Grocery Bag Dispenser

Nail two 1x6 boards together as shown to form the front panel, elevating the inset board on a scrap piece of the same stock to get an accurate 3/4" inset depth. Repeat to build a second matching assembly for the back.

Lay out the top and bottom with the center board in place, and measure and cut the side pieces to fit (roughly 18" long). Nail the sides to the front and back assemblies with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.

Nail the final 1x6 board into the center. Cut the loading and dispensing openings — a jigsaw cut into a clean rounded or squared slot looks more purposeful than a plain drilled hole, which tends to read as a birdhouse opening instead of a bag dispenser.

Cut a scrap 2x3 or 2x4 to length and screw it to the wall where you want the dispenser hung. Slide the dispenser down over the cleat and secure with a couple of 1-1/4" screws driven through from inside. Metal shelf brackets or a picture-hanging kit are alternatives if you'd rather not use a cleat.