In this article we’ll look at how to build a 8 foot cross. We’ll begin by taking an inventory of the tools that we’ll need and then looking at the materials required for building a 8 foot cross.
Make a 8 foot cross in your back yard with a few basic hand tools. These instructions are for building a 8 foot tall cross, but this same frame design could be used to make larger or smaller crosses as well.
🛠️ What This Is About
Building a wooden cross suitable for outdoor use—complete with a strong joint and a stable mounting or stand.
📋 Materials & Tools Needed
Purpose Materials / Tools
Cross beams 4×6 cedar (or 2 × 6 for smaller), plus a 4″×6″ or 2″×6″ cross beam
Joinery Half-lap joint (saw + chisel), ½″ lag bolts
Stand base 2×6 or 2×8 lumber, ¾″ plywood (for platform)
Mounting option Hardwood ground stake or steel rod
Fasteners 5″ lag bolts, 3″ wood screws
Tools Miter saw or circular saw, drill with bits, chisel, hammer, sander, level
⚙️ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the Cross
Cut vertical (≈6 ft) and horizontal beam (≈3 ft) to size from cedar or pine
Create a half-lap joint: rip each beam’s center half-depth with a saw, clean with a chisel, then fit together
Reinforce with two ½″ lag bolts through pre-drilled holes .
2. Sand & Finish
Smooth edges and surfaces using sander.
Apply outdoor finish: leave raw cedar or use Danish oil, spar urethane, or clear sealant for protection.
3. Create a Support Stand
Build a base from 2×6/2×8 beams forming a socket on ¾” plywood (e.g., 24″ × 24″).
Secure cross within socket and add edge weights or sandbags until stable
4. Ground Mount Option
For cemetery-style or in-ground displays:
Drive a hardwood garden stake or steel rod ≈12″ into soil.
Create a cavity in cross bottom beam to slip over the stake securely
💡 Tips & Common Mistakes
Use decay-resistant cedar for durability; treated pine also acceptable
Ensure the base is wide or heavy enough to resist tipping—platform ≥ 1/3 the cross height is
Match the cross’s ratio so arms appear balanced—top arm equal in length to side arms .
📌 Quick Facts
Half-lap joints + lag bolts = strong and transportable (can disassemble if needed)
Use a base support or in-ground stake depending on whether you need portability.
Cedar naturally resists weather; optional finish extends lifespan.
🎥 Visual Guide
Here’s a clear YouTube demo that walks through building a wooden cross with a stand:
👷 Who Should Use This
DIYers needing a durable outdoor or cemetery display cross
Individuals wanting a stand-alone or ground-mounted cross
Anyone looking for a transportable, easy-to-assemble project
How to Build a Cross for Your Yard
Building a wooden cross is an excellent way to show your faith and devotion. You can build crosses in different sizes and paint them with different colors. In addition, you can use this project as a great way to spend time with your family and teach them about the Bible.
Materials:
Wooden board, 1 x 6 inch (2 x 4 feet) or 2 x 4 inch (4 feet long)
Wood screws* (1/2 inches)
Drill machine*
How to Build a Wooden Cross
Building a wooden cross is easy and fun. A Christian symbol of faith, the cross is often used as a symbol of love, peace and hope. It can be made from any type of wood, depending on what you want it to look like. It can be painted or left unfinished. Different types of wood will give your cross different looks and shades.
Woodworking projects are both fun and fulfilling. The benefits are many: you get to see your finished product; you learn new skills; it keeps you busy; it helps relieve stress; and it makes great gifts for family members and friends. You also get to enjoy the feel of working with your hands and seeing something tangible come out of them at the end of the day. In order for your project to have lasting value, however, it must be built right the first time around so that nothing falls apart later on down the road when you least expect it!
The first step in building a wooden cross is deciding on what type of wood you want it made out of. There are many different types available today such as cedar, pine or oak. Cedar is one of the most popular woods used in making crosses because it has many advantages over other types such as being less expensive than.