A DIY Paper Towel Holder Is Easier Than You Think With This Concrete Idea

What makes a great paper towel holder? It needs to keep the paper towels off the countertop — you don't want them touching germs or getting soaked from lingering moisture. A sturdy, weighted base is also important to keep the dispenser from constantly tipping over whenever you try to tear off a piece. Luckily, you don't need complicated woodworking skills to make one yourself. The DIY version from Ruslana, aka Cherry Lady, on YouTube checks those boxes. She pours concrete into a round mold and adds a thick wooden dowel into it to create a stylish, weighted paper towel holder that doesn't take up much counter space. It's also surprisingly simple to make.

If you don't already have concrete mix for this DIY, you can grab a small bag at a home improvement store. Another key item you need is a mold — a small, round food container with a lid is ideal. Look for one that's roughly the diameter of a paper towel roll and deep enough to create a stable base. Finally, choose a thick round dowel or a section of a wooden closet rod to form the upright holder. It should be narrower than a paper towel tube core, which is usually about 1½ inches in diameter.

You can go basic with just those supplies, but dressing it up with extra touches can make it more unique. Examples include dye for the cement and a finial for the rod's top. The original creator also adds lace around the base. Whatever you choose, you get a durable, functional finished product. And if you're replacing an older one with this cement version, check out the genius ways to use an old paper towel holder, so you don't have to toss it.

This is one of those budget-friendly paper towel storage hacks you'll wish you knew sooner because it's easy to make. Mix a small amount of concrete according to the package instructions, then add dye to the wet mix if you want color. You can also divide the mixture and do different hues for a layered effect. Or, throw in small pebbles or tiny seashells for texture. 

Pour the prepared concrete into the mold and smooth the top to ensure there are no bumps. You could also press a textured surface onto the base or push in pebbles or other small objects to add dimension. Now, cut a hole in the container's lid that's the same diameter as the rod. Position the rod in the cement, slide the lid over it, and secure the lid to hold the rod upright while the base dries. Check that the dowel is centered and perfectly vertical before leaving the concrete to cure, since even a slight angle will be noticeable once you add a roll of paper towels.

Once it's dry, remove the concrete from the mold. You can add other embellishments at this time, from painting the base to gluing on other accents. Adding a small finial on the top of the rod also creates a cute accent — just make sure it's narrow enough for the tube to fit over. To create a lacy border like the original creator, glue a piece of ribbon around the bottom edge of the mold. Your cardboard tubes should slide on and off the post easily, and when you're done with them, you can upcycle the empty paper towel rolls into stunning decor.