Make this easy DIY wooden pallet Christmas tree before the holidays wrap up. I put it together in roughly 30 minutes using scrap wood from my garage.
My friend Sharon shared a pin with me of a pallet Christmas tree several months ago. And when she visited at the beginning of December, we made one for her.
I had all the pieces laid out to make mine for a couple of weeks, then threw it together right before some friends came over last week. Nothing beats last-minute decorating.
Power Tools You'll Need:
- Drill
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Reciprocating saw (if you need to take apart an old pallet)
- Orbital sander
Supplies You'll Need:
- Reclaimed wood planks (size of your choice)
- Base paint or wood stain (color of your choice)
- Accent paint (color of your choice)
- Screws (long enough to go through your boards)
- Wood glue
- Lettering stencils
- Stencil brushes
- Outdoor sealer (if using it outside)
How to Make a DIY Christmas Tree Pallet
1. Cut the Boards
Using a miter saw or circular saw, cut the main back board to whatever length you like. Mine was about 4 feet tall. Then cut the boards for the front tree into staggered lengths. I cut 8 pieces for the front of my tree, ranging from 2 feet long down to 6 inches for the top board.
Most of these pieces came straight from my scrap wood pile. I had to trim a few to the right length and width, but not many.
2. Sand the Boards
Use an orbital sander or a sanding block to smooth out any rough edges or splinters. You don't want anyone getting hurt by your pallet tree!
3. Attach the Boards
Set the front boards on top of the tree trunk or back board. Apply some wood glue to the joint, then screw them in with long screws that go through both boards. I screwed them in from the front for a more rustic look, but you can screw from the back as well to hide the screw holes.
My nail gun wouldn't cooperate, so I used my drill and a countersink bit first. Then I screwed the boards together.
I filled the screw holes with wood putty and let it dry for a couple of hours.
4. Paint or Stain the Wood Christmas Tree
Then I brushed on a quick, messy coat of paint (Antique White from Sherwin Williams, which I already had on hand). It probably took me 10 minutes.
I didn't snap a photo of this step because I was rushing to get ready for the party. That's as far as I got before that night. And you could stop right there. It looked pretty cute plain, but I wanted a little something more ...
5. Stencil Some Decorations or a Holiday Message
I decided to stencil something on the front of my tree for some extra Christmas spirit. I painted a red star at the top using a stencil, then stenciled "Jesus is the Reason for the Season" down the front of the wood planks.
I didn't measure or try to make everything perfectly centered. I just painted. It turned out just fine.
Truly, the possibilities are endless with this step, because you can add any holiday message or sentiment you like.
6. Display the Rustic Christmas Tree
Now it sits by my front door and welcomes our guests. I wrapped it in Christmas lights like a garland across the front, so it glows at night and my visitors can enjoy it after dark!
It also reminds us of the real reason for Christmas, which I love. I don't want to get lost in all the gifts and food and forget what it's all about. It was super easy and nearly free (I only had to buy the stencils and red craft paint).
Final Thoughts
I love how it turned out and how simple this project was! Truly, the sky is the limit with this DIY pallet wood Christmas tree, since you could hang ornaments from the branches. Or make an advent calendar by gluing clothespins onto the tree and adding a fun idea for each day.
Add a fun topper to the top of the tree, or string lights along its outline. Really, your creativity is the only limit when it comes to spreading holiday cheer with an easy project like this DIY pallet Christmas tree!
If you make one, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see!
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