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Each of the four panels is just three 1x8 boards nailed and glued across a pair of cross straps, but two panels are built with even gaps and two are built with a deliberate 1-1/2" gap at the ends — that difference is what lets the four panels interlock at the corners once the collar goes around the tree, rather than just butting into each other. Build the two even-gapped panels first: lay the cross straps flat, place two outer 1x8 boards flush to the ends, then center the third board between them with even gaps on both sides.
For the two overlap panels, repeat the same layout but leave a 1-1/2" gap at the ends of the boards — a scrap piece of 1x2 clamped or held in place works as a spacing guide so the gap comes out consistent without measuring it fresh on every board. Once the tree is set up in its stand, screw the four panels around the base with 2" screws, and add plywood scrap on top if you want a flat surface for resting gifts around the tree base.
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x8, 8 ft | 4 each |
| 1x3, 8 ft | 1 each |
| 1x4, 8 ft | 1 each |
| Finish nails, 1-1/4" | 40 each |
| Wood screws, 2" | 8 each |
| Wood glue | 3 oz |
| Primer and paint, or stain and poly | 1 set |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Even-gap panel boards1x8, 8 ft | 6 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 32" |
| Overlap panel boards1x8, 8 ft | 6 | 3/4" × 7 1/4" × 30 1/2" |
| Even-gap panel cross straps1x3, 8 ft | 4 | 3/4" × 2 1/2" × 23 1/4" |
| Overlap panel cross straps1x4, 8 ft | 4 | 3/4" × 3 1/2" × 23 1/4" |
Buy 6 boards at 8 ft.
4 boards
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 →
Lay two cross straps on a flat surface and place two 32" boards on top, lined up with each end. Attach with 1-1/4" nails and wood glue.
Position the center board in the middle with even gaps on both sides and attach. Repeat to build two even-gap panels.
Repeat the same layout with the 30-1/2" boards and the wider cross straps, but leave a 1-1/2" gap at the ends of the boards, using a 1x2 scrap as a spacing guide. Build two overlap panels.
After the tree is set in its stand, screw the four panels around the base with 2" screws. Optionally add plywood scrap on top for resting gifts.
Sand all surfaces and apply primer and paint, or stain and poly.
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