A flat, sturdy work surface, like a work bench. If you don’t have a suitable work surface, you can make one by laying a flat board between two saw horses on level ground. A clear, an unobstructed work area. You don’t want to trip when operating your saw. Move all unused tools, equipment, and wires out of your work area. [1] X Research source

At the left and right sides of the bottom of the tree, on the inside of both lengthwise oriented 2x4 boards. At the top of the tree, ½" (1. 27 cm) to the left and right of the middle, lengthwise oriented 2x4 board. [2] X Research source

Take your tape measure and check the distance on both sides between the outer edge of the tape and the outer edge of the pallet. The distance between the tape edge and outside pallet edge should be the same on both sides.

Wood can also cause skin irritation from its roughness, or it can give you splinters. Wear gloves when working to protect your hands.

Hold your saw as level as possible while operating it, and use firm, steady pressure to push your saw through the wood as it cuts. [5] X Research source The resistance to your saw will be greater when cutting through a board and less when moving through the gaps between them. At this point in the project, you’ll only be cutting the top, crosswise boards of your pallet.

Some pallets may only have one set of crosswise running boards. In this case, you won’t have remove the reverse set of crosswise boards. Be careful when flipping your pallet. During the cutting process, you may have created splinters or jarred pieces of wood loose. Once you’ve cut along the left side of the middle, lengthwise 2x4, it should pull free easily with your hands or pry bar. Do the same for the right side as well. [6] X Research source

You can speed the sanding process along by using an automated handheld sander, like an orbital sander. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/8/8e/Make-a-Pallet-Christmas-Tree-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-a-Pallet-Christmas-Tree-Step-7Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/8/8e/Make-a-Pallet-Christmas-Tree-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/aid8111090-v4-728px-Make-a-Pallet-Christmas-Tree-Step-7Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:306,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:485,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">

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<br />\n</p></div>"} With automated sanders, pay close attention to screws and nails. These can tear the sandpaper, and can even do damage to your sander if you’re not careful. When finished sanding, wipe away wood shavings with a clean, damp cloth, and enjoy your new pallet Christmas tree.

Open a can of suitable wood primer. Mix it according to its directions. Then use long, smooth strokes with a clean paintbrush to apply several layers to the front of the tree from the top to its bottom. [8] X Research source Allow the primer to dry. Then open a can of suitable wood paint and mix it with a paint stirrer. Dip a clean paintbrush into the paint, wipe excess paint on the inside lip of the can, and paint the front of your tree top down with long, even strokes. [9] X Research source

You can create the effect of snow on the branches of your pallet tree by dipping a sponge into a little bit of white paint and lightly stippling them. If you want to draw a design on your tree but lack the artistic skill to freehand it, you can always make a stencil and use that to apply the design. [10] X Research source

If your lights don’t hang easily on your tree, you may have to attach them in place. U-shaped tacks or sturdy tape, like duct tape, are useful for holding lights in place. To give your tree the most polished and authentic look, you may want to hide the front and back end of your string of lights behind the tree.

Measure and mark one long edge of each 2x4 board at its halfway point. An inch (2. 54 cm) to either side of your halfway marks, measure and mark a line that extends from long edge to long edge. Lay each board so they are standing upright on their long edge, with your halfway mark oriented upwards. Measure and mark the halfway point between the opposing long edges of the 2x4s. This mark will be at the midpoint of the short edge of the 2x4.

Assemble your stand by fitting the notches together to form an X-shape. You may want to use some wood glue or a fastener, like a screw, to provide additional support where the 2x4s cross. [12] X Research source

If you want to protect your cards and photos from damage, you might want to use a gentle adhesive tape, instead. [15] X Research source

To give your pallet trees a little more realism, you might want to drape them with similar accents to your living tree.

You may be hesitant to use decorations outside your home out of fear they’ll be damaged by the weather. Pallet trees are durable and inexpensive to replace, making them excellent outdoor decorations.