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How to build a toilet roll holder shelf

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Difficulty: Beginner

Organise and decorate your bathroom or powder room with this streamlined shelf that not only looks attractive but also makes fantastic use of space.

 

Inspiration for this creation comes from the extremely popular Toilet roll holder shelf by Bunnings Workshop member @Rodney. Thanks again for sharing your wonderful project with us Rodney.

Steps

Step 1

Start by cutting your 2.4m length of 110mm timber into four pieces at 600mm long using your handsaw or mitre saw. Each of these cuts will be at a 45-degree angle.

 

1.1 Timber cut to length.jpg  1.2 Timber cut at 45 degrees.jpg

Step 2

Lay your pieces out to check that the 45-degree cuts match up to form 90-degree corners. It is likely that there will be some gaps. You can dry clamp the pieces to get an idea of how close your cuts have been. Some slight sanding might be necessary to ensure minimal gaps.

 

2.1 Checking cuts.jpg  2.2 Gaps present.jpg  2.3 Dry clamping.jpg

Step 3

Painter’s tape can be used to help form the corners. Lay a piece of tape down and place two of your timber pieces onto it so the edges line up correctly. Apply PVA glue to the inside of the corner. Bring the timbers together to complete the corner. Repeat this on the other three corners.

 

3.1 Tape method.jpg  3.2 Glue applied.jpg  3.3 Folding sides.jpg  3.4 Sides folded.jpg

Step 4

Once all the corners have been brought together, use a pull strap to hold everything securely. After the strap has been tightened, insert timber blocks under it to increase the tension. Additional clamps can also be used to ensure the corners are at a right angle.

 

4.1 Strap in place.jpg  4.2 Strap tensioned.jpg  4.3 Strap and clamps in place.jpg

Step 5

Pre-drill three holes per corner with a 3mm drill bit. Counter sink the holes deep enough that the head of the screw will be below the surface of the timber. Drive in the screws.

 

5.1 Predrilling screw holes.jpg  5.2 Countersinking screw holes.jpg  5.3 Installing screws.jpg  5.4 Screws installed.jpg

Step 6

Measure across a diagonal between two corners. Take this measurement and transfer it onto the 1.2m length of 90mm timber. Create a 90 degree on both ends of the timber by intersecting two 45-degree cuts. Apply glue to the inside of the corners you measured between and insert the timber.

 

6.1 Measuring diagonal.jpg  6.2 90 degree cut on end.jpg  6.3 90 degree cut on end.jpg  6.4 Glue added to corners.jpg

Step 7

Remove the tape and clamps and then apply putty over all the screws and any gaps from your 45-degree cuts. Wait for this to dry and then sand back. Apply a second skim coat and then repeat the sanding process.

 

7.1 Putty applied over screws holes.jpg  7.2 Putty applied to gaps on corners.jpg  7.3 First coat of putty sanded back.jpg  7.4 Second coat of putty.jpg  7.5 Second coat of putty sanded back.jpg

Step 8

Begin brushing you stain onto the timber. Use a rag or paper towel to wipe off excess.

 

8.1 Applying stain.jpg  8.2 Wiping back excess stain.jpg  8.3 Unit stained.jpg  8.4 Unit stained.jpg

Step 9

Predrill holes with a 3mm drill bit to suit your mounting hangers. Install the hangers with timber screws.

 

Congratulations. You have now completed your toilet roll holder shelf. Expect plenty of admirers of your handiwork.

 

9.1 Predrilling mounting holes.jpg  9.2 Mounting hanger.jpg  9.3 Complete.jpg

Materials

  • One piece of 2.4m Tasmanian Oak measuring 110 x 19mm
  • One piece of 1.2m Tasmanian Oak measuring 90 x 12mm
  • 12 timber screws 10 x 38mm
  • 100ml PVA glue
  • 250ml teak brown stain
  • One set mitre/corner clamps
  • Two hanging plates
  • One 4m pull tie down strap
  • Paint brush
  • One roll painter’s tape
  • Timber putty
  • Sandpaper

Tools

  • Handsaw or mitre saw
  • Mitre box
  • Drill driver
  • 3mm drill bit
  • Countersink bit
  • Tape measure

Images

1.1 Timber cut to length.jpg

1.2 Timber cut at 45 degrees.jpg

2.1 Checking cuts.jpg

2.2 Gaps present.jpg

2.3 Dry clamping.jpg

3.1 Tape method.jpg

3.2 Glue applied.jpg

3.3 Folding sides.jpg

3.4 Sides folded.jpg

4.1 Strap in place.jpg

4.2 Strap tensioned.jpg

4.3 Strap and clamps in place.jpg

5.1 Predrilling screw holes.jpg

5.2 Countersinking screw holes.jpg

5.3 Installing screws.jpg

5.4 Screws installed.jpg

6.1 Measuring diagonal.jpg

6.2 90 degree cut on end.jpg

6.3 90 degree cut on end.jpg

6.4 Glue added to corners.jpg

7.1 Putty applied over screws holes.jpg

7.2 Putty applied to gaps on corners.jpg

7.3 First coat of putty sanded back.jpg

7.4 Second coat of putty.jpg

7.5 Second coat of putty sanded back.jpg

8.1 Applying stain.jpg

8.2 Wiping back excess stain.jpg

8.3 Unit stained.jpg

8.4 Unit stained.jpg

9.1 Predrilling mounting holes.jpg

9.2 Mounting hanger.jpg

9.3 Complete.jpg

 

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