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How we created a Christmas tree forest for FREE using scrap wood
Through the course of constant DIY projects, we’ve accumulated quite the pile of scrap wood. This month, we’re making an effort to create new projects out of the scrap wood rather than buying anything new.
After we created a cute Christmas Countdown that was shaped like a Christmas tree, I was inspired to make our first scrap wood project–a Christmas tree forest! We made about 50 trees in less than 2 hours. They are super simple, but look so good!
Alright, let’s start DIYing!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, I earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you a penny more)!
Tools
What You’ll Need
- Paint or stain (we used Minwax Special Walnut, Fruitwood, Weathered Oak, and True Black)
- 1×2, 1×3, 1x,4 boards
- 120-220 grit sandpaper
How to Make Wood Trees Out of Scrap Boards
New to DIY? Download our free 5 Steps to Getting Start with DIY guide!
Step 1: cut the wood
Select an angle that is between 10 and 30-degrees and set your miter saw. The larger than angle, the less steep your trees will be.
Cut the top of the tree by creating a triangle with your miter saw. You can adjust your miter saw to the other side for the second cut or you can flip your board over and cut from the opposite side.
Mark where you want to cut the next board. Place the board you are going to cut underneath the triangle you created in step two. Decide how much overhang you want and then mark the board with a pencil. Cut your 2nd (3rd) tiers.
Note: you can make your trees different sizes by changing the board size or by changing the angle.
If you want to make your trees even more unique, cut some trunks out of 1x2s or square dowels.
Step 2: glue
Glue your pieces together to create trees. We would start from the top and work our way down. We glued the second piece to the top piece and then we glue that on top of the 3rd tier. We let them dry standing up.
Note: If you have larger trees, you can clamp them together as the glue dries.
STEP 3: sand
Sand your trees using 120-220 grit sandpaper.
Step 4: stain or paint
That’s it! If you like the look of the trees, add a Christmas Countdown to your forest! We have a very simple tutorial that includes a free printable so you don’t even have to think about spacing for the numbers and nails! Check out the full tutorial here.
After these scrap wood Christmas trees turned out so well, we decided to make more holiday themed wood art including these adorable wooden ghosts.
Thank you! Do you have to flip your 2nd and 3rd boards to get your angles to go in the same direction?