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Each visible "branch" layer is its own short piece of 1x2, cut at two different angles on its two ends — none of them square, and none of them matching each other — which is what produces the tapering tree silhouette once they're all stacked and offset by a consistent 1/2" per row. Getting the top pieces right matters most, since the source specifically calls out that the top angles differ from the angles used lower down; treat each row's cut list note as its own small puzzle rather than assuming the pattern repeats exactly.
Build bottom to top, checking the offset and angle direction of each new row against the one below it before nailing — a single reversed angle low in the stack throws off every row above it. The plywood backer is cut to match the finished tree's outline only after the tree itself is built, using the assembled shape as its own template.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| Pine, 1x2, 8 ftFurring strip works as a cheaper substitute. | 1 each |
| Plywood, 1/4", 24" x 16" | 1 each |
| Brad nails, 1-1/4" and 3/4" | 1 box |
| Wood glue | 2 oz |
Overall cost: $. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Top piecesPineOne at 12-3/8", one at 11-3/8" — long point to long point, one end at 40° off square, the other at 25° off square, ends not parallel. | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 12" |
| Row piecesPineLong point to short point, ends parallel, both ends cut at 25° off square. | 4 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 5 1/2" |
| Bottom row piecePineLong point to long point, ends not parallel, both ends cut at 25° off square. | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 13 7/8" |
| Base piecePine | 1 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 6 1/2" |
| Base end piecesPine | 2 | 3/4" × 1 1/2" × 2" |
| Backer1/4" plywoodTrace from the assembled tree shape before cutting. | 1 | 1/4" × 16" × 24" |
Buy 2 boards at 8 ft.
1 board
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Carefully cut the two top pieces, noting that their angles are different from the angles used lower in the tree. Attach together with 1-1/4" brad nails and wood glue.
Layer each subsequent row 1/2" below and outside the one above it, attaching with glue and nails. Repeat this pattern down the tree, checking the angle direction on each new piece against the cut list before nailing.
Build the base piece and end pieces, then attach the completed base to the bottom of the tree with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.
Lay the assembled tree shape on the 1/4" plywood and trace its outline. Cut along the line with a jigsaw, sand any rough edges, and attach the backer to the back of the tree with 3/4" brad nails and glue.
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