How to Install a Paper Towel Holder on a Cabinet
By Lostine Home Goods | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to mount a paper towel holder under or inside a cabinet with clear steps, essential tools, and practical tips for a secure, lasting installation.
Quick answer
Mounting a paper towel holder on a cabinet is a straightforward DIY task that takes about 20 minutes. Choose the right location, mark your holes accurately, and use the correct hardware for your cabinet material to ensure a sturdy, lasting installation.
Choose the Right Location and Mounting Style
Before you pick up a drill, decide where the holder will live. Under a cabinet keeps the counter clear, while inside a cabinet door hides it when not in use. Each spot affects how you mount the holder and how much clearance you need.
If you mount under a cabinet, make sure the paper roll won’t block cabinet doors or drawers below. For inside-door mounting, confirm the door can still open fully and that the roll won’t hit shelves when the door swings.
Match Hardware to Your Cabinet Material
The best screws and anchors depend on whether your cabinet is solid wood, particleboard, or plywood. Solid wood can hold screws directly, but particleboard and thin plywood benefit from anchors or toggle bolts to prevent stripping.
The Roland Paper Towel Holder from Lostine Home Goods comes with a brass or steel mount and a grooved maple dowel. Its design fits naturally in kitchens and baths, and the mounting hardware is straightforward to install with basic tools.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Gather tools and hardware: You’ll need a drill with the right bit, a screwdriver, a pencil, a tape measure, and a level. Check that the included screws match your cabinet material; if not, pick up appropriate anchors. Using the wrong drill bit can crack the cabinet surface, so test on an inconspicuous spot first.
- Mark the mounting holes: Hold the holder in position and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Use a level to keep the holder straight, and measure to center it under the cabinet or on the door. Double-check measurements—off-center holes are hard to fix once drilled.
- Drill pilot holes: Drill pilot holes at your marks. For solid wood, use a bit slightly smaller than the screw. For particleboard or thin plywood, drill a hole that matches the anchor size. Pilot holes prevent splitting and make screw insertion much easier.
- Attach the mount: Align the mount over the holes and drive the screws in with a screwdriver or drill. If you’re using anchors, insert them first, then attach the mount. Tighten until snug but avoid over-tightening. Over-tightening can strip the screws or compress the cabinet material, so stop when the mount feels secure.
- Slide on the dowel and test: Place the paper towel roll on the dowel and attach it to the mount. Give the roll a spin to ensure it rotates freely and that the holder is level and stable. If the roll doesn’t spin smoothly, check for obstructions or a misaligned mount.
Product to Consider
- Roland Paper Towel Holder: The Roland Paper Towel Holder is made with a brass or steel mount and a grooved maple dowel, and it has enough clearance to swap a roll or drape a linen towel. This design makes it easy to change rolls and works well in both kitchens and bathrooms, adding a refined touch to your space.
Roland Paper Towel Holder
