Creating A Wooden Cross For Your Wedding Day

Making a large wooden cross for a wedding is a meaningful project that can add a personal and religious touch to the ceremony. This task is suitable for both beginner and advanced woodworkers, requiring materials such as wood boards, saws, drills, chisels, screws, and optional finishes like varnish or oil. The process involves choosing the type of wood, determining dimensions, cutting notches for joints, assembling the pieces, and creating a stable base. The cross can be customised with carvings or kept simple, and its proportions can vary, but typically, the height-to-width ratio is 2:1, and the cross arm is attached a quarter of the way down from the top.

Choosing the right wood

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of wood available. Wood is categorised into three groups: hardwoods, softwoods, and exotic hardwoods. Hardwoods, which come from deciduous trees with leaves, tend to be denser, stronger, and more expensive. Examples of hardwoods include oak, maple, mahogany, walnut, and cherry. On the other hand, softwoods, which come from cone-bearing trees like pine and fir, are generally less expensive and can be used for construction and outdoor projects. Cedar, pine, and redwood are commonly used softwoods. Exotic hardwoods, like mahogany and teak, are often more expensive due to their rarity.

When choosing the type of wood, it is also essential to consider your budget. Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, are typically more affordable and suitable for those on a tight budget. In contrast, hardwoods like oak and maple are pricier but offer higher durability. Additionally, some wood types may require specialised tools, finishes, or maintenance, which can impact the overall cost of your project.

The colour and grain design of the wood will affect the appearance of your cross. If you prefer a light-coloured wood, you might consider pine or maple. For a richer, reddish-brown colour, woods like mahogany, walnut, or cherry would be ideal. Each type of wood also has a unique grain pattern, ranging from straight and uniform to wavy or spiralled. The grain pattern can add interest and texture to your cross.

Finally, consider the durability of the wood, especially if your cross will be used outdoors or in high-traffic areas. Softwoods may not be ideal for projects that require high durability, as they are more prone to dents and scratches. Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, offer better resistance to wear and tear. For outdoor use, choose wood types naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, such as cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber.

By considering your budget, the desired appearance, and the durability required for your project, you can select the most suitable wood for your wedding cross.

Cutting the wood to size

Firstly, determine the desired dimensions of your cross. The standard ratio for a cross is 1:3, with the cross arm attached one-quarter of the way down from the top and having a width equal to one-third of the height. For a Latin-style cross, the top projection should be equal in length to the two horizontal projections. You can also refer to the dimensions provided in the tutorial, which uses a 4" x 6" x 120" board for the vertical beam and a 4" x 6" x 72" board for the horizontal beam.

Once you have your measurements, mark the cutting lines on the wood using a pencil. If you're using a large piece of wood, such as a 6" x 6" beam, you may need to cut it into more manageable sections before proceeding.

Now, it's time to start cutting! If you have access to a miter saw, this would be a good tool to use for making straight cuts. Alternatively, you could use a handheld circular saw or a hand saw. Cut along the marked lines, taking your time to ensure straight and precise cuts. If you're using a hand saw, you may need to rotate the wood after each cut, as it might not be possible to cut through the entire beam in one go.

After cutting the main beams, you'll need to cut the notches for the half-lap joint. This is where the horizontal and vertical beams will join together. Adjust the blade depth of your handheld circular saw to 2 inches and make a series of cuts across the wood. Then, use a chisel to remove the excess wood and clean up the notch. Create a notch that is approximately 6 inches wide and 2 inches deep for both beams.

Remember to wear the appropriate safety gear when cutting the wood, including eye protection, gloves, and ear protection. Take your time and be cautious when using power tools.

By following these steps, you will have successfully cut the wood to size for your wedding cross. The next step would be to drill holes for the lag bolts that will hold the beams together.

Joining the wood together

Cutting the Notches:

Using a handheld circular saw, cut out the notches for the half-lap joint. Adjust the blade depth to 2 inches and make a series of cuts across the wood. A steady hand and a steady surface are key to making straight and precise cuts. Use a chisel to remove the excess wood and clean up the notch. The notch should be approximately 6 inches wide by 2 inches deep for both the vertical and horizontal beams.

