A fresh take on the traditional Christmas tree: build your own unique decoration

A wooden construction stands in front of a wall that is festively decorated. — Time for something different: A Christmas tree doesn’t always have to have pine needles.

Difficulty

medium
Cost

60 £
Duration

3 - 8 h

A Christmas tree is part of parcel of festive decorations in most households. But does it really always have to be a pine or fir tree? We say it’s time for a change! How about trying out a somewhat unusual design that’s minimalist, creative and best of all, sustainable? We’ll show you how you can make your own wonderful alternative to the traditional Christmas tree from wood.

It should go without saying that your safety is paramount throughout every step of the project, so make sure you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. You can find an overview of the correct protective clothing you need when using each type of tool here

You need

Tools

Utilities

compass
template
pencil
cloth
pocket rule

Materials

MDF wooden board, solid-coloured, 19 mm: 1,750 x 825 mm / 750 x 330 mm
Wooden bracket, 190 x 140 x 30 mm
T20 Torx screws, 3.5 x 30 mm
Wood oil

L: Length, W: Width, H: Height, D: Diameter

Let's go - step by step

Step 1 5

Draw out the shape

Pencil lines have been drawn on a wooden board. They form a unique shape.

A shape is being traced on a large, black wooden board using a roof batten.

You need: roof batterns, pencil, template, compass, pocket rule, MDF wooden board 1,750 x 825 x19 mm

Your alternative Christmas tree is easier to make than you think. And best of all: Each part is sawn out from one large, solid-coloured MDF wooden board.
You can find the parts you’ll need in the template we’ve made available for download.
Simply print out the template and transfer the shapes and dimensions to the board using a roof batten, pocket rule and compass.

Download the template here .

Step 2 5

Saw out the circles

A hole is being drilled into a circle marking on a wooden board.

A round shape is being cut out from a wooden board using a jigsaw.

A round hole is drilled on a wooden board using a Forstner drill bit.

You need: Cordless Rotary Hammer Uneo Maxx, Wood drill bit: 6 mm, PST 800 PEL, T119BO Jigsaw Blade HCS, Forstner bit: 50 mm

You should start sawing out the round elements of your alternative Christmas tree after you have drawn out all the measurements.
To do so, drill a hole on the circle marking (image 1), place the jigsaw on it and saw along the line (image 2). But make sure to only use a fine curved jigsaw blade for wood.
Repeat the above steps for all round elements. If you are using devices from the 18 V system, you can use the same rechargeable battery for the saw and rotary hammer. Simply swap it and continue working!

TIP

Our template features holes with a diameter of precisely 50 mm. Instead of having to make a very narrow cut with the jigsaw, you could also simply use a Forstner drill bit with this diameter (image 3).

Step 3 5

Saw out the straight pieces

A piece of a wooden board is being sawn out using a jigsaw.

A shape is being sawn out from a wooden board.

You need: PST 800 PEL, Accessories for jigsaws, square roof batten

Have you sawn out and drilled all of the round pieces? Then it’s time to get to work on the straight ones. Take the rechargeable battery from the hammer, change the jigsaw blade and saw the straight elements out step by step.

TIP

The order in which you saw out the elements isn’t that important. However, you will need to take a few more steps to stabilise the sawn-out elements. You can support the individual ‘branches’ using a frame made from wooden roof battens (image 2).

Step 4 5

Sand and stain the Christmas tree

A sawn-out wooden shape is being sanded down.

A sawn-out wooden shape is being treated with oil.

You need: Cordless Multi-Sander PSM 18 LI, Sanding sheet for multi-sander G120, cloth, wood oil

Now it’s time to get to sanding after all that sawing. If you’re using an 18 V sander, then you can take the rechargeable battery from the saw and reuse it.
Thoroughly sand all sawn edges and surfaces, before treating the sanded wood with oil.

Step 5 5

Prepare the base and mount the tree

A wooden tree shape is screwed to a bracket. — For your own safety, please make sure that everything is screwed together tightly and that the tree is stable.

You need: Cordless Rotary Hammer Uneo Maxx, pencil, pocket rule, MDF wooden board 750 x 330 x 19 mm, sawn-out wooden tree, T20 Torx screws, 3.5 x 30 mm

For your ‘tree’ to be able to stand, you will need a sufficiently large base plate to function as a base, as well as a bracket.
You can have this board cut to size at your local DIY store. We recommend painting the wooden bracket black beforehand to give your tree a consistent look.
The bracket now has to be mounted to the base plate in such a way that the tree will stand in the centre.
Measure it accordingly and secure the bracket using screws.
As the final step, secure the ‘tree’ to the bracket using two more screws.
Is it ready to go and standing? Then you can finally think about getting the perfect (alternative) decorations for your tree. We hope you have lots of fun jazzing it up!