Old tires usually just sit around collecting dust, but honestly, they’re way more useful than they look. Instead of tossing them or paying someone to haul them off, you can actually turn them into handy (and even cool) projects for your house and yard. You’ll save some cash, cut down on waste, and end up with something you’ll actually use.
These ideas range from quick garden hacks to furniture and storage. Some you can bang out in an afternoon, while others might turn into bigger projects that totally change your outdoor vibe. With 30 different options, there’s probably at least a couple that’ll work for your place.
1) Tire Planter Garden Display
Tires make surprisingly good planters and can tidy up your garden in no time. Stack a few for a raised bed effect, works great for flowers, herbs, or even veggies if you’re feeling ambitious.
If you want to brighten things up, a little paint goes a long way. You can go bold or stick with neutrals, totally up to your taste.
Hanging a tire on a wall or fence saves space and lets you grow trailing plants like ivy or petunias. It’s a fun way to use vertical space if your yard’s on the smaller side.
2) Painted Tire Patio Seating
Old tires can be turned into patio seats with barely any effort. Grab a clean tire, slap on some weatherproof paint, and toss a cushion on top. Bright colors make them pop, but you can tone it down if you like.
Give the tire a good scrub first – nobody wants to sit on a greasy tire. Once it’s dry, paint it up, let it cure, and add your cushion or a round piece of wood for a sturdy seat.
These are super handy if you need extra seating outside. They’re light, easy to move, and you can even stack them out of the way when you’re not using them.
3) Tire Swing for Kids
Nothing says backyard fun like a tire swing. All you need is a sturdy tree branch, some rope or chain, and a clean tire. Make sure to scrub it down first, kids will be all over it.
A fresh coat of paint not only looks better but helps the tire hold up to the weather. Go with a fun color to make it extra playful.
For more stability, hang the tire flat with three chains instead of just one. It’s easier for little ones to balance and feels a bit safer, too.
4) Stacked Tire Ottoman
Stack a couple of tires and you’ve got the base for a solid ottoman. It’s sturdy, simple, and surprisingly comfy with the right top.
Wrap the outside with rope, fabric, or even upholstery if you’re feeling crafty. Pop a round piece of wood on top for a smooth surface.
Stick some legs or wheels underneath if you want it mobile. This works indoors or out – just keep it under cover if you use fabric.
5) Tire Coffee Table with Glass Top
An old tire can be the perfect base for a coffee table. Just add a round glass top and you’re good to go.
Just clean the tire well, let it dry, then set your cut-to-size glass on top. That’s about it for setup, super straightforward.
If you want it to match your room, wrap the tire in rope or give it a fresh coat of paint first. It’s a small step, but it makes the whole thing look more finished.
6) Tire Sandbox
Big tires, like the kind from tractors or trucks, make awesome sandboxes. They’re roomy and keep the sand in one spot, which is always a plus.
Lay the tire on flat ground, line it with a tough plastic sheet, and fill it with play sand. Don’t skip the liner, it keeps things clean.
Paint the outside for a bit of fun, and if you want to keep critters out, cover it with a lid or tarp when it’s not in use.
7) Hanging Tire Herb Garden
Hanging tires make quirky little herb gardens. Just secure a tire with rope or chain, add a liner or board at the bottom, and fill it up with soil.
Toss in your favorite herbs – basil, mint, parsley, whatever you like. Don’t forget to poke some drainage holes so water doesn’t pool inside.
Paint it if you’re after a cleaner look, or leave it as-is for a rustic vibe. Hang it somewhere sunny and you’re set.
8) Tire Wall Art Installation
Cut up old tires and arrange the pieces on a wall for some unique art. A splash of paint brings out the shapes, especially against a plain wall.
Mount the pieces on wood or metal frames to keep them steady. Hanging them gets a lot easier this way, especially if you’re putting them outside.
Try mixing different tire sizes and shapes for a layered look. It adds depth without much extra cost or effort.
9) Tire Fire Pit Surround
A tire rim can be a quick fix for a fire pit surround. The metal rim handles heat and gives you a solid base.
