“The most important thing to look for in a Christmas tree stand is stability,” said Tara Spaulding, interior design coordinator for Patio Productions. “A stable base will ensure that the tree stays upright, and it will also prevent tipping over or falling over.” With that in mind, to find the best Christmas tree stands, we researched a variety of picks and considered factors like dimensions, material, tree type, maximum tree height, water capacity, and diameter. In addition to Spaulding, we consulted Christine Mango, holiday designer, and producer, for her expertise. We chose the Krinner Tree Genie XXL Christmas Tree Stand as our best Christmas tree stand overall for its versatility and universal appeal. This do-it-all stand supports trees up to 12 feet tall, holds up to 2.5 gallons of water, and requires no assembly. Here are our picks for the best Christmas tree stands. Keep in Mind: This tree stand is heavy, so you’ll want to carefully plan where you place your tree because, after it’s set up, it may be tricky to move. This stand supports trees up to 12 feet tall, so you’ll be covered if you have an average-sized Christmas tree that’s between 7 and 9 feet. The reservoir holds 2.5 gallons of water and features an automatic water-level indicator to help preserve freshness. Instead of guessing when your tree may need replenishment, the indicator provides a hassle-free way to check the water level. The tree stand is a bit heavy, so you’ll want to be sure you know exactly where you want your tree to go before assembling it. Price at time of publish: $120 Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 6 inches | Weight: 18 pounds | Material: Metal | Tree Type: Real | Maximum Tree Height: 12 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 7 inches | Water Capacity: 2.5 gallons Keep in Mind: This stand can’t support trees taller than 7.9 feet. The minimalist design doesn’t detract from your tree’s beauty and is appealing enough that it won’t be an eyesore if you don’t have a decorative tree collar to cover it. You’ll want to make sure the three tightening screws are secure to keep the tree upright, but other than that, this stand is easy to assemble. There are grippers on the bottom to keep the stand sturdy and prevent unwanted marks on the floor. When the holidays end, and it’s time to put the stand away, it collapses down to a size small enough to tuck into a closet or box until next year. Price at time of publish: $41 Dimensions: 28 x 28 x 10 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Material: Steel | Tree Type: Artificial | Maximum Tree Height: 7.9 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 1.25 inches | Water Capacity: Not applicable Keep in Mind: Some noise may be detectable when the stand is in motion. If those features aren’t enough, you’ll appreciate the built-in outlets that allow you to connect lights to your tree for an easy, all-in-one setup. This stand is available in seven colors, including brown, black, dark green, gold, red, and silver, to match every holiday aesthetic. For assembly, stick the base of the tree into the hole and watch your tree stand upright all season long. Although the stand doesn’t fold for neat storage, it’s still small enough to keep in the attic until next winter without taking up too much space. Price at time of publish: $160 Dimensions: 22 x 22 x 9 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Tree Type: Artificial | Maximum Tree Height: 9 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 1.75 inches | Water Capacity: Not applicable Keep in Mind: You’ll likely want to use a tree skirt or collar as aesthetics are lacking. This simple steel stand features four retractable caster wheels that expand to offer more stability for trees of different sizes. The wheels also lock in place so you don’t have to worry about accidentally sending it rolling across the room. It can support trees up to nearly eight-feet tall with a maximum trunk diameter of three inches. It’s available in green and black to seamlessly blend into the background. Price at time of publish: $49 Dimensions: 23.2 x 23.2 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.37 pounds | Material: Steel | Tree Type: Artificial | Maximum Tree Height: 7.9 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 3 inches | Water Capacity: Not applicable Keep in Mind: It’s heavy, so you’ll want to proceed with caution during assembly. This decorative cast iron stand features a handmade design, which stands out in comparison to other less decorative stands. (You may not even want to use a tree skirt or collar!) The spike in the center of the stand provides stability for trees up to 8 feet tall. Since the base is heavy, it has the potential to damage floors. However, this stand includes foot pads to prevent scratches and marks on wood floors. And although this stand has a high price tag, it’ll last you for years with its urethane finish and powder coating that prevents rusting and chipping. Price at time of publish: $149 Dimensions: 14 x 14 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Material: Cast iron | Tree Type: Real | Maximum Tree Height: 8 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 5 inches | Water Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: This stand is made from plastic, so it won’t look as nice under your tree. To keep the Christmas tree looking as fresh as possible, utilize the reservoir that holds up to 1.3 gallons of water. While it doesn’t have an automatic indicator to signal when a refill is needed, it is easy to check the water level with a quick glimpse. Plastic isn’t the prettiest material for a Christmas tree stand, so you may want to use a tree skirt or collar to dress it up. At just $30, though, this is a budget-friendly option that comes with all of the standard features you’ll need to secure your Christmas tree. Price at time of publish: $30 Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 7 inches | Weight: 3.25 pounds | Material: Plastic | Tree Type: Real or artificial | Maximum Tree Height: 8 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 6 inches | Water Capacity: 1.3 gallons Keep in Mind: The leg span takes up quite a bit of floor space. This stand will support a tree trunk up to 6.5 inches in diameter and up to 12 feet tall. It comes with four eye bolts that screw into the tree to stabilize it and welded steel legs with protective caps to prevent floor damage. Larger trees need a bit more to hold them up, and this stand does that and then some. Lastly, you’ll want to utilize its 1.7-gallon reservoir to make sure your tree stays fresh every day during the holiday season. Keep in mind the leg span is very wide at 29 inches, and the stand may not fit under standard tree collars or skirts. Price at time of publish: From $78 Dimensions: 23 x 23 x 7 inches | Weight: 11 pounds | Material: Alloy steel | Tree Type: Real | Maximum Tree Height: 12 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 7 inches | Water Capacity: 1.7 gallons Keep in Mind: Some