14" Christmas Tree — Cedar Fence Picket Woodworking Project Plans (Single Class Period Build)
Give your students a fast, rewarding build they can finish in a single class period. This 14" Christmas Tree plan set turns basic 1/2" x 3 1/2" cedar fence pickets into a freestanding, layered tree silhouette — perfect for teaching precision angle cutting, glue-up sequencing, and finish work without the time commitment of a full furniture build.
Every angled cut in this project is set at 60°, giving students focused, repeatable practice on the miter saw while producing a polished, sellable, gift-ready product. The stacked-tier design reinforces measuring accuracy, symmetry, and assembly sequencing — skills that transfer directly to larger ag mechanics and fabrication projects.
What's Included
- Cut List — dimensioned, ready to hand to students
- Materials List — shop-ready shopping list
- Build Instructions — continuously numbered, step-by-step, safety call-outs included
- Lesson Plan — TEKS-aligned (19 TAC Chapter 127), objectives, guided/independent practice, differentiation
- Printable Rubric — 100-point grading rubric with self-reflection section
Designed and field-tested by TradeCraft Educational Services for real ag mechanics and CTE classrooms.
Key Features
- Beginner-friendly single-period build
- Uses inexpensive, widely available 1/2" x 3 1/2" cedar fence pickets
- Reinforces 60° miter cutting, glue-up, and brad-nail assembly
- Freestanding finished piece — no additional hardware required to display
- Full classroom document set: Cut List, Materials List, Build Instructions, Lesson Plan, Rubric
- TEKS-aligned to 19 TAC Chapter 127 (Agricultural Mechanics & Metal Technologies) and General Employability Skills (PEIMS N1270153)
Specifications
- Finished size: 12" wide x 14 1/16" tall x 3 1/2" deep
- Material: 1/2" thick x 3 1/2" wide cedar fence pickets (or equivalent stock)
- Hardware: Wood glue, 18-gauge brad nails
- Format: Printable PDF/Word document set, instant digital download