Make this easy DIY pallet wood Christmas tree before the holidays end. I put this together in under 30 minutes using scrap wood from my garage.
My friend Sharon sent me a pin months ago of a pallet Christmas tree. When she visited in early December, we made one together. I had pieces laid out for weeks and finally threw mine together the night before a small gathering — nothing like a bit of last-minute decorating.
Power Tools You’ll Need
- Drill
- Miter saw or circular saw
- Reciprocating saw (if dismantling an old pallet)
- Orbital sander
Supplies You’ll Need
- Reclaimed wood planks (any size you prefer)
- Background paint or wood stain (color of your choice)
- Accent paint for decorations
- Screws long enough to penetrate both boards
- Wood glue
- Lettering stencils (for messages)
- Stencil brushes
- Outdoor sealer (if the tree will be displayed outside)
How to Make a DIY Christmas Tree Pallet
1. Cut the Boards
Decide how tall you want the tree and cut a main backboard to that height — mine was about 4 feet. For the tree front, cut staggered planks so the widths form the triangular silhouette of a tree. I cut eight pieces that ranged from about 2 feet down to 6 inches for the top. Most of my pieces came from a scrap pile; only a few needed trimming to the right length.
2. Sand the Boards
Use an orbital sander or sanding block to remove rough edges and splinters. A well-sanded surface not only looks better but prevents splinters and makes painting or staining easier.
3. Attach the Boards
Lay the front boards on the backboard (or “trunk”) to arrange the tree shape. Apply wood glue at each joint and secure with screws long enough to pass through both boards. For a rustic look, drive screws from the front so fastener heads show; if you prefer a cleaner front, screw from the back. I used a drill and countersink bit before screwing since my nail gun wouldn’t cooperate.
I filled visible screw holes with wood putty and let it dry a couple of hours before finishing.
4. Paint or Stain the Wood Christmas Tree
Choose a background color or stain. I brushed on a quick, imperfect coat of Antique White (I had some on hand) — it took about ten minutes. The tree already looked charming at this stage, so you could stop here if you prefer a simple, neutral look.
5. Stencil Decorations or a Holiday Message
To personalize the piece, I stenciled a red star at the top and painted the message “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” down the front planks. I didn’t sweat centering everything precisely — the hand-painted, slightly imperfect look fit the rustic style.
This step is highly customizable: stencil any holiday sentiment, a family name, or decorative motifs. You can also paint simple ornaments, snowflakes, stripes, or leave the boards plain and let natural wood grain show through.
6. Display the Rustic Christmas Tree
Place the finished tree near your front door, mantel, or porch to welcome guests. I wrapped mine with string lights like a garland so it glows at night. If outdoors, apply an outdoor sealer to protect the wood from weather.
The finished piece is a warm reminder of the season’s meaning and adds handcrafted charm to holiday decor. This project was nearly free for me — I only bought stencils and a bit of red craft paint.
Final Thoughts
This DIY pallet wood Christmas tree is simple, quick, and incredibly adaptable. You can hang ornaments from the boards, convert it into a small advent calendar by attaching clothespins with daily notes, or outline the tree with LED rope lights for a modern twist. Add a unique topper, paint whimsical patterns, or use stencils to create meaningful messages — the project scales to your time and skill level.
Whether you’re upcycling pallet wood or using reclaimed planks, this rustic tree is a satisfying weekend project that adds personality to your seasonal display. If you make one, tag me on Instagram @turquoisehome — I’d love to see how you customize yours!
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