Concrete 'Tissue Holder'

Hello to all of you instructable-people!

A toilet-visit can be a dull thing to do if you don't have your smartphone to pass the time, this why I made a interesting and eye-catching tissue holder. Why concrete? I always wanted to experiment with this rough but beautiful material.

Round shapes in concrete look futuristic and it always made me wonder how you have to create them. If you want to know it too, follow my steps and don't forget to vote (if you like it)!

Step 1: Research and Design

I was sure about giving it a round shape. After some sketching I was happy with the shape, because I thought it was the most interesting. 

A little scheme:

Step 2: Creating the Mold

The mold I created is made of multiple layers of strong mdf. The layers all have the same shape that I designed. This mold is reusable and easy to open/close. (This is a very important aspect you should think of when designing something that needs a mold to be created)
Go to your nearby carpenter for assistance or make it yourself!

For the inner hole I used a pvc-tube. (as you will see in the next step)

Advice: put some plastic foil on the inside of the mold, it will give the concrete a flatter surface.

Step 3: Molding the Product

I used Weber - fast drying - mortar from a local construction shop.

1 : close the mold firmly
2: Attach the pvc-tube (I used a triangle on the bottom, it won't move) I holded the little one by hand, you may want to have someone to help you..
3: Put some wire mesh in the curve (stronger product)
4: Pour the mortar in and press on it to make sure the space is filled completely

Step 4: Unmolding

Carefully unmold the product after about 14 hours of drying in a dry place (about 22 degrees celsius).

Advise: cut the pvc-tube in the length once, it is easier to take it away!

Step 5: Finishing

After taking away the pvc-tube (not the little one) I made the tissue holder out of rebar to give it a industrial look. (Can be found in every construction shop) A metal-bender does the work.

To keep it in the hole, attach a little cap with bigger diameter than the hole.

Step 6: Use It!

Thanks for following the steps to create this handy, eye-catching product!

I attached it to the wall with Bison-glue.... ;)

I'm from Belgium and my native language is Dutch so there might be some spelling mistakes... 

Comments

[oilitright]

Bison-glue? Anyone know what is equivalent in USA? Gorilla Glue?

[Melia Esperas]

You can also vibrate / tap the walls of the mold after you pour the mixture, it helps move out air bubbles.

As for holding the pipes in place. you can cut a square end cap of MDF with holes for only the PVC and the smaller pipe. Then raise the pipes well above the finished surface to give you room to pour and use a second more simplified temple on top to hold the pipes in alignment for you.

I love your idea by the way. I want to use this for sure, thanks for sharing.

[jlms]

How much does it weight?

[npeeters]

It is lighter than it looks! About 2kg, 4.4 pounds

[kewpiedoll99]

Second the upvote for the MDF mold method. Did you cut into the MDF with any special equipment (i.e., laser cutter or something exotic)?

[npeeters]

Hello, I cut the mdf with a CNC-milling machine, I know a nearby woodworker. The edges are made manually with a bandsaw. Some sanding and gluing to finish.

[sniffydogs]

Love it! The "spare" holder is great!

[crjeea]

If you cut a slit the concrete and sanded it all smooth it could dispense the roll as well as holding it (:

[npeeters]

True, I thought about that, but now the wall acts a 'brake' for the roll because it always leans against it

[crjeea]

I thought that might end up being the case. I have seen other things on here made with concrete and it appears that the wetter mixes end up with a smoother result, be that with a longer drying time. Maybe if the "finished "article was polished or perhaps varnished it might help with the friction issue (:
I can see,as per usual, some experimentation may be needed here :D

[mid_life_crisis]

Darn it! I have the perfect picture to add here and I can't figure out for the life of me how to post it.

[Arabian Outdoors]

this would be good for a night clubs bathrooms they wouldn't have to worry about drunk people destroying their toilet roll holders

[npeeters]

lol.. I hadn't thought of that

[The Rambler]

This is incredibly cool.

[parisusa]

Same design would look neat attached to the wall with the hole looking out like round "shelves" & like gcanders mentioned: using a few. Great job and Good English! :)

[npeeters]

Thank you. Because the mold is reusable it is possible to make multiple products!

[Rombie]

Nice design and build. Inspired me to build something similar. You got my vote.

[npeeters]

Send me a picture if you made something similar! thank you for voting

[gcanders]

Pretty Cool. Stacking a few of them would make a neat industrial storage solution. I would prefer to add some holes in the back for mounting, though. I like how you did the MDF for the mold, too.

[npeeters]

Thanks for your feedback and interest!