Kathleen Ames

Repurposing old tires keeps non-biodegradable waste out of local landfills. Popular DIY projects include turning them into patio furniture, garden planters, and tree swings. However, old tires should never be burned, dumped into bodies of water, or used to grow edible vegetables due to chemical leaching. The most practical, high-utility projects are organized below by indoor and outdoor applications. 🏠 Indoor Projects To bring tires inside safely, you must scrub them completely with degreaser, soap, and hot water. Sealing the rubber with a primer or completely wrapping it ensures it is clean and odor-free for indoor use. Rope-Wrapped Storage Ottoman: Use a jigsaw to cut two circular plywood discs that match the tire's diameter. Screw one disc to the bottom to act as a solid base. Use a hot glue gun to tightly wrap heavy manila rope around the entire exterior of the tire. Add foam and fabric to the second wooden disc to create a padded lid that lifts off for hidden storage. Optional: Screw short wooden furniture legs or heavy caster wheels into the bottom of this plywood disc. Cozy Pet Bed: Cut out the top sidewall of the tire using a sharp utility knife or specialized jigsaw blade to create a wider opening. Sand down any rough rubber edges. Paint the exterior to match your room, then drop a round, plush dog or cat cushion right into the center cavity. 🌳 Outdoor Projects Transforming discarded tires into functional outdoor items is a great way to upcycle. Outdoor projects are highly durable because rubber is naturally weather-resistant and holds up against moisture and frost. Garden Planters: Paint the rubber with exterior acrylic paint and fill the inside with soil to make durable outdoor flower pots. Don't forget to thoroughly clean the tires first. Patio Seating & Tables: Stack two or three tires, cover the top with a fitted wooden base and cushion, or bolt two together and top with a round glass pane for a quick coffee table. Tree Swings: Secure a tire horizontally or vertically with heavy-duty nautical rope for a classic, durable backyard swing.