Alternative Christmas Tree: DIY A-Frame Display Shelf

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This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

Around this time of year, it's become a tradition to come up with an alternative Christmas tree idea. This year is no exception!

The inspiration for this year's tree is from a visit to Epcot at Walt Disney World. Steph took the boat ride in the Land Pavilion and saw their version of a ladder tree, which became the model for ours. Take a look at how it came together! 

The tree uses very simple, easy to find materials including (1) 12' 1"x10" board...

...(6) 8' 1"x2" strips...

...and a package of two hinges.

Materials:

• (1) 12’ 1”x10” board (Home Depot)
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• (6) 8’ 1”x2” strips (Home Depot)
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• Everbilt Strap Hinge (Home Depot)
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• ​Pre-Stain, Stain, Chalked Paint
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Tools:

• RIDGID 15-Gauge 2-1/2 in. Angled Finish Nailer (Home Depot)
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• RIDGID 4.5 Gal. Portable Electric Quiet Air Compressor (Home Depot)
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• DEWALT 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 5 in. Random Orbit Sander (Home Depot)
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• DIABLO 6-1/2 x 24T Demo Demon Saw Blade (Home Depot)
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• DIABLO 6-1/2 x 60T Ultra Finish Saw Blade (Home Depot)
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• Dremel Multi-Max 3.5 Amp Variable Speed Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit (Home Depot)
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• DREMEL GO 4-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Screwdriver with USB Charger and Insert Bits (Home Depot)
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• Empire 12 in. Magnum Aluminum Rafter Square (Home Depot)
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• RIDGID 15 Amp 12 in. Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw with Mobile Miter Saw Stand (Home Depot)
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We got to try out a number of new tools on this build including the Ridgid framing nailer, DeWalt battery powered circular saw, and the new Dremel electric screwdriver.

The first step was to measure and cut the shelves from the 12' board. We actually cut four, but only used the 4', 3 1/2', and 2 1/2' boards. The DeWalt circular saw was fitted with the Diablo blade to make the cuts. A good tip is to use a large metal carpenter's square to help keep your cut straight. It acts like a fence to aide in cutting.

A good quality blade insure a nice clean cut. Tip: be sure you install the blade in the proper direction. Made sure the arrow on your blade guard is the same direction as the arrow on the blade.

Before cutting the legs to length, we placed the boards on the floor to determine the spacing we wanted.

The 8' strips were cut (4) to 70" and (14) to 13" for the cross bars.

This DeWalt battery powered orbital sander is small but powerful. You can change the speed based on what you are sanding. The Diablo SandNet discs we really like, fit perfectly. I never thought a battery powered sander would replace my corded one, but this one has!

Once all 14 of the 13" long cross bars were cut, we started to assemble. All the pieces were glued and then nailed into place.

We used the Ridgid pneumatic (powered by a compressor) finish nailer to secure our cross bars to the legs. The two cross bars are 1" apart, although we think 1 1/2" might have been better. The design of this ladder lends itself to customization by the builder. You can build more or fewer shelves depending on what you are displaying.

This is the Ridgid compressor we used. Because of the large tank capacity, we were able to drive all the nails before it ever had to refill.

I had to get in on the action. This looks like a big, scary tool, but it was so much fun to use! There's a bit of weight to it, but that's not really an issue even for a weakling like me!

The second ladder section went together really quickly. We put the new parts on the top of the one we finished and just eyeballed the placement of the cross bars. This technique seemed to work well enough.

Prior to staining, we used a pre-stain conditioner on the shelves. It made such a difference in the way the stain went on. We also stained the bottoms of the shelves, but didn't use the conditioner. The bottoms, which you won't see on the finished tree, did not take the stain evenly at all. The conditioner is really worth the extra effort.

We added hinges so that the tree would fold for storage. We used the brand new Dremel electric screwdriver. It is so cool! To use it, you just press down and it automatically drives the screw! It is rechargeable via a USB cable.

The inspiration tree at Walt Disney world!

We decided our finished tree was too tall, so...

...we cut off a foot with the Dremel Multi Max!

Cutting the top off

The tree is the perfect display place for my Christmas village.

I really like this year's alternative Christmas tree, especially since it gets to stay at my house this year! I'll be looking forward to swapping out my Christmas decor for my plants that need to winter inside. 

What would you display on a ladder tree? 

We acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with us to participate in the ProSpective 2018 Campaign. As a part of the Program, we are receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are our own words. Our post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don’t claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP!

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