X-mas Tree from a Pallet

Turn a Pallet into Two Xmas Trees in about an hour!

How to turn this..... ------------------^

.......Into This!@! ---------------------------------^

Step 1:

 The first thing you need to do is obtain a pallet. I suggest asking before taking one without permission. Some good places to find them are in parking lots behind most stores, construction sites, and near dumpsters..

Good luck securing your pallet! Let us know in the comments where you found yours.. : )

Next:

Lay your pallet on the floor, with the side that has the most wood slats, facing up.

With a straight edge, or long board, draw a triangle from one side of the pallet to the other. Start the top of your tree just outside the center beam of the pallet so that you don't have to cut into the center board. The opposite end should be just inside the outer beams or boards that support the pallet. You want to only cut the slats of the pallet! Not the center boards At All.

After you draw the two lines, cut your X-mas tree shape using a jigsaw. I suppose a hand saw would also work if a jigsaw isn't part of your tool collection....

With the X-mas tree cut out, lay the pallet on the floor with the x-mas tree side down and remove the boards from the other side.This is easier said than done! The nails used in pallets are very stubborn and even with the pallet buster shown here, it is a tough job! Another option would be to cut the boards along the center beam boards.

For some tips on removing the boards, you will need weight on the pallet while you pry the boards nailed to the centers. I suggest watching a YouTube video or two... Some people have clever ways to remove boards with 2 x 4's as a lever.. In any case please Be Careful with this step.. or just cut the boards along the outer supports with the jigsaw. If you do this you will be cutting where the yellow teeth of the "Pallet Buster" is in the photo above.. Good Luck which ever method you choose!

When you finish removing the bottom boards you will be left with one Xmas tree (shown left), and the two sides that were the waste material from your first cuts. If you place those 2 sides together with the outer beams joined together, you can make the 2nd Xmas tree!(shown right) The next few steps will describe making the tree on the right.

My suggestion here is to give all of the wooden slats a little more support against the beams so the slats don't wobble too much. You can use 1" staples in a nail gun brad/stapler, or drive a 3/4" screw into each loose slat. I just tacked each one with the nail gun a couple times quickly.

Part 2-- The Second Xmas Tree

To make the second tree, place the two sides together and line up the boards. If you have a bench to set them against the edge, then you can attach them easily.

I suggest drilling a pilot holes (1/8" drill bit), and then using 2" or 2 1/2" screws in at least 3 places. This pallet was hardwood so the screws are very difficult to drive without a pilot hole. If your pallet is soft pine (usually very light colored wood, and much lighter) then you could probably just drive the screws straight in with a power drill driver.

If you notice, the top of the Xmas tree is kind of blunt. If you chose to make a pointed top there are a couple more steps.. Otherwise, I think you could just put a cone, or a X-mas tree angel there instead... I chose to add and additional piece of scrap wood.

With a scrap piece of pallet wood placed a top the x-mas tree, draw a triangle to match the sides of the tree.  

Cut the triangular shape out using a band saw or clamp your piece to a workbench and use your jigsaw again.  

Use a small piece of scrap wood and attach it to the top of the center board of the tree.  I just tacked it in with a nail gun, but you could use 2 screws or regular nails as well.

Next tack the triangular shape to the scrap piece of wood. I used a 1" staple. ( the shiny speck in the red wood.)

For the Final step.. 

I cut 4 X 7" pieces of pallet wood that I would use to attached to the bottom of the tree.

Tilt your X-mas tree back just slightly, and then place the base boards flat on the floor and against the center board. Attach each base piece with 3 screws or nails.

Here is a view of the base attached to the center board.

Now your Xmas tree is ready to paint or decorate as you desire! If you choose to paint it, you may have to sand or prep the slats a little first.  I think a couple strings of lights would look great in the yard, with or without paint!  You could also drill holes for ornaments, or tie them around the slats.. string tassels through the gaps.. The possibilities are endless and completely up to you!

That's it... Simple, Easy, (except removing the boards...), Cheap if not entirely free!, (other than the 12 screws or nails..) Great Looking Xmas Trees!! Get out there and Go make some!

If you have it in you, make several! They sell quickly where I am at!!, and they make nice gifts for friends and family!

Happy Holidays to you and all your families! Stay Warm..

Please subscribe for new projects!

Feel free to ask questions, or comment! 

I would love to see some other peoples new X-mas Trees!~~