Question - do you know if it's just standard mdf or if it's high density fiber board?

Many people mount toilet paper holders to vanitites made out of mdf. They use pilot holes before using screws + I know someone who attached a piece of wood inside of the vanity right behind where the toilet paper holder was going to be placed for extra holding power for the screws. Their toilet paper holder has been installed for at least 7-8 years at this point.

Medallion Silverline cabinets says hardwood frame, laminated furniture board sides (without the upgrade). Does not say high density. 1/2” thick laminated sides.

I think that doing the pilot holes + using a piece of wood behind the wall of the vanity where the tp holder will be mounted is the best way to do it.

agree with @dani_m08 always drill pilot holes and IF you have clearance... is the opening opposite the TP holder spot a cabinet, or is it a drawer? ANY builder knows how to cleanly drill into a cabinet/wall without spliiting.

Make certain it is placed forward enough, so you don't need to twist.

There are recessed tp holders. We have these in our 35 yo house on the sides of 2 cabinets. They are nice since the roll is recessed into the wall, especially with today's huge rolls.

Recessed tp holder at Ferguson LINK

We use a toilet paper holder/stand. It’s very convenient and handy.

Lyn, there would be a drawer behind the holder, but the drawer has bottom glides, so not an issue as far as affecting the drawer moving in and out.

Be aware of clearance between inside surface of vanity side panel and outer surface of side of internal drawer. You don't want the wooden block to touch the drawer.

You have a few options. There are glue up, suction cup and even SM Command stick up like options for TP holders. You could use particle board screws-they are made to go into furniture grade particle board or furniture grade MDF/chip board. The last choice would be similar to putting in a cabinet knob and that is to drill right through and put a bolt from the back into the toilet paper holder. You would have the find the exact holder to match your attachment options.

Agree. For me, mounted cheapens the look.

Get a stand. Often the holder on a vanity ends up behind the user and can be difficult depending on age and mobility or just awkward .

I use an over the tank holder. I didn't want to drill a hole into either of my brand new vanities either. Not hard to reach back to grab it and it's out of sight. I have the Moen Eva fixtures as well and returned the TP holder because I didn't like that my only other option for install was on the wall where you saw it as soon as you opened the door.

I have this one, nice base does not tip, can hold extra rolls,

Pic

I just installed a Command toilet paper holder on the side of my sink base cabinet. Did not have to drill any holes, has held up perfectly.