How to Mount a Wall-Mounted Toilet Paper Holder

By Lostine Home Goods | Published: 2026-10-22

Category: How-to Guides

Mounting a toilet paper holder yourself is straightforward with the right tools and steps. This guide walks through the process for a secure, level installation.

Quick answer

Mounting a wall-mounted toilet paper holder is a simple DIY task: choose a height, locate studs or use drywall anchors, mark and drill holes, then attach the backplate and slide the bar into place.

Choosing the right height and location

Standard toilet paper holder height is 26 inches from the floor, measured to the center of the bar. But adjust for your own reach and the position of the toilet. If the holder is too close to the toilet, it can be awkward to grab; too far and you'll stretch. A good rule: install it about 8 to 12 inches in front of the toilet's front edge.

Also consider the swing of the toilet lid and any nearby cabinets. You want the holder accessible but not in the way.

Tools and materials you'll need

Gather a drill, drill bits (masonry bit for tile or concrete), a level, measuring tape, pencil, screwdriver, and the mounting hardware that came with your holder. If mounting into drywall without a stud behind it, use toggle bolts or heavy-duty drywall anchors rated for at least 15 pounds. The holder itself is light, but the paper roll and daily tugging add up.

For tile walls, you'll need a carbide-tipped masonry bit and possibly a tile scoring tool to prevent cracking. Work slowly and use low drill speed.

Installation steps

1. Mark the mounting holes: Hold the backplate against the wall at your chosen height and use a level to ensure it's straight. Mark the screw holes with a pencil. Common mistake: marking only one hole and assuming the other is level—always use a level.
2. Drill pilot holes: Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than your wall anchors. If hitting a stud, use a wood bit. For drywall without a stud, drill a hole for the anchor. For tile, use a masonry bit at low speed and apply steady, light pressure. Common mistake: drilling into a stud without checking for electrical wires or plumbing behind the wall. Use a stud finder to confirm there are no pipes or wires in the drilling area.
3. Insert anchors (if needed): Tap or screw the drywall anchors into the pilot holes until flush. If using toggle bolts, push them through the hole and flip the toggle. Common mistake: over-tightening the anchor, which strips the drywall. Stop when snug.
4. Attach the backplate: Align the backplate with the anchors or stud screws, then drive the screws in evenly. Do not fully tighten one side before starting the other—this can warp the plate. Check level one last time before final tightening. Common mistake: overtightening the screws, which can dent the plate or crack tile.
5. Slide the dowel or bar into place: Insert the paper roll onto the dowel (if using a Roland holder, the maple dowel rests freely in the backplate). Then set the dowel into the receiving notch. Some holders have a set screw to lock the bar; tighten it just enough to prevent the bar from sliding out. Common mistake: forcing a bar that doesn't slide easily—check alignment of the backplate.

Product spotlight

Roland Toilet Paper Holder: The Roland Toilet Paper Holder is made from a single piece of brass or steel with a solid maple dowel that rolls freely in the backplate. The free-rolling dowel means the paper unspools smoothly without catching, so you don't have to re-tighten the roll after every use.
Roland Toilet Paper Holder