How to Build a Wood Christmas Tree Using Shiplap

The first Christmas here at the ponds, my husband built a wood Christmas Tree using reclaimed shiplap. We placed it on our screened porch and It has been a perfect addition to our Farmhouse style. I DECIDED TO SHARE ALL THE DETAILS, because I get so many questions about the tree.

Today I’m sharing a step by step tutorial on How to Build a Wood Christmas Tree using Shiplap boards. This is an easy project to create a unique farmhouse style tree.

Don’t worry if you don’t have reclaimed wood, because I’m sharing how you can age new wood at the end of this tutorial.

Materials Needed to Build a Wood Christmas Tree

This tree measures 62 inches tall from the bottom block to the top of the center pole. We place our tree inside a vintage iron pot with legs, and therefore it measures slightly taller when assembled.

You will want to determine the container you plan to use prior to beginning this project. The container size will determine the exact amount of materials and lengths needed for your wood tree.

Caution: Choose a container that will be heavy enough to hold the tree steady. It is crucial because the heavy wood can easily tip over a container that is not substantial enough.

Shiplap for Wood Christmas Tree

The shiplap boards used on this tree are 5 1/2 inches wide.

Cut boards

• 3 of each size – 34″ long, 31″ long, 25″ long, 22″ long, 16″ long, and 13″ long
• 2 of each size – 10″ long and 5 1/4″ long

You will need a 4×4 post to cut – 9 – 2 1/2″ blocks

Use a 6×6 Post and cut 1 – 4″ high block

One 3/4″ PVC Pipe approx. 55 1/2 inches tall (note: a narrow piece of wood was inserted into the PVC Pipe to prevent bending. If you have a hardwood 3/4″ round dowel rod, you can substitute for the PVC pipe.

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Cut wood pieces

First, cut all the wooden pieces to the correct size, using a miter saw to create clean edges. If needed, you can lightly sand the edges with a fine grit sandpaper. Cut all boards based on the above dimensions or measurements determined by your container size.

Drill Holes

Next, drill a 1 1/4 ” hole in the center of each cut board and 4×4 post using a cordless drill or drill press . In addition, drill a shallow hole into the center of the 6×6 post. This hole is just deep enough for the PVC pipe to rest inside. You can drill approx. 1/2″ deep.

As a reminder, the hole should be larger than the PVC pipe, because this will allow for any swelling of the wood and for ease of assembly.

Assemble the Tree

Now, place the 6×6 post inside the container and level the post so that the tree will be balanced.

Next, place the PVC pipe into the shallow hole of the post and start adding the shiplap boards to the pipe. Be sure to begin with the longest boards as you add them to the pipe.

With most containers, the first board will be resting on top of the container rim and will help to steady the pole.

Stagger the Shiplap Boards Placement

In order to balance the tree, be sure to stagger the placement of each board as you can see here in the photo.

Add dividing blocks

Because you want to create space between the different size boards, add one of the 4x4x2 1/2 divider blocks between each size change.

You will continue in this manner until all the boards are placed on the pole.

Continue to stagger the board placement so that the tree will be balanced and be shaped similar to a Christmas Tree.

Once all the boards are in place, you will have a small section of pipe above the blocks and shiplap. I add a metal star that slips over the exposed pipe as a tree topper however, you can shorten the pipe before assembly if you prefer less pipe exposed.

How to age new Shiplap (optional)

First, in order to age your new shiplap, I recommend staining the wood with a grey oil based stain such as, Minwax Penetrating Classic Gray. Allow the gray stain to penetrate and dry.

Next, add a white washed appearance by using a dry brush of white chalk paint.

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Dry Brush Technique

To achieve a dry brush technique, dip your brush into paint and wipe off most of the paint with a paper towel or cloth. Then lightly brush the paint over the surface of the board, until you have the desired coverage. You can see how this dry brush technique looks when used on a vintage tool box.

In addition, you can distress the wood for a more authentic appearance. Here is how we distressed the wood on our DIY kitchen island.

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The Finished Shiplap Christmas Tree

There are some many items you can use to decorate your new wood Christmas tree. This is a close up view of the wood tree last Christmas. If you’d like to see more from last Christmas, check out this post, where I shared several photos from Christmas Past.

Foraged grapevine and pinecones are nestled on the wooden boards along with red birds and pop corn garland help to create a fun outdoor vintage vibe.

Each year the Shiplap Christmas Tree is placed on the screened porch and is a prefect addition once the sun goes down.

Although I originally used the tree for Christmas, I have discovered that it’s great year round filled with seasonal decor.

Here is the shiplap tree dressed for Easter. To see the tour click here.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.

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