Just put the rim on level ground, then stack bricks, stones, or pavers around it. Not only does it look better, but it also keeps the fire where it should be.
Stack on another rim or add a grill grate if you want to get fancy. Suddenly you’ve got a spot for both warmth and a little outdoor cooking.
10) Tire Pet Bed with Cushion
Tires actually make great pet beds. Clean the tire up, hit it with some spray paint, and let it dry.
Measure the inside and grab a cushion that fits snugly. You could use a store-bought insert or just make one yourself.
Pop the cushion in and you’re done. It’s fast, cheap, and gives your pet a cozy place to nap.
11) Tire Plant Borders
Old tires work well as a border for plants. They’re tough, keep the substrate where it should be, and make the area look more put together.
Cut them in half to make arranging them easier, or leave them whole and bury them a bit for extra stability.
Paint them bright for a playful look, plus it keeps the rubber from fading in the sun.
12) Tire Garden Hose Holder
A tire or rim can be a simple fix for hose storage. The round shape is perfect for winding up your hose, and it’s strong enough to last.
Mount a rim to a post or wall for easy access. It keeps the hose off the ground and way less tangled.
If you’re short on time, just coil the hose around a tire lying flat. Not fancy, but it totally works.
13) Tire Vertical Garden Tower
Stacking tires is a clever way to make a vertical garden tower. Each tire holds soil and plants, so you can grow a bunch of stuff in a small footprint.
Give them a coat of paint for some color, and drill drainage holes to keep the water moving.
Perfect if you don’t have much space but want more plants. Going up instead of out just makes sense sometimes.
14) Tire Mirror Frame
So, if you’ve got an old tire lying around, you can actually make a pretty cool mirror frame out of it. Just pop a round mirror inside, make sure the tire’s clean first, though. Scrubbing off the grime is definitely worth the effort.
You can paint the tire for a fresh vibe, or just leave it as is for a rough-and-ready look. Pick a color that works with your room, or just go wild, because why not?
Hanging it isn’t a big deal either. Just attach some strong hooks or brackets to the back, and you’re all set. Suddenly, you’ve got a functional mirror that’s got a bit of personality and reuses something you probably thought was junk.
15) Tire Outdoor Side Table
Old tires actually make pretty solid outdoor side tables, and you don’t need much to get started, just some basic supplies. Once you’ve cleaned the tire, it’s basically ready to go.
Slap a round wooden top on there for a flat spot to rest your drink or snacks. Fasten it down with screws or a good adhesive so it doesn’t wobble around.
If you want it to look a bit more polished, paint the tire or wrap it with rope. The end result? A handy patio or balcony table that didn’t cost much at all.
16) Tire Raised Garden Bed
Turning an old tire into a raised garden bed is about as easy as it gets. Lay it flat, dump in some soil, and plant whatever you like – veggies, herbs, flowers, whatever fits.
If you need more depth, stack a couple of tires on top of each other. The rubber helps with drainage and even keeps the soil a bit warmer when it’s chilly.
A coat of paint on the outside makes it look neater and helps slow down sun damage.
17) Tire Playground Climbing Structure
Stacking old tires is a pretty easy way to make a climbing tower for kids. Tires are tough, so they’re safe for little ones to crawl all over, and you don’t have to spend a ton.
Grab four or more tires that are about the same size. Bolt them together or use heavy-duty screws, and anchor the base so it doesn’t tip over.
If you want to go all out, add a slide or hook the tower up to other playground stuff. A splash of paint makes it look way more fun.
18) Tire Garden Stools
Old tires can actually make surprisingly comfy garden stools. Just add a cushion or a wooden top, paint or wrap it in fabric if you want it to look a bit fancier.
If you want the stool taller, add short legs or stack two tires. Works great for outdoor seating and can stand up to whatever the weather throws at it.
These things last ages, so you won’t be fixing them up all the time. Plus, you’re saving cash by reusing stuff instead of buying new.
