wood.
• Sandpaper (various grits)
• Wood Finish: This could be a polyurethane finish or an oil-based finish to protect the wood.
• Drill with appropriate bits
• Saw: A table saw or miter saw works best for cutting straight lines.
• Measuring Tape
• Clamps
• Router (optional for decorative edges)
• Wooden dowels or a rod for the paper towel holder spindle
• Wooden pieces for dispenser tray

Design and Planning:

Before beginning, sketch a simple design that includes a vertical rod to hold the paper towel roll, a base to stabilize the entire structure, and a built-in dispenser tray at the bottom to hold and dispense a single paper towel at a time.

• Dimensions: The height of the holder should be at least 15 inches tall for easy paper towel roll placement, with a base that’s about 6 inches wide to ensure stability. The dispenser tray will likely need to be about 7-8 inches in width, depending on the size of the paper towel rolls you intend to use.

Step 1: Cutting the Wood Pieces

1. Base Piece: Cut a rectangular piece for the base. The dimensions should be around 8 inches wide by 6 inches deep for stability. You can adjust the size to your liking.
2. Vertical Post: Cut a piece for the vertical holder. This piece will be the spine of your structure and should be around 15 inches tall.
3. Dispenser Tray: Cut a piece for the dispenser tray. This should be around 7-8 inches long and about 5-6 inches wide, depending on the size of the towels. This tray will sit at the bottom of the post and hold the single towel.
4. Paper Towel Spindle: Cut a piece for the spindle where the roll will hang. This can be a dowel or a metal rod, typically around 10-12 inches in length.

Step 2: Assembling the Base and Post

1. Attach the Vertical Post to the Base: Using wood glue and screws, attach the vertical piece to the center of the base. Make sure it’s square and secure. You can use clamps while the glue sets.
2. Install the Paper Towel Spindle: Drill a hole through the vertical post to insert the dowel or rod. The hole should be slightly larger than the dowel to allow easy rotation of the paper towel roll. Insert the spindle into the hole, ensuring it’s secure, but free to rotate.

Step 3: Creating the Dispenser Tray

1. Shape the Tray: Take the rectangular piece you cut for the tray and round off the corners with a router or sandpaper for a smooth, finished look. This will also help in making the tray more visually appealing.
2. Add the Bottom Panel: If you’re using a two-piece design, cut another small piece of wood to form the bottom of the dispenser tray. This will hold the paper towel in place and prevent it from falling through.
3. Attach the Tray: Position the tray underneath the vertical post and attach it securely with wood glue and screws. Ensure the tray is at an appropriate height to allow the paper towel to fall freely into the dispenser.

Step 4: Sanding and Finishing

1. Sanding: Sand all the wooden parts of the holder to a smooth finish. Start with a coarse grit (around 80-grit) to remove rough spots and then progress to finer grits (120, 220) for a polished look.
2. Finish: Apply your preferred wood finish. If you want a natural look, an oil-based finish will help highlight the wood’s grain. For durability, polyurethane or lacquer will provide a more protective layer. Allow the finish to dry completely.

Step 5: Final Assembly

1. Attach the Tray to the Base: Now that everything is sanded and finished, you can attach the tray to the base. Make sure it’s aligned properly and securely in place.
2. Check the Paper Towel Roll: Slide a roll of paper towels onto the spindle and test the dispensing system. The single paper towel should easily slide out of the dispenser tray without getting stuck.

Optional Decorative Touches:

1. Carve Designs: If you want to add some detail to your paper towel holder, consider carving simple designs or adding a decorative edge to the base or tray.
2. Paint or Stain: Instead of a clear wood finish, you can stain the wood in a color of your choice to match your home decor. You could also paint the holder if you want a pop of color.

Conclusion:

With these steps, you can make a functional, stylish wooden paper towel holder with a built-in dispenser. Not only does it serve a practical purpose, but it also adds a custom, handcrafted touch to your home. This project is great for those who want to try their hand at basic woodworking while creating something they can use daily.

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Check out Teds Woodworking Course here for more inspiration and detailed plans!