Trees do not always come with a Christmas tree base or stand. If your live or artificial tree did not come with a stand or if it broke, you cannot just stick the tree on the floor. It needs a stand to be safely supported. Instead of having to buy a stand, you can make a DIY wooden Christmas tree stand that is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
This DIY woodworking project can be as simple as you'd like, and the stand may be used next year as well.
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How to build a Christmas tree stand
To make a simple wood Christmas tree stand, cut four 6-inch-high pieces of 2x4s and four 20-inch pieces of 2x4s for the legs. Nail the smaller pieces onto the larger ones on the narrower ends, making them look like shortened letter "L"s. Then, stand the pieces on their sides with the smaller parts meeting in the middle. It should resemble a pinwheel with straight edges.
Before you drill holes for screws in your DIY Christmas tree stand, make sure that the stand fits around your tree. You may have to adjust the pieces a few times. Mark where the holes have to go using a marker and then drill the holes. Use sandpaper to smooth all the rough areas. Paint this wooden tree stand or leave it plain for a rustic look, otherwise place a tree skirt around it.
Tip
Make sure your DIY tree stand fits around the tree trunk base.
If you have an artificial tree, you can add some pieces of scrap wood or clean pallet wood to the base to make a tight fit and keep going until the tree is stable. For natural trees, you will need to provide room for a water source in your tree stand, as trees use up to 1 quart water per inch of trunk diameter per day. The container can be as simple as bucket in the center of the stand. Make sure that it is accessible on all sides.
Once the tree is in place, the stand needs to be leveled. Put screws in the side, allowing them to enter the trunk. Water the tree with a small funnel attached to a piece of rubber hose to ensure you don't spill water on the floor.
Another wooden Christmas tree stand
There are other tree stand styles you can use. One such style has a square base made from four sections of 2x4s nailed together to form an open square wood box. Then, a second set of 2x4s are nailed together in a pinwheel shape to form the top of the tree stand. This second section must be placed on top of the base and lined up so that it is flush with the opening. It should be centered on the base and nailed down.
The opening for the stand should fit snugly against the trunk. You will also need a water source if you have a real Christmas tree.
After the holiday season is over, you can mark the wooden pieces to indicate how the tree stand was put together to make things easier the following year. Your tree stand can be taken apart quickly with a drill, and you can store it safely until next Christmas. Another benefit to building this particular stand is that you can adjust the opening based on the size of the tree trunk. Feel free to paint the base to match your other holiday decor, or stencil some snowflakes on it for another fun effect.
Tip
Feel free to paint the base to match your other holiday decor, or stencil some snowflakes on it for another fun effect.
Another tree stand design style
There are even more Christmas tree base designs available online. Another popular choice starts with two crossed 1x4s that are screwed together, with wooden supports underneath. Then, make a taller, vertical wood support from four pieces of wood. The trunk goes in the middle. This vertical part is supported by four wood braces, which are screwed in. Use waterproof glue on all of the joints for added stability.
No matter which type of Christmas tree stand you build, you're free to customize it to suit your home decor. Enjoy your simple woodworking project and the holiday season.