19) Tire Compost Bin
Stacking old tires is a quick way to set up a compost bin for your kitchen scraps and yard waste. The shape keeps everything tidy, and the open top means you can toss in new stuff or mix the pile without any trouble.
Start with a couple of tires on level ground. Lining the bottom with straw, sawdust, or cardboard helps with drainage and airflow.
As you pile up food scraps and yard clippings, the rubber holds in heat, so things break down faster. Need more space? Just stack on another tire.
20) Tire Bird Feeder
It’s actually pretty simple to make a bird feeder from an old tire. Cut the tire into a shape you like – maybe a half-moon or something a bit more creative – then hang it from a tree or post.
Stick a little platform or bowl inside for the birds to perch on and eat. A bit of outdoor paint can make it pop in your yard.
Hang it high enough to keep birds safe from cats and other critters. Refilling and cleaning it is way easier than some of those fancy store-bought feeders.
21) Tire Garden Sculpture
Got a pile of old tires? They’re actually pretty fun to turn into garden sculptures. Cut, stack, and shape them however you want, animals, weird abstract shapes, whatever you’re into. Paint makes them stand out, and the tread gives them a cool texture.
Animals like swans or snails are pretty popular, but you can get creative and do your own thing. The natural patterns in the rubber add a nice touch.
Put your creation somewhere people will see it. Tires don’t mind the weather, so you won’t be fussing over it much once it’s out there.
22) Tire Tire Swing Chair
Tires make classic swing chairs, and you don’t need much, just some rope or chain and a good tree branch or frame. Hang it up, and you’ve got a chill spot to relax outside.
Cut the tire in half for a chair-like seat, or leave it whole for a rounder swing. Both ways are comfy, just depends what you like.
Don’t forget to drill drainage holes so rainwater doesn’t pool up. Sand down any sharp edges and maybe give it a coat of paint if you want it to look extra tidy.
23) Tire Outdoor Storage Box
You can actually build a tough outdoor storage box from an old tire and a few simple materials. The tire forms the main part, and then you add wood or bamboo panels for the base and lid.
Paint it or wrap it in rope if you’re after a cleaner finish. That way, it fits in better with your patio or garden setup.
Inside, stash your garden tools, cushions, or whatever else you want out of sight. Not a bad way to tidy up and reuse something that’d otherwise be trash.
24) Tire Plant Stand
Old tires can easily become a plant stand with just a couple tweaks. Stand the tire upright and fit a wooden or metal base inside the opening to hold your pots. It’s a quick way to get a raised platform for plants, indoors or out.
A paint job gives it a finished look – go simple or try something bold. Either way, it’ll handle medium-sized planters without a problem.
If you want more height, stack two tires and fasten them together. It’s a solid setup for bigger plants that need a bit more space.
25) Tire Outdoor Bench with Backrest
Ever thought about turning a pile of old tires into a bench? It’s easier than you might think. The tires make a solid base, and you can just throw some boards or wooden planks on top for a spot to sit.
Start by cutting and cleaning the tires, yeah, it’s a bit messy, but worth it. Stack and bolt them together so they don’t wobble. If you want it to feel a bit less like, well, tires, add a wooden backrest for comfort and a more finished look.
Paint them to match your backyard vibe, or just leave them raw and rugged if that’s your thing. Works great for gardens, patios, or even a tiny porch.
26) Tire Coffee Table with Storage
Ever looked at an old tire and thought, “Hey, that could be a table”? It’s actually not as wild as it sounds. Grab a tire, clean it up, and pair it with a sturdy top – wood, glass, whatever you’ve got lying around. Throw on some legs or wheels, and suddenly you’ve got a coffee table that’s way more interesting than anything you’ll find at a big box store.
Now, if you pop on a lid or a removable top, there’s space inside for tossing in blankets, magazines, or whatever random stuff you want out of sight. It’s pretty handy, honestly.
Want it to look a little less like, well, a tire? Wrap it in rope or some cool fabric before you attach the top. That simple tweak totally changes the vibe, and you still get all the storage.