Build your own Christmas tree shelf! This Christmas tree shelf is floor standing, so no need to drill holes in the wall! It collapses for easy storage, and sets up in minutes. This Christmas tree shelf can replace a tree, or be used as decor, shelving, a card display, ornament display or more!
Free step by step plans with detailed diagrams, shopping and cut list from Ana-White.com
Why I Built this Project
I have quite a bit of holiday decor but not a lot of places to display it. This allows me to put it all in one place! I love the look of this Free Standing Christmas Tree Shelf and how low profile it is. It has a small footprint for homes or apartments that may not have a lot of space for a regular tree. I am considering not even getting a tree this year because I love this so much! No watering, no pine needles, no mess, but still just as festive!
Why We Love this Standing Christmas Tree Shelf
- Stacks and Stores Away
- Budget Friendly Tree
- Fun to Decorate
- Easy to Build
- Finish as Desired
- Great display for Christmas Decor
- Built Using Basic Tools and Materials
- Gift it or Build for Holiday Craft Fairs
- NO tree skirt, tree base, fluffing, lights, clean up and all the other hassles of a tree
- Can be used to store small gifts
- GREAT for offices, apartments, or anywhere else you need an easy and functional Christmas tree display - without the hassles of a tree!
How I Built this Project
I cut and assembled each section as I went. I also pre-sanded each board before assembling.
Use glue and nails to assemble each section of the 1x frame.
I used a 3/4" spacer for the bottom horizontal shelf placement on each section.
Continue onto the next section. The parts of the tree with no back are a little more flexible, be sure to use plenty of glue and nails. Still using the 3/4" spacer to get the correct shelf placement on each section.
For the middle section I just cut and screwed the cedar fence pickets to the back. Make sure all sides are flush.
If you want a shorter version just build the top 3 sections!
Continue the build process for the next section.
For the bottom section I recommend laying it out and cutting the back pieces to ensure the best fit.
Stack all the pieces together and screw at the overlap, I used 1 1/4" kreg screws.
I took this apart, unscrewed the back fence pickets, stained the main frame and then put it all together again.
I love that is collapses for easy storage!
Watch! Build Video for This Project
Free Plans to Build Your Own Standing Christmas Tree Shelf
Ready to build this yourself? Here's the free plans, enjoy!
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Preparation
- 6 - 1x6 or cedar fence pickets, 6 feet long (not dog eared)
- 1-1/4" and 3/4" collated brad nails
- wood glue
- 1-1/4" self tapping star bit screws
- 2x8 or larger for the base, at least 16" long
NOTE: I used (4) 1x6 for the frame and cedar fence pickets for the back, I choose this because the 1x6 are a little thicker and there's a little more width to nail into.
MAIN FRAME PIECES
- 1 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 14-7/8" - long point to long point, ends not parallel, top end is cut at 50 degrees, bottom end is cut at 20 degrees off square (top, longer piece)
- 1 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 13-5/8" - long point to long point, ends not parallel, top end is cut at 50 degrees, bottom end is cut at 20 degrees off square (top, shorter piece)
- 8 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 13-5/8" - long point to short point, both ends cut at 20 degrees, ends parallel (sides, lower layers)
- 1 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 8" - long point to long point, both ends cut at 20 degrees off square, long point to long point measurement (top, shelf)
- 1 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 15-1/8" - both ends cut at 20 degrees off square, long point to long point measurement (second layer, shelf)
- 1 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 22-1/4" - both ends cut at 20 degrees off square, long point to long point measurement (third layer, shelf)
- 1 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 29-1/2"" - both ends cut at 20 degrees off square, long point to long point measurement (fourth layer, shelf)
- 1 - 1x6 or fence picket @ 36-5/8" - both ends cut at 20 degrees off square, long point to long point measurement (bottom, shelf)
- 2x8 or larger for the base, at least 16" long
BACK PIECES, in order of top to bottom, long point to long point measurements, both ends cut at 20 degrees off square, ends NOT parallel
- 4-7/8"
- 9-5/8"
- 19-1/8"
- 23-7/8"
- 33-1/2"
- 38-1/8"
This tree should be built so the layers are screwed together for easy disassembly and nesting storage.
The back can be substituted for cedar fence pickets, if using plywood is not preferred.
Instructions
Step 1
Cut the top pieces and match. Attach together with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.
Step 2
Use two rows of cedar fence pickets, with a small gap in between, to cover the back. Attach with 3/4" brad nails and glue.
Step 3
Build the next layer using 1-1/4" brad nails and glue. Test that it fits under the top. Do not attach to the top at this time.
Step 4
Layout the next row, and build.
Step 5
To the back of the third row, add cedar fence pickets as shown and attach with glue and 3/4" brad nails or staples.
Step 6
Repeat for the fourth row.
Step 7
Add the final row, attach a back to it.
Step 8
Add back pieces to the back of the bottom row.
Step 9
Attach the base to the bottom with 1-1/4" screws.
Step 10
Separate out the pieces and finish with a stain.
To reassemble, stack and then attach where the sides lap with 1-1/4" screws.
