Christmas offer: Free 48 inch tree mat with any stand. Mention code CHRISTMAS when you call to order.
A tall decorated Fraser fir held straight by a red Bowling's Last Stand steel tree stand in a bright living room
Made in Bear Lake, Michigan since 1989

The last Christmas tree stand you will ever need

Welded steel stands for trees from 7 to 30 feet. They grip the trunk, hold plenty of water and last long enough to hand down.

  • Most orders ship in 24 hours
  • Made in the USA
  • Family owned
  • Made in MichiganBuilt in Bear Lake since 1989
  • Rated #1 of 8 standsThe Courier Journal, Louisville
  • In The Wall Street JournalFeatured December 1992
  • Sold in 230+ storesAcross 25 states and Ontario
Find your stand

One question tells you which stand to buy

Every model is sized by tree height. Tap your tree's height and we will show you the stand that fits.

How tall is your tree?

Thick trunk or somewhere in between? Go one size up, or read the full size guide.

Bowling's Last Stand steel tree stands beside their triangle shaped gift box
Where plastic fails, steel prevails

Why this stand holds a tree when others do not

Most stands pinch the trunk with a few screws and hope. Ours holds the tree from the bottom and the sides.

  • A spike in the center of the bowl. It goes into a small hole you drill in the trunk, so the tree cannot slide or twist.
  • T bolts you turn by hand. They clamp the trunk and let you straighten the tree in seconds. The Courier Journal called them easier to turn than ordinary stand screws.
  • A deep steel water bowl. From 2 quarts to 6.5 gallons, so a fresh tree can drink all it wants.
  • Wide welded legs. The weight sits low and spread out, which is what keeps a heavy tree upright.
See how setup works
Is it worth it?

Think about what a falling tree really costs

A cheap stand gives out, the tree comes down, and suddenly you are counting broken ornaments, a stained carpet or a warped hardwood floor. Then there is the family evening that went with it.

Our stands run from $210 to $1,200 and you buy one once. Customers keep telling us the same thing: it was worth every penny.

“After our 14 foot tree broke 2 stands, we decided a quality stand was worth it. We never felt any risk of the tree falling over.”
Customer review, 12XTS owner
  • 1989The year Floyd Bowling Jr and Sr built the first stand
  • 30 ftThe tallest tree our 16XTS will hold
  • 6.5 galWater in the largest bowl
  • 24 hrsHow fast most orders leave our warehouse
Easy setup

Up in minutes, and you never crawl under the tree

  1. Drill a small holeAbout 2 inches deep in the center of the trunk.
  2. Put the stand on while the tree lies downSlide the trunk into the bowl so the spike goes into the hole, then snug up the T bolts.
  3. Stand it up and straighten itAdjust with the T bolts until it looks right. Add water and you are done.

Full instructions for every model

“My opinion is that it belongs in the Permanent Design Collection of The Museum of Modern Art.”
Jane F., Greendale, Wisconsin
After spending 2 hours last year putting up our tree, we had the tree up in 20 minutes and looked at each other like, is that it? It was worth every penny I paid for it.
MichelleLinden, MI
Second year we've had your tree stand. We love it. No leans, leaks or creaks.
Jim N.Ridgefield, CT
When I saw yours I knew that my grandchildren would be fighting over it long after I'm gone.
Joe A.

Read more customer reviews

Made in Bear Lake, Michigan

Built by one family for more than 35 years

Floyd Bowling Jr and Sr came up with the stand on their farm in December 1989, looking for a way to add to their farm income. They built a prototype from materials on hand in a few hours and patented it soon after.

We still weld, paint and ship every stand from Bear Lake. The design has seen a few small improvements and nothing more, because it has never needed more.

A robotic welder joining steel parts in the Bear Lake shop
Racks of steel stand bowls waiting for paint
Inside a garden center with fresh cut Christmas trees and poinsettias
Where to buy

See one in person at a store near you

More than 230 hardware stores, garden centers and tree farms in 25 states and Ontario carry our stands.

Good questions

Before you buy

Which size stand do I need?

Go by the height of your tree. The 6XTS holds trees up to 7 feet, the 8XTS up to 9 feet, the 10XTS up to 12 feet, the 12XTS up to 20 feet and the 16XTS up to 30 feet. If your tree sits between two sizes, or has a very thick trunk, pick the bigger stand. Our size guide has every measurement.

Do I have to drill a hole in the trunk?

Yes, and it is quick. Drill a hole about 2 inches deep in the center of the trunk: 1/2 inch wide for the 6XTS, 8XTS and 10XTS, or 1 inch wide for the 12XTS and 16XTS. The spike in the bottom of the bowl goes into that hole, and the T bolts clamp the sides. That is why the tree stays put.

Why does a steel stand cost more than a plastic one?

A plastic stand might cost $30 and last a few seasons. When one fails, the bill is broken ornaments, a soaked floor and a ruined evening. Our stands are welded steel and people pass them down to their kids. Customers tell us it was worth every penny, and many of them bought one after a cheaper stand let them down.

How fast do you ship?

Most orders leave our warehouse in Bear Lake, Michigan within 24 hours. Shipping is $50 for the 6XTS and 8XTS and $85 for the 10XTS and 12XTS.

How do I order the 16XTS?

Call us at (231) 864 2653 before ordering. Shipping on the 16XTS depends on the carrier and your location, so we will check availability and give you an exact price.

All questions and answers

Put up your tree once and stop worrying about it.

Pick your stand today. Most orders leave Bear Lake, Michigan within 24 hours.

Call Shop Stands