---
title: "10 Things to Do with Cross-Cut Trees"
date: "2018-11-06"
modified: "2018-11-06"
authors:
  - name: "Rebecca Thienes Cherny"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/rebecca-thienes-cherny/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-things-to-do-with-cross-cut-trees-24264/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Repurposing"
tags:
  - "decor"
  - "DIY"
  - "repurposing"
---

# 10 Things to Do with Cross-Cut Trees

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/crosscut_wood.jpg>)

### Cross-Sections

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/crosscut_wood-1.jpg>)
*istockphoto.com*

Fallen branches and trees don't often have much to look forward to besides becoming mulch on the forest floor. But with a little ingenuity, designers are starting to find new ways of using wood and cross-cut lumber indoors as decor.

### Trivet

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wood_trivet.jpg>)
*Instructables via andrea biffi*

Cross-sections from tree branches make an excellent trivet, protecting your kitchen counters and dining table from the likes of hot casserole dishes and coffee pots. Glue or string together the mini wood slices to make a trivet however big or small you need.

### Charger

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wood_charger.jpg>)
*etsy.com via LaurelandBliss*

Rustic chargersunder fine china create an interesting juxtaposition, while the levelness of the chargers steady dinnerware on the table. *Available from [Etsy](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNsu0026amp;mid=54027u0026amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F638169268%2F12-34-round-wood-slice-plate-chargers%20title=>); $14.99/charger.*

### Coasters

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wood_coasters.jpg>)
*Instructables via mikeasaurus*

Around the holidays, there's bound to be a lot of company at the house. Use tree-slice coasters to protect the finish on your coffee and side tables from spills. Made from smaller tree branches and sealed with Danish oil, these can also be bundled together as a set to make a host or hostess gift.

### Cake Stand

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wood_cake_stand.jpg>)
*esty.com via RusticWoodSlices*

When the dessert hour rolls around, surprise your guests with treats displayed on a woodsy cake stand. A thick wood slab makes for an excellent and sturdy base to hold a cake, pie, or other sweet bites. *Available from [Etsy](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNsu0026amp;mid=54027u0026amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F298540717%2Fwood-slab-cake-stand-wood-slice-cake%20title=>); $35.95.*

### Vase

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wood_vase.jpg>)
*etsy.com via PlaceCardHolderShop*

Vasesmade from logs are another take on the theme. If routing out the log is too time-consuming or tool-specific, you can instead drill holes to place individual stems into. Of course, another option is skipping the DIY route and buying one from Etsy instead. *Available from [Etsy](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNs&mid=54027&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F243347536%2Frustic-wedding-vase-log-vase-wooden-vase%20title=>); $23.47.*

### Place Cards

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/crosscut7.jpg>)
*etsy.com via TheHeritageTree*

Keep the rustic theme going at your table with cross-cut place card holders. It's the perfect use for smaller branches and requires minimal sawing, cutting, or drilling. *Available from [Etsy](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNsu0026amp;mid=54027u0026amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F507244623%2F35-rustic-rustic-place-card-holders%20title=>); $24 for 35 holders.*

### Table

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tree_stump_table.jpg>)
*etsy.com via SheffordWoodlands*

Beyond tabletop decor, a coffee or side table made from a fallen tree trunk makes a bold yet relaxed statement. *Available from [Etsy](<https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=P71lsVf3GNsu0026amp;mid=54027u0026amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F539147277%2Flarge-reclaimed-solid-cypress-coffee%20title=>); $287.25.*

### Cutting Board

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/crosscut9.jpg>)
*Instructables via thebrownie*

A good cutting board is a kitchen necessity. To make your own, simply sand a medium-size log cross-section on top and bottom before applying a food-safe lacquer.

### Ornaments

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wood_ornaments.jpg>)
*Instructables via mimikry*

Holiday ornaments can cost a pretty penny. Slices of a tree branch, each drilled with a hole and strung with twine, make for great alternatives to store-bought decorations. You can leave them blank or paint winter scenes on the flat surface.

### Night Stand

![](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/wood_night_stand.jpg>)
*Instructables via homemademodern*

At the end of a long night of entertaining, tuck into bed next to a log night stand. Again, let the log dry out completely in a warm and dry area (this also allows the bark to be easily removed). Next, sand down the top and sides. Keep it natural with a coat of low-luster polyurethane.

## Author
Rebecca Thienes Cherny is a veteran market editor and content creator for print and digital publications, specializing in interior design trends. Having served as Home Building & Architecture Editor and Senior Market Editor at [Country Living](<https://www.countryliving.com/>), Rebecca went on to become Market Director at [Interior Design Magazine](<https://interiordesign.net/>) and has worked for years as a professional design consultant and project manager. She studied interior design at The New School for Design.