Christmas tree collars are becoming a popular alternative to traditional tree skirts, offering a stylish way to conceal the tree stand. This project, created by Zach from Bear Mountain Builds, showcases how to build a modern, functional Christmas tree collar that can elevate your holiday decor.
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Why Build a Christmas Tree Collar?
Tree collars provide a sleek, modern look compared to fabric skirts, which can bunch up or shift out of place. A wooden collar offers a sturdy, polished appearance that frames the base of your tree beautifully.
This design consists of two circular rings, connected by evenly spaced vertical slats. While it may look intricate, Zach’s method keeps the process simple and efficient, making it an approachable build for any skill level.
Constructing the Rings
Zach began by cutting two rings from laminate pine round stock, ensuring a clean and precise shape. To create a seamless connection between the rings and slats, he chamfered the edges at a 15-degree angle using a router table.
For cutting the rings, Zach used a router circle jig, a technique that provided a smooth, even cut. After locating the center of each round, he drilled a starting hole and let the router guide the circular cut. While a jigsaw could work for this step, the router ensured a cleaner and more consistent finish.
Preparing the Slats
The slats give the collar its defining look, and Zach crafted them from solid pine boards. He cut a total of 81 slats, making sure each piece was identical for a uniform final product.
Once cut, the ends were cleaned up for a polished appearance. Taking the time to refine these small details resulted in a sleek and professional-looking design.
Assembling the Collar
To simplify assembly, Zach created a jig to hold the top ring in position while placing the slats. He attached each slat to the top ring using glue and brad nails, ensuring they were firmly secured.
For the bottom ring, Zach started by nailing one slat in place to establish alignment. Using a square, he verified that each slat remained perpendicular to the rings, ensuring structural stability. To maintain even spacing, he used popsicle sticks as guides, keeping the placement consistent around the entire collar.
Finishing Touches
With the structure complete, Zach applied a coat of crystal clear matte polyurethane to enhance and protect the wood. This finish highlighted the natural grain while safeguarding the collar against seasonal wear.
The final result was a stunning, durable Christmas tree collar that would last for years. Its modern, handcrafted design makes it a standout piece that complements any holiday setup.
Want to See the Full Build?
For a complete walkthrough of the project, check out Zach’s full tutorial. His detailed explanations and tips make it easy to follow along and create a custom tree collar for your home.
Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
This project highlights one of my favorite aspects of woodworking — taking a simple concept and executing it with precision. The router circle jig approach is spot-on for getting those clean, consistent rings. If you’re new to using a circle jig, take your time setting it up and make some test cuts on scrap first. The difference between a slightly wobbly cut and a perfect circle is night and day in the final appearance.
Those 81 slats might seem daunting, but this is where a good miter saw setup with a stop block really shines. Getting them all exactly the same length is crucial for that professional look. I’d also suggest cutting a few extras — there’s nothing worse than being one slat short and having to fire up all your tools again for a single piece.
The popsicle stick spacing trick is brilliant and shows how simple jigs can solve complex layout problems. When you’re dealing with that many pieces around a circle, even small spacing errors compound quickly. Brad nails are perfect for this application since they hold well but won’t split those thin slats. Just make sure your nailer is set to the right depth — you want them just below the surface without overdoing it.