3

I have a one-arm Delta toilet paper holder that I want to mount to the side of our daughter's bathroom vanity which is made of MDF.

The vanity side is 3/4 inch thick. I am not sure if MDF is sturdy enough for the holder, and if I need to add an extra support (small block of wood) OR use anchors.

Improve this question
4
  • 4
    How old is your daughter? Is she likely to use the holder as a handle?
    – Fizz
    Sep 14, 2017 at 16:48
  • 1
    Don't use anchors. Screws that penetrate most of the thickness of the panel are unlikely to come loose, especially if they're properly piloted. MDF is actually quite strong. Jamming them in with no pilot hole might mash things up and bulge the panel.
    – isherwood
    Sep 14, 2017 at 17:36
  • We had one that had no problems. Of course MDF falls apart due to moisture when you sneeze at it, so having children with an MDF vanity did not work. We finally threw ours out after a sewage backup and replaced it with a pedestal sink. Best decision ever.
    – Wayne Werner
    Sep 14, 2017 at 20:31
  • Yeah, don't use regular anchors. You could use "Molly" bolts or toggle bolts, but plain wood screws should work. (You should prefer the "sheet metal" style that have no taper.) If you can get behind, though, the block of wood or simply nuts on machine screws would be the best "belt-and-suspenders" approach.
    – Hot Licks
    Sep 15, 2017 at 3:46

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
17

It shouldn't be a problem. MDF doesn't have the best screw-holding strength, but TP holders are very light so it shouldn't be an issue. If you are concerned, you could put longer (1") bolts - not screws - through the MDF and put nuts on the back, so you're not relying on the pull-out strength of the MDF to hold the screws.

Improve this answer
1
  • 4
    toggle bolts are also an option if lack of access is an issue.
    – JimmyJames
    Sep 14, 2017 at 19:07
4

I had the same type of roll holder and vanity at one point. It did eventually become loose and twist a bit, but did not come off. I think your idea of a block of wood inside the vanity is a good one.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.