This project was built and designed by Nick from Rocky River Woodworks. It’s a quick, functional build made from a single piece of wood and a short length of rope—perfect for woodworkers looking to create a high-margin item in under 20 minutes.
This rustic-style toilet paper holder is ideal for farmhouse or cabin-style bathrooms and sells well both online and in local markets. Nick’s design keeps the process efficient while allowing plenty of room for personalization and finishing options.
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Why This Project Stands Out
What makes this project appealing is the balance of speed, simplicity, and profit potential. All you need is a small piece of pine and some twine or rope, yet the finished piece has strong visual appeal and solid functionality.
Nick notes that similar holders sell for over $20. That’s a strong return considering the minimal materials and build time involved, making it a smart choice for batch production or weekend shop income.
Basic Materials and Tool List
The project begins with a standard pine board, which is affordable and easy to find at most hardware stores. The board is cut into two pieces—one for the backplate that mounts to the wall and another for the holder arm.
You’ll also need a drill, a saw (jigsaw, bandsaw, or even a circular saw), and a piece of rope. The rope is what supports the toilet paper roll, making this design both unique and easy to use.
Cutting and Layout
Nick cuts the board into two sections of roughly equal size. One becomes the wall-mounted backboard, and the other gets modified to hold the rope loop.
The holder arm receives a shallow notch on one edge, allowing the rope to rest securely without slipping. This notch doesn’t need to be complex and can be cut with any saw you’re comfortable using. It’s a small but important detail that keeps the design functional.
Drilling for the Rope
Two holes are drilled through the top piece to accommodate the rope. The hole size depends on your chosen twine thickness, but a 1/4″ to 3/8″ drill bit usually works well.
The rope is inserted through the bottom, looped through both holes, and tied off underneath. This knot prevents the rope from pulling back through and keeps the toilet paper roll suspended cleanly in place.
Assembly and Fit
Once the notch is cut and the holes are drilled, the arm is glued and nailed to the backboard. This forms the basic structure of the holder, and it’s important to make sure everything stays square and flush during this step.
Nick recommends using a roll of toilet paper during the assembly to get the rope length just right. Too much slack can make the roll droop, while a tight fit can make it hard to replace.
Easy Mounting System
To make mounting simple, Nick pre-drills and countersinks holes in the backboard. This makes installation easy for customers or buyers, whether they’re screwing into wall studs or drywall anchors.
It’s a nice touch that adds usability and keeps the holder solid once installed. Countersinking also keeps screw heads flush with the wood for a cleaner finish.
Optional Finish for Rustic Appeal
The holder can be left natural or finished with stain, sealant, or even a light charring technique to bring out the grain. Nick demonstrates a subtle charred look, which enhances the rustic, handmade appearance.
You can easily vary the finish depending on the market you’re targeting—lighter woods for modern homes or deeper finishes for traditional and farmhouse settings.
A Profitable Build for Woodworkers
What makes this build great isn’t just how easy it is—it’s how well it sells. These holders require very little material and just a few tools, yet they provide a functional item that people are happy to pay for.
With a total cost of just a few dollars in wood and rope, the resale price of $20–$25 leaves plenty of room for profit. It’s an excellent option for craft fairs, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, or retail booths.
Tips to Maximize Results
Nick offers a few practical tips to get the most out of this project:
- Use quality pine for a smoother finish and better grain.
- Experiment with different ropes like jute, twine, or leather to match different décor styles.
- Keep the rope snug by adjusting with a test roll before finalizing the length.
- Batch your builds to save time—cut multiple boards at once and drill in stages.
A Quick Win That Builds Skills and Inventory
This rustic toilet paper holder is the kind of project that’s satisfying to build and easy to repeat. It’s a great skill-building exercise for measuring, notching, drilling, and simple finishing—all wrapped up in a fast-paced, low-risk build.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking for a reliable side hustle item, this project hits the sweet spot between speed and value.
Please support Nick by visiting his website here: https://www.rockyriverwoodworks.com/.