DIY Wood Christmas Tree Collar

Crafting Your Own DIY Wood Christmas Tree Collar: A Stylish Twist on Traditional Tree Skirts

Looking for DIY Christmas tree collar ideas? Bid farewell to the customary Christmas tree skirt, large basket or galvanized tree collar and welcome the allure of a DIY wood Christmas tree collar. This step-by-step guide shepherds you through the process, making it an ideal choice for both real and artificial trees.

The tree collar shines as a sophisticated remedy to camouflage the metal or plastic stand and unsightly cords at the base of your Christmas tree. Crafting your own wooden Christmas tree collar introduces a hint of rustic touch to your classic style.

Why Choose a DIY Tree Collar? The tree collar serves as an elegant solution to conceal the base of the tree, including the metal or plastic stand and any unsightly cords. By crafting your own wooden Christmas tree collar, you can effortlessly infuse a touch of farmhouse charm into your home decor.

The bottom of the tree can be unsightly, so it’s a great thing if you can cover it up with a wood Christmas tree box. 

Crafting Your Tree Collar: A Simple Tutorial Creating your very own tree collar with just a few pieces of wood is much simpler than you might anticipate. Just follow these steps to expertly fashion a 3-sided box that will beautifully complement your Christmas tree base.

Materials Needed for DIY Wood Christmas Tree Collar:

• 1×3 pine (refer to the cut list below)
• Plywood (3 pieces, each cut at 15×20 inches). You can use almost any thickness if you’re using scrap wood, but 3/8″ thickness would be a good choice if you have to buy new. 
• 1-inch brad nails
• Wood glue, (I prefer it over hot glue when using wood)
• 90-degree corner braces and 3/4″ screws (I used 2.5-inch corner braces in a four-pack from Home Depot)

Power Tools Required:

• Miter saw
• Brad nailer, narrow crown stapler or drill 
• sander 

Cutting

Cutting Instructions: Using a miter saw, cut the 1×3 pine wood as follows:

• 6 pieces @ 20 inches long
• 6 pieces @ 15 inches long
• 3 pieces @ 18 inches long with mitered ends at 45 degrees
• 6 pieces @ 7.5 inches long with 1 straight cut and 1 mitered end at 45 degrees

The angles are at 45 degrees, and the measurements are from long point to long point.

The overall dimensions of each side are 15 inches tall by 20 inches long.

Assembly of DIY Wood Christmas Tree Collar

To make one panel of the Christmas tree wood box stand, place the boards where you want them on top of the plywood piece. The 20″ pieces are the top and bottom, 15″ pieces on the sides.

Then pick up each piece of wood, apply glue to the back of each piece and set it down in place. Make sure you are square, and then shoot brad nails into the boards to secure in place. Be cautious not to use nails that are too long and penetrate through the plywood.

Then lay the long 18″ cross piece down and then the shorter 7.5″ pieces. You may need to trim off some to make them fit. Pick up each piece, apply glue, set back down and secure with a few brad nails.

For the second and third side, repeat the same layout and process.

Apply wood filler to the nail holes on the whole thing, sand the surface smooth, and proceed to paint or stain.

Paint or Staining the DIY Wood Christmas Tree Collar

It is easier at this point to paint or stain your panels before assembly. I made a few variations of the wooden Christmas tree collar. Light stain, dark stain and then white paint dry brushed over stain. Chalk paint, acrylic paint or latex paint can all be used since this will be an indoor tree collar.

I made a few different variations. Above is stained and then dry brushed with white paint.

Connecting the sides

Once all three sides are assembled, the next step is to use corner braces and 3/4″ screws to join the panels securely on the inside of the tree collar. Full disclosure: make sure you do this assembly on a flat surface so that the sides of each board are level.

Here are the braces I used from Home Depot.

Personalized Touches

Consider customizing your tree collar further by adding personalization, such as a last name on the front panel. Feel free to get creative and explore different designs and embellishments. There are a lot of great options if you use a stencil and paint for that perfect finishing touch.

