Question 1

What lights do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, we are pleased to say that lights are included with every tree purchased. Small and Medium trees come with 12 x 1.8m  strand lights (~400 LEDs) with multifunction, plus a remote control. Large and Extra large trees come with 16 x 2.4m  strand lights (~760 LEDs) with multifunction, plus a remote control.

Question 2

Can trees be placed outside?

Accepted Answer

Our trees are supplied untreated which makes them best suited to indoor use. 
 
If you wish to position your tree outside, it is recommended that you treat all of the components with a suitable wood preservative, such as Danish Oil (2 coats are required, 48 hours apart). If you would like us to provided a tree treated with Danish Oil, please get in touch and we will advise you of the additional cost.
 
If an untreated tree is positioned outside or in other damp/wet conditions, without suitable wood preservative treatment, Scalable Designs Ltd will not be bound to replacing components that have discoloured or changed shape.

Question 3

How do I assemble the tree?

Accepted Answer

In the "Instructions" section of our website you will find details of how to build each of the trees we sell. We provide links to written instructions and video tutorials for all tree sizes.

Question 4

How much floor space is needed for each tree?

Accepted Answer

The image below shows the base size of each tree. The base size is measured from the base of one leg to an imagery line that joins the opposite 2 legs. If a tree is placed with the base of 2 legs against a wall, the base size will indicate the distance away from the wall that the farthest leg will reach. It is possible to assemble a tree and remove a complete leg, resulting in a tree that takes up less floor space.

Question 5

What are the trees made from?

Accepted Answer

All wooden tree components are made using European Oak from a supplier that ensures their timber is certified by PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
Stainless steel dowel pins are used to connect components. These pins will not corrode and make up less than 2% of the weight of the product.
The oak timber used will show the natural patterns expected in heart wood and sap wood, knots will also be present in the timber, some will be small, but other may be open knots i.e. knots may pass through a complete piece of wood.

Question 6

Can I still decorate the tree?

Accepted Answer

Of course! All our trees are sold completely natural and untreated but we encourage you to decorate it any way you like. Hanging decorations can be attached to wooden components using cotton thread or using the paper clips provided to create a hook. Lights can be used in the normal fashion (but we've found that waterfall or branch-style lights Christmas lights work best!). Get in touch and we'd be happy to give you any ideas we think work well but encourage you to make your tree your own.  
 
To create hooks, simple straighten out a standard paper clip leaving the inner loop and bend the remaining straight section over the top of a spoke section. These work well and are easy to make, details of how to make them can be found in the instruction for each tree.

Question 7

How should I store my tree?

Accepted Answer

The product is supplied in a sturdy box, which can also be used for storage. It is deliberately designed with minimum height (~12cm), to allow the storage box to be discretely placed in a cupboard or under a bed or sofa. It is best to store the box/tree inside to avoid it getting damp.

Question 8

Can I copy the design and make my own tree?

Accepted Answer

We have been granted patents for the product in the UK, France, Germany, United States, Canada, China & Hong Kong . The patent protects the design and manufacture against unauthorised selling in countries where the patent is active. 
 
See - https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-ipsum/Case/PublicationNumber/GB2584093
 
or search for:

EP(UK) Patent No. 3972459 / International Patent PCT/EP2020/063361  / US (PCT) Patent No. 11779145/ European (PCT) Patent No. 20726367.4 / Canada (PCT) Patent No. 3141205 / Chinese (PCT) Patent No. ZL202080046871.0 /  Hong Kong Patent No. 40060307

or

https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search/family/067385357/publication/US11779145B2?q=Modular%20Christmas%20Tree%20Marchant

Question 9

When I disassemble the tree a dowel pin relocates to the wrong hole

Accepted Answer

When separating components dowel pins will sometimes remain in the wrong hole. The holes that should contain the dowel pins can be identified from the component diagrams in the instructions. It is advised that the pins are relocated before storage to ease reassembly. Relocating the pins can be done by hand or using pliers, a gentle tap with a hammer will reseat the pin to the base of the hole.

Frequently asked questions