DIY: Build a Wood Manger for a Nativity Prop

DIY: Build a Wood Manger for a Nativity Prop

Build a wood manger for a Nativity production, Christmas Story play or yard decoration. 

Use reclaimed wood to build a simple nativity style manger for the bed of baby Jesus.

Let me show you how we put this manger together in 2017.

This rustic wood manger is made of reclaimed wood and mostly hand tools.  

The construction of the manger uses no nails or screws, just wood dove tailing, for an authentic look.  

Great DIY for Christmas time as we remember the birth of baby Jesus.

Supplies Needed for Rustic Nativity Manger:

• 4x4 posts (18-20 inches long)
• 3/4" pine boards (12x18 inches)
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Rubber Mallet
• Jig saw
• Table saw

My husband and I were asked to build a manger for the local church Nativity set display.

We decided to build it with "mostly" hand tools and using no nails or screws...maybe similar to how it was actually constructed.

This manger worked great to hold the little baby doll.

It would work for a Nativity production, yard decor or for a religious teaching aid.

Step 1: Cut Notches

The 4x4 boards are cut to fit together like Lincoln Logs, 1/2 notches on both boards, right in the center.

Set the table saw at 1.75 inches tall and cut slices in the center of the posts...enough slices to fit one post.

Then use a chisel and hammer to remove all the table sawed slices.

Clean up the inside of the cut with the chisel.

Then use a rubber mallet to fit both posts together tightly.

Repeat this with the other 2 4x4 posts.

These posts should sink into each other and line up smooth and flush.

Step 2: Wood Bed

Next, use a jig saw to cut opposing dove tail groves on the pine boards.

One side of the board has notches cut into it, the other board has tabs in the same place.

This way they will fit together like a puzzle.

Make sure the pieces slide inside each other firmly but not too tight.

This way they can fit together without any glue, and can be disassembled to lay flat for storage.

Then just stand up the 4x4 cross legs and slide the dove tailed boards right on top!

Simple and sturdy.

Needs no nails or screws.

Fill the rustic wood manger with hay or fake fur and the little baby Jesus.

Or leave empty as a reminder of Christmas day and the birth of Jesus.

Build the outline of a stable with 2x4's and hang a little star above the manger.

The manger comes apart and lays flat for easy year round storage.

That's it!

Build a wood manger for a Nativity Prop, Christmas decoration or yard decor for the holiday season remember the birth of Jesus Christ.

This DIY Manger is easy to make with reclaimed wood and uses no nails or screws to hold it together.

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