Hexagon Collapsible Wooden Tree Skirt
Get read of the basic and step into the world of uniqueness, durable, and the able to save space.
So a couple of years ago, I shared how to make a collapsible wooden tree skirt, and you all loved it. I got so much positive feedback that I decided it was time for a little redesign. This time, I’ve gone with a hexagon-shaped collapsible tree skirt, and I can’t wait to show you how to build one. The best part? Just like the original design, this one pops apart when the season’s over, so it’s easy to store. And of course, you can use whatever materials you have on hand, but—you guessed it—I’m sticking with my trusty fence pickets for this project.
Why Build a Hexagon Collapsible Tree Skirt?
The beauty of this design lies in its versatility and convenience. Whether you're working with cedar, pine, or plywood, this tree skirt can be tailored to match your aesthetic preferences. Adding to that, this project can be painted/stained to be any style that fits your living space. Plus, it folds up neatly, making it perfect for those short on storage space. If you’re a fan of DIY projects, this is a rewarding addition to your skillset.
Everything You’ll Need For This
Fence Pickets (or any wood of your choice)
I went with cedar because I love the natural look and it feels festive. Plus, I’m not planning to paint this one, but if you are, pine pickets are a great budget-friendly option.
Pocket Hole Screws (1-inch recommended)
Brad Nails
Hinges: 6 standard pin hinges and 3 offset lift hinges
Wood Glue
Standard Tools: Table Saw, Miter Saw, Drill, Clamps, and Sandpaper
Let’s Get To Building
Preparing Your Boards
First up, grab your table saw and trim four fence pickets down to 4 ¾ inches wide. A little tip here: I always clean up the edges first to make sure I’ve got nice, finished sides. Once that’s done, cut the boards into 18-inch sections using your miter saw. Heads up, you’ll only get three usable boards per picket because of the trim and saw blade width—but don’t toss the leftovers! We’ll need those later.
Assembling the Panels
Grab the bottom boards from each pair and mark them for pocket holes at 2 ½, 9, and 15 ½ inches. Drill the holes using a pocket hole jig (I’m using my trusty Kreg 720). If your boards are a little thinner like mine, set the jig for ½-inch material and use 1-inch screws. Got 1 ¼-inch screws instead? No worries—just adjust the jig slightly and test on scrap wood first.
Once the holes are drilled, pair the boards back up and assemble each panel with screws. I like to add a dab of wood glue for extra security, but it’s not mandatory. If you’re working with solid or pre-sized boards, you can skip this step and jump ahead
Cutting Compound Miters
Here’s where things get fun—cutting compound miters to create that hexagon shape. Set your saw to a 16.1° angle and a 25.7° bevel. Don’t stress if it’s not exact; a slight variation won’t be noticeable. The key is to cut the panels so the bottom edges stay their full 18 inches. Flip the board, mirror the cut on the other side, and repeat for all six panels.
Once the sides are angled, cut a 30° bevel along the bottom of each panel using your table saw. This helps the panels sit flat when the tree skirt is assembled.
Adding Trim
Use leftover picket scraps or rip down fresh stock to 1-inch wide strips. For the bottom trim, cut pieces to 18 ¾ inches long with a 30° angle on each end. Attach the trim with wood glue and brad nails, making sure it lines up flush with the edges.
Next, cut the top, middle, and side trim pieces:
Top trim: 13 inches long.
Middle trim: 13 ⅜ inches long.
Side trim: 8 ½ inches long (both ends angled in the same direction).
Attach each trim piece carefully, making sure everything lines up. Pro tip: custom fit the trim if your panels are slightly off—it’s worth the extra effort for a polished look.
Installing Hinges
To connect the panels, I used 1 ½-inch pin hinges for the pairs and offset lift hinges for the removable sections. Start by pairing up the panels with the pin hinges—one at the top and one at the bottom of each pair. These hinges let the pairs fold flat for storage.
Next, install the lift hinges in the middle of each pair. These are great because they hold the skirt together during use but allow you to separate the sections easily. Just line up the edges, clamp everything in place, and pre-drill for the screws. Once the hinges are attached, test them out to make sure they work smoothly.
Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Once all panels are trimmed and hinged, your hexagon tree skirt is ready! For added flair, consider staining or sealing the wood to match your holiday décor. At the end of the season, simply lift the sections apart and fold them flat. Your stunning tree skirt now takes up minimal space in your storage area!
Congratulations On The New Tree Skirt!
And that’s it! Once you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful hexagon-shaped tree skirt that can be assembled and disassembled with ease. It’s functional, space-saving, and adds a handmade touch to your holiday setup.
If you’re a more “plans in the hand” person, click “Get Plan” down below for downloadable instructions. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into woodworking, check out my new course, “Woodworking Kickstart” (which is also linked below). It’s packed with step-by-step lessons to help you build confidence and skills, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced DIYer.
Happy building, and here’s to a merry and stylish holiday season!
Get Easy Step-By-Step Directions to build this by clicking the button below
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