This one I made with a custom last name for the front and did not put an “X” on it. The “X”s were only on the sides so I could put a stencil down and paint this Cut and Carry scene.

Thinking of turning your woodworking skills into a holiday business? Crafting and selling these wooden tree collars can be a lucrative addition to your seasonal offerings. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your craftsmanship and contribute to the holiday cheer.

If you’re hungry for more crafting inspiration, ideas and different options, consider joining the Wood Craft Blueprints membership. You’ll gain access to monthly tutorials and a supportive community, helping you expand your creative horizons. Get ready to create, decorate, and delight with your stunning DIY wood Christmas tree collar!

Create, Decorate, and Delight Crafting your very own DIY wood Christmas tree collar adds a unique and stylish element to your holiday decorations. Whether you’re enhancing the ambiance of your real tree or giving an artificial tree a more authentic look, this farmhouse-inspired collar is a great way to elevate your festive setup.

More Christmas woodworking projects: Check out this top-selling Christmas woodworking project here: https://www.woodcraftblueprint.com/diy-wood-christmas-tree-plans-with-2x4s/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – DIY Wood Christmas Tree Collar

Q1: What is a DIY wood Christmas tree collar, and how does it differ from a traditional Christmas tree skirt?A1: A DIY wood Christmas tree collar is a decorative wooden box that surrounds the base of your Christmas tree, providing a stylish alternative to the traditional fabric tree skirt. Unlike a tree skirt, which drapes around the stand, the collar is a three-sided box that hides the stand, cords, and any other unsightly elements at the base of your tree.

Q2: Can I use a DIY tree collar for both real and artificial Christmas trees?A2: Absolutely! The DIY tree collar is versatile and suitable for both real and artificial Christmas trees. It adds a charming touch to your holiday decor, regardless of the type of tree you have.

Q3: How do I make a DIY wood Christmas tree collar?A3: Our simple tutorial guides you through the process step-by-step. You’ll need materials such as 1×3 pine, 1/4″ plywood, brad nails, wood glue, corner braces, and screws. You’ll also require power tools like a miter saw and brad nailer. Detailed cutting and assembly instructions are provided in our tutorial.

Q4: Can I personalize my DIY tree collar?A4: Absolutely! You can add personalization by painting or staining the wood, incorporating designs, or even including a last name on the front panel. Get creative and make it uniquely yours.

Q5: Do I need woodworking experience to create a  beautiful Christmas tree collar?A5: While some basic woodworking skills are helpful, our tutorial is designed to be beginner-friendly. With clear instructions and the right tools, you can craft a beautiful tree collar even if you’re new to woodworking.

Q6: What types of paints or stains can I use for finishing the tree collar?A6: You have various options for finishing touches. You can use light or dark stain for a classic look, experiment with dry-brushing white paint over stain for a rustic feel, or choose chalk paint, acrylic paint, or latex paint. Since the tree collar will be indoors, you have the flexibility to select the finish that suits your decor.

Q7: Can I make and sell DIY wood Christmas tree collars?A7: Absolutely! If you’re a wood crafts enthusiast, crafting and selling these tree collars can be a great addition to your holiday season offerings. The unique and customizable design makes them a popular and potentially lucrative item for your customers.

Q8: How do I join the Wood Craft Blueprints membership for more crafting ideas?A8: Joining the Wood Craft Blueprints membership is easy. Simply visit our website and sign up. As a member, you’ll gain access to monthly tutorials, crafting plans, and a supportive community of fellow crafters to inspire and guide you.

Q9: Are the corner braces and screws included in the tutorial?A9: The tutorial provides guidance on the materials and tools you’ll need, including corner braces and screws. You can easily find these items at your local hardware store.

Q10: Can I use thicker plywood for the DIY tree collar?A10: Yes, you can use thicker plywood if you prefer. The 3/8″ plywood mentioned in the tutorial is a standard option, but using thicker plywood can add extra sturdiness and weight to your tree collar.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you create a stunning DIY wood Christmas tree collar that adds a unique and festive touch to your holiday decor.