DIY: Antique Cast Iron Base Tabletop Trees

Antique cast iron lamp bases are recycled to create tabletop trees, perfect for winter and holiday decorating! 

Back in the summer, I bid on and won a full crate of antique cast iron lamp bases.  

I came across them while browsing a local online auction catalog. They reminded me of old cast iron Christmas tree stands, and I immediately knew they would make perfect bases for tabletop trees.

I love mixing styles and using old cast iron lamp bases for my favorite evergreen trees was the perfect way to combine vintage and modern. 

WHERE CAN YOU FIND ANTIQUE CAST IRON LAMP BASES? 

Cast iron lamp bases come in various sizes, shapes, and styles.  If you want to find lamp basses quickly, eBay and Etsy are the best sources but the more expensive options.  If you have time to hunt, online auctions,  Habitat For Humanity,  architectural salvage shops, and used building supply stores can be more affordable options. 

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO MAKE ANTIQUE CAST IRON BASE TABLETOP TREES

- Antique cast iron lamp bases (I bought mine from a local online auction)

- Large artificial Christmas Trees (The ones I used are from Hobby Lobby)

- Fusion Rapid Fuse All Purpose Glue

- Jigsaw

- Drill

- Titanium Drill Bits

- Brown Floral Tape

DIY CAST IRON BASE TABLETOP TREES

STEP ONE: OBTAIN A CAST IRON LAMP BASE

First, you want to find an antique cast iron lamp base.  Ideally, you want to look for two or three bases in different styles and sizes.  

STEP TWO: FIND THE PERFECT ARTIFICIAL TREE

Once you obtain the cast iron bases, it's time to find the perfect artificial tree!  I've had a lot of luck finding real touch, good-quality artificial tabletop trees at Hobby Lobby.   They have multiple sizes and types of trees to choose from.  My favorite is the Cedar trees, which come in three different sizes. 

Resource: The Best Realistic Winter Greenery

STEP THREE: REMOVE THE TREE BASE

Artificial trees are typically potted in styrofoam, making them easy to remove.  Most of the time it's as simple as holding the tree stem and then twisting the base until it comes loose. 

STEP FOUR: CUT THE BASE OF THE TREE TO SIZE

The tree stem needs to be cut to fit properly into the lamp base.  I ensured at least 1-2 inches of the tree stem went through the cast iron base before cutting off any excess.  A jigsaw was the easiest way to cut through the tree stems, typically made of metal, plastic, and cardboard. 

TIP:  Do you need to make a bigger hole in the cast iron base?  Use a drill and a titanium drill bit to drill a hole big enough so the tree fits snugly. 

STEP FIVE: SECURE THE TREE

The tree should fit securely into the cast iron base.  If the opening in the base is too big, wrap brown floral tape around the tree stem until it fits tight and securely into the base.  I found it best to slowly twist the tree into the base until the tree stem was roughly two inches into the iron lamp base. 

Once the tree is in place, turn the base over and apply All-Purpose Glue where the stem enters the lamp base. 

 

I placed these evergreen Christmas trees in old stoneware crocks for many years.  Swapping the crocks for antique cast iron lamp bases was a simple upgrade that made a big impact!

     

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