Fitting the Beams:

Lay one beam over the other, marking the overlap with a pencil. This will help you visualise how the beams will fit together. You may need to make some adjustments to get a perfect fit. The goal is to have the beams fit snugly together, forming a strong and stable joint.

Drilling Holes for Lag Bolts:

Drill holes through the notches to accommodate the lag bolts. Use a corded drill with a 1/2 inch drill bit. You may need to slightly enlarge the holes to ensure the lag bolts fit snugly. Insert the lag bolts and tighten the nuts with a wrench. This will securely hold the beams together.

Sanding and Finishing:

Before applying any finish, you may want to sand the wood to smooth out any rough surfaces and create your desired look. If you're aiming for a rustic or distressed appearance, use an angle grinder to add texture. Always wear a dust mask when sanding.

Finally, you can choose to add a finish to protect and enhance the appearance of the wood. Oils, varnishes, or waxes can be applied, depending on your desired outcome. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Remember to work carefully and take the necessary safety precautions when using power tools. It is also advisable to have an extra pair of hands to help with lifting and assembling the cross.

Finishing the cross

Now that the cross has been cut, assembled, and sanded, it's time to finish it. This is where you can get creative and make the cross your own.

If you want to add texture to the cross, you can use an angle grinder to create a rugged look. This step can be time-consuming and tiring, so be sure to wear a dust mask.

If you're happy with the smoothness of the cross after sanding, you can move on to adding a finish. This step is optional, especially if you've used Western Red Cedar, as it will last a long time without any finish. However, if you want to add a darker colour to the wood, you can use a product like Dark Danish Oil. One or two coats should be enough.

If you're planning to display the cross outdoors, you'll need to seal the wood to protect it from the elements. You can use an outdoor finish like polyurethane, epoxy, lacquer, or varnish. Alternatively, you can make your own natural oil finish by mixing one part tung or linseed oil, one part mineral spirits, and one part polyurethane. This will help to preserve the wood and ensure your cross lasts for years to come.

Finally, if you want to add some extra decoration to your cross, you can try wood carving. You can carve a meaningful word, symbol, or design that is significant to you. Just be sure that the carving is appropriate for the setting in which the cross will be displayed.

Once you've finished the cross to your liking, it's time to build a base to support it. The base should be wide enough to provide stability, especially if the cross will be displayed indoors. You can use wood screws to attach the cross to the base, and consider adding sandbags to weigh it down and prevent it from tipping over.

With these finishing touches, your large wooden cross for your wedding will be complete and ready to be displayed!

Building a base for the cross

Planning the Base:

Start by determining the desired height of your cross. This will help you decide on the appropriate dimensions for the base. As a general rule, the wider the base, the more stable the cross will be. Consider the weight of the cross and choose a base size that can adequately support it.

Materials and Tools:

For the base, you can use wood such as western red cedar or any other type of wood that is sturdy and durable. You will need enough wood to create a stable structure. Additionally, you will need tools like a saw, drill, screws, and a sander. If you plan to paint or finish the base, ensure you have the necessary supplies.

Constructing the Base:

• Cut the wood to the desired length and width for the base. Consider making the base slightly wider than the cross itself for added stability.
• If you are creating a pedestal-style base, cut the wood to form the sides and top of the pedestal. Ensure the pieces fit together snugly.
• Assemble the base by joining the pieces with wood screws. Use a drill to create pilot holes and then screw the pieces together securely.
• If desired, add additional supports or braces to the base for extra stability. This is especially important if the cross is particularly tall or heavy.
• Sand the base to smooth any rough edges and create a uniform surface. Pay attention to the corners and ensure there are no sharp edges.
• If you wish to add a finish or paint the base, do so at this stage. Allow adequate time for the paint or finish to dry completely.

Final Steps:

• Place the base in the desired location and ensure it is level. You can use a spirit level to check the evenness of the surface.
• Attach the cross to the base securely. You can use screws or bolts, depending on the design of your cross. Ensure that all connections are tight and secure.
• Once the cross is attached, carefully stand it up and check its stability. Ensure it does not wobble or lean in any direction.
• If needed, you can add weights or sandbags to the base for additional stability, especially if the wedding is outdoors and there are concerns about wind or other factors.

Remember to plan ahead, work carefully, and always put safety first. By following these steps, you will create a solid and stable base for your large wooden wedding cross.

Frequently asked questions