tree trunks may be too narrow to fit snugly in the base. Three built-in electrical outlets ensure cords won’t tangle while the tree spins. A .9-inch adapter gives the stand versatility to support fake trees with smaller trunks. The legs will fit under most standard tree skirts and collars, allowing you to truly create the tree setup of your dreams. (Also, the plastic material isn’t the prettiest.) We like the customizations available—three light and rotation settings and an adapter—making this the best Christmas tree stand for artificial trees. Price at time of publish: $50 Dimensions: 26 x 26 x 7.5 inches | Weight: 3.32 pounds | Material: Plastic | Tree Type: Artificial | Maximum Tree Height: 7.5 feet tall | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 1.25 inches | Water Capacity: Not applicable Keep in Mind: It’s very lightweight and may not be heavy enough to support mid-size trees. For assembly, all that’s required is sticking the tree to the pin in the center of the base. It’s a great option for those with smaller artificial tabletop trees who want something a bit more chic and decorative than a basic metal stand. Choose from silver or green, depending on your holiday decor theme. Price at time of publish: $30 Dimensions: 11.8 x 11.8 x 5 inches | Weight: .73 pounds | Material: Resin/Plastic | Tree Type: Artificial | Maximum Tree Height: 6 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 5 inches | Water Capacity: .58 gallons Keep in Mind: This size only supports small tabletop trees. Available in both black and white, this minimalist Scandinavian-style tree stand is a great choice for muted color schemes. You may consider putting it on a nightstand next to your bed or in the center of the dining room table. Whichever you decide, this stand will help keep your tiny tree secure and stable all season long. Price at time of publish: $85 Dimensions: 15.8 x 15.8 x 9.3 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Material: Steel, wood, metal | Tree Type: Real | Maximum Tree Height: 5 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 4 inches | Water Capacity: .32 gallons Keep in Mind: This stand is on the smaller side. The natural beechwood legs feature a protective coating that stands up to sap and is also gentle on floors. Four durable, ergonomic metal pins allow you to adjust your tree precisely and will keep it upright all season long. We like the unusual design of this stand if you’re looking for something different and more modern. Price at time of publish: $69 Dimensions: 22.1 x 5.5 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 5.14 pounds | Material: Metal and beechwood | Tree Type: Real | Maximum Tree Height: 7 feet | Maximum Trunk Diameter: 3.6 inches | Water Capacity: .37 gallons
What to Know About Christmas Tree Stands Before Shopping
Size
Christmas tree stands come in a variety of sizes, shapes, heights, and weights. The size of the Christmas stands you want to get depends on the size of your tree. “If you have a large tree with lots of branches, then you’ll want a stand that can accommodate both its height and its width,” says Spaulding. “If your tree is small or has few branches, then a smaller stand will do the trick just fine.” You’ll also want to make sure the diameter of your tree trunk fits the range described on the individual packaging. If it’s too small or too big, you won’t get a sturdy fit.
Maximum Tree Size
Different tree stands are designed to hold different size trees. Most Christmas tree stands can support trees between 7 and 9 feet tall. However, smaller tree stands can typically accommodate trees between 5 and 8 feet—think about smaller bedroom trees or apartment decorations.
Material
For the most part, metal Christmas tree stands are the best Christmas tree stands for larger and heavier trees as metal is sturdier than plastic. Spaulding added they are also better for trees in high-traffic areas like living rooms or if you have children or pets who like to tug and potentially climb trees. Plastic tree stands are great for short-term use as they aren’t as long-lasting, especially if you’re looking for a one-and-done tree stand at a more affordable price.
Water Capacity
The water capacity of a Christmas tree stand will vary depending on the brand. The average tree stand has a water capacity between .5 gallons and 3 gallons. The water bowl feature will depend on the type of stand and is typically only included on stands that hold real trees. Artificial trees don’t need a stand with a water capacity since they aren’t living, but real ones do, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you choose a Christmas tree stand?
Before decorating a Christmas tree, you’ll want a stand that’s not only durable but sturdy enough to support your tree. As Spaulding mentioned earlier, your Christmas tree stand must be stable enough to support your tree. Think about height, trunk diameter, and water capacity (for real trees). The next factor you’ll want to consider is budget. Are you willing to spend nearly $100 on a Christmas tree stand, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly option? “If you don’t want to spend much money on a stand, one option is to get a plastic base that has spikes on it,” says Spaulding. “These are easy to find at any store, and they’re relatively cheap. However, keep in mind that these kinds of bases won’t hold up very well if you have pets or children who like to climb trees.” If online options haven’t worked for you, Mango suggests buying a Christmas tree stand at your local tree lot. “I recommend purchasing the stands that the tree lots offer that are already installed. They mainly are made with legs that are rebar and a plastic pan for the water, and they install the tree, so it’s straight and secure.”
How do you install a Christmas tree into a stand?
While you should always read the instructional booklet that comes with your specific tree stand, Spaulding has a few tips that generally apply across the board. “First, remove the base of the stand if it is removable. If not, proceed to step two,” says Spaulding. “Then, stand your tree up on its base and place it in the center of the stand’s circular opening. And finally, place the tree’s base into the stand and twist until it locks in place.”
What are some ways to hide a Christmas tree stand?
The most popular way to hide and cover a Christmas tree stand is by using a tree collar or skirt. These decorative pieces are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns and can be placed at the bottom of the tree to conceal the stand. You may even choose to hide your stand with other holiday decorations like presents, statues, or fabric.
Who We Are
Casey Clark is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. To make this list, she researched a variety of tree stands, keeping in mind material, tree type, weight, dimensions, trunk diameter, and water capacity. She also consulted with Tara Spaulding, interior design coordinator for Patio Productions and Christine Mango holiday designer and producer.
