Scavenger Chic

Wooden Crate Christmas Tree Collar DIY

• By Joan
• January 12, 2022
• 3 Comments

Christmas Tree Collar DIY

I have one more post from Christmas and then I promise, I’ll move on. This one is for a DIY Christmas Tree Collar.

I was browsing on my Instagram feed last month, and  this picture popped up from Bridgewaydesigns.  Scrolling thru the comments I found many asking “Where did you get the box?” 

Of course I’m thinking, just make one.  And since it was still a couple of weeks until Christmas and I still had plenty of time so that is exactly what I did.

I’ve had my current Christmas tree skirt for well over 30 years.  This is actually the underside of the skirt.  The reverse is a patchwork quilt with very dated fabric.  It was beyond time for a new base.

My original thought, Plan A,  was to  make a collar out of old shutters.

All of my shutters were too wide.  This louvred door was a great width but I only had one.  Just enough for 2 sides.

Plan B.  I had a couple crates which I could dismantle and use the 2 long sides from each.

Unfortunately, these 2 bins hold all my rusty bits.  What would I do with all my crappy scrap?

I left them as they were.  No reason to create more problems for myself, and they do fit rather nicely under the workbench.

Plan C.  Pallet wood of course.  My current stock is kind of low.  I would have to take apart a few more pallets.  And, besides,  the pallets I currently have on hand don’t have a patina yet…they look too new.

OK, I’m scrapping plan C.

Plan D it is! What I did have was a bunch of reclaimed old oak hardwood flooring. It already looked aged,  it was nail free, it had character and, the best part,  it was free to me.

This will give you a rough idea for how much wood you will need.  The first number is how many pieces you will need, the second is the length. Do not precut the angled pieces, you’ll mark those soon.

If your tree is larger or smaller you may need to adjust your measurements.

Each of my sides are 15 1/4″ tall by 24 1/2″ wide.

Layout all your sides.

I’m using construction adhesive and reinforcing with finish nails from a nail gun.

Mark your angled pieces and cut.  Attach with construction adhesive and nails.

Use a straight edge to mark your remaining cuts.  Cut with a miter saw.

When all sides are complete, the sides of the tree collar are attached with 2 long screws.  You can add even more screws to make a full box or just fit these 2 pieces around the tree as is.  Since my tree was already up, that is what I did..

Easy to store flat by taking out the screws.

If you butt one side up against the other you’ll have a bunch of rough ends showing.  This slat of wood I nailed on covers all those rough ugly ends and was already prefinished…it’s a shutter slat.

I used antique wax to make the finish just a little darker so I would have a little more contrast with the floor.  I could have also gone the other way with a whitewash or white wax.  It’s your preference.

Can you pick out all my projects?  The lamps, pillows, coffee table, candy cane sign, the upholstered chair. and of course the tree collar. 😆 

Until next time, stay inspired.

Related posts:

Upcycled Oak Hardwood Flooring Frame DIY Bar Cart with Upcycled Sewing Machine Drawers, Hardwood Flooring and a Shutter Curbside Rescue Blanket Chest DIY Decorating, Scavenger Chic Style