If there’s one thing my scrap wood pile is good for, it’s Christmas decorating. Apparently, I can look at just about any leftover board and see a Christmas tree. That’s my excuse for keeping all those scraps, and I’m sticking to it. 🙂
These eight DIY wood Christmas tree ideas include little tabletop trees, rustic trees made from fence boards, framed spackle art, and even an old door turned into Christmas decor. Some show off the wood grain, while others get dressed up with paint, texture, or decoupage.
I’ve gathered them here so you can find one that fits your style, your space, and whatever wood you’ve been saving. Each project includes a link to the full tutorial so you can make your own.
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1. DIY Wood Shim Christmas Trees
Who knew wood shims could look this pretty? These DIY wood shim Christmas trees have a textured white finish that reminds me of snow—without the freezing temperatures. That’s my kind of Texas Christmas! Make a few in different heights for a farmhouse mantel or tabletop display.
See how to make these DIY wood shim Christmas trees→
2. Rustic Wooden Christmas Tree with Stenciled Details
A few leftover wood strips became this rustic wooden Christmas tree, complete with a stenciled design and a little snowy texture. I love the combination of natural wood and white—it feels festive without needing a lot of color. The flat base makes it easy to display on a shelf, mantel, or entry table.
See how to make this rustic wooden Christmas tree →
3. Farmhouse Tabletop Wood Christmas Trees
These open-frame wood Christmas trees have a simple shape that lets the wood grain shine. I used a combination of paint and stain for a neutral farmhouse look, but you can finish yours to match your Christmas decor. Make a set in different sizes for a dining table, kitchen island, or mantel—you know I’m going to move mine around a few times before deciding!
See how to make these farmhouse tabletop wood Christmas trees →
4. Rustic Fence-Board Christmas Trees with Decoupage
Old fence boards are much too good to toss—especially when they can become Christmas trees! For this project, I paired weathered wood with decoupage paper to give each tree its own personality. Make them in different heights for a rustic holiday display, and choose a paper pattern that works with your Christmas colors.
5. Wood Block Christmas Trees with Textured Paint
These little wood block Christmas trees look like they belong in a bakery, but please don’t taste the icing! That textured finish is paint, and it’s the fun part of this scrap wood craft. A little metallic gilding wax highlights the texture, turning simple wood blocks into festive shelf sitters for a mantel or tabletop.
6. Rustic Painted Wood Block Christmas Trees
These wood block Christmas trees prove that a few scraps and a little paint can go a long way. I cut mine in different sizes, then gave them a rustic green finish with white wax and an aged effect. Their chunky wood bases let them stand on their own, making them easy to tuck into a Christmas display on a shelf, mantel, or table.
See how to make these rustic painted wood block Christmas trees →
7. Framed Spackle Christmas Tree Art
This Christmas tree started with a piece of plywood and a tub of spackle. Who says that stuff is only for patching holes? I created textured branches, added gold highlights, and finished it with a wood frame. The white tree against the black background makes a beautiful statement hung on a wall or leaned on a mantel.
See how to make this framed spackle Christmas tree art →
8. Repurposed Wood Christmas Tree Door
An old door turned into a Christmas tree? Of course I had to try it! This curbside find got a whole new purpose with a tree-shaped cut, wood trim, and a farmhouse finish. It’s a larger statement piece that brings vintage character to a corner without taking up the space of a traditional Christmas tree.
See how to turn an old wood door into a Christmas tree →
Which DIY Wood Christmas Tree Will You Make?
I hope these DIY wood Christmas tree ideas have you looking at your scrap pile a little differently. A leftover board, an old fence picket, or even a forgotten door might be your next favorite Christmas decoration.
Choose the project that catches your eye and make it your own. Change the paint color, try a different paper pattern, or keep that beautiful wood grain showing. That’s the fun of handmade decor!
Which one would you make first? Tell me in the comments, and don’t forget to save these ideas to your Christmas Pinterest board. Your scrap wood pile has been waiting for this moment. 🙂
Still have wood left in your scrap pile? Explore more Christmas wood crafts you can make for your home, give as gifts, or sell.
Until the next project… xo, Do