Ditch Boring Paper Towel Holders: There's A Cuter Way To Decorate Your Countertops

That drab paper towel holder isn't doing anything for your kitchen. Most paper towel holders are simply functional, but this charming DIY is also funny countertop decor. Creator TwistedWoodsmn on YouTube explains how to make a paper towel dispenser that looks like a classic picnic table with benches. With a bit of scrap wood, you can ditch the basic paper towel holder for a cuter alternative that adds extra storage. The roll of towels is situated beneath the tabletop, and a sheet can be pulled through the slats of the table to easily rip it. Plus, the table can also hold other countertop essentials, like salt and pepper shakers or small odd and ends.

This tongue-in-cheek decoration is fairly simple to construct, despite its complex look. Any scrap wood should work, making it an affordable alternative to commercial holders. Even if you choose to purchase lumber, this project won't break the bank. To build this budget-friendly paper towel storage, you'll need a saw, a staple gun, staples, and wood glue. Alternatively, a drill and screws could construct this picnic table. This holder would be perfect as a functional dining table centerpiece or a napkin dispenser for outdoor meals, especially if you jazz it up with paint or wood stain building it.

TwistedWoodsmn broke down a large 1x8x6 board into 20, small 1-inch-wide boards of varying lengths to create perfectly sized lumber for this project. These will construct the tabletop, benches, legs, and the parts that hold the towel roll. The DIYer also cut one strip into four 1-inch cubes.

If you want your picnic table to look like TwistedWoodsmn's, cut two strips to be longer than the diameter of your towel roll for the short ends of the table. Lay them parallel to each other, with enough space to fit the length of the roll between. Staple five long strips across to join these ends and build the tabletop, with four shorter planks that have slanted ends for the legs to sit flush against it. Staple two of these pieces to the bar at each end, creating "A" frame legs.

Then, staple one of the holder pieces horizontally across each set of legs. The ends will stick out past the table's sides, creating the base for your benches. Connect the exposed ends of the holder on each side of the table with two more planks to form the benches. Construct the roll holder pieces by gluing two cubes into the center of a board. Leave a space between the wooden cubes that's wide enough for the removable dowel holder. Repeat to make an identical piece for the other side. 

For the finishing touch in turning scrap wood into useful DIY storage, use one long, wooden bar to fit into the roll of paper towels and placed in the notches situated beneath the table legs. Finally, put the long rod into the paper towel tube and wedge it between the notches under the table. Decorate your picnic table creation if desired, then watch as this becomes the perfect asset for your kitchen countertops ... and a lot cuter than the average paper towel holder.