Collapsible Standing Wood Christmas Tree Shelf

Cut the two top frame pieces and match them together. Attach with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails.

Use two rows of cedar fence picket with a small gap between them to cover the back of the top section. Attach with 3/4" brad nails and glue.

Build the next layer with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue. Test that it fits properly under the top layer, but do not attach it to the top yet — each layer needs to stay separable for the tree to collapse.

Lay out and build each subsequent row the same way. Add cedar fence picket backing to the back of the third and fourth rows, attaching with glue and 3/4" brad nails or staples.

Add the final (bottom) row and attach a back panel to it.

Add back pieces to the bottom row, then attach the 2x8 base to the bottom layer with 1-1/4" screws.

Separate all the layers and finish each one individually with stain — it's far easier to get an even coat into every angled corner while the pieces are flat. Once dry, stack the layers and attach where each one laps over the one below with 1-1/4" screws.