Got some old tires lying around? Turn them into a durable, industrial-style chair that’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor seating.
This upcycled project not only gives a new life to discarded materials but also lets you customize the seat height and frame to match your space and comfort. From rustic patios to edgy loft interiors, this handmade piece brings both utility and attitude.
Why This Plan Works
- Sustainable: Uses almost entirely upcycled materials
- Customizable: Adjustable seat height and base design
- Sturdy: Heavy-duty construction for reliable support
- Creative Design: Unique spirograph-style seat
- Versatile: Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
What You Will Need
- 2 old tires
- Scrap wood pieces
- Screws, bolts, nuts, and washers
- Strong string or cord (lots of it!)
- Wooden dowels
- Jigsaw
- Stanley knife
- Wood drill bit
- Metal drill bit (optional)
- Hammer and chisel (optional)
- Hand-held drill
Step 1. Cut the Tire Backing
Drill a starter hole in the soft membrane around the edge of one tire. Insert your jigsaw and carefully cut around the interior edge, removing everything but the tread. Set this tire aside.
Step 2. Create the Spirograph Seat
Take the second tire and use a Stanley knife to make 1-inch slits around the inner rim, spacing them one inch apart. Cut fully through the rubber and fabric layer.
Thread strong string through these slits in a random pattern using a DIY needle. Build layers toward the center, pulling the string tight as you go. Use 4-meter lengths of string for manageability. Tie on new string as needed until the weave feels strong and firm.
Step 3. Build the Base Frame (Optional)
Cut two wood beams about 20cm longer than your tire diameter. Mark a 6cm square in the center of each beam and chisel halfway down to form a lap joint. Smooth with sandpaper. Cross the beams at the joint.
Step 4. Add Feet to the Base (Optional)
Attach feet to the wooden base using metal drill bits and screws. Align feet properly for each beam so they sit flat when crossed. Any durable material can serve as feet—the example used repurposed emergency stop covers.
Step 5. Assemble the Chair Back
Screw a wood piece upright inside the string-woven tire to act as a back support. Place the previously cut tire on top, pinch it to create “armrest” curves, and screw it into the upright wood piece. Drill through both layers of tire and secure with bolts, washers, and nuts.
Step 6. Secure the Chair Arms
Insert dowels or wood strips into the looped ends of the armrests. From underneath, sandwich them using another piece of wood for stability. Screw into place from the bottom, and secure the tire tread to the dowel ends.
Note: This project requires physical effort, especially when threading the seat. Use gloves to protect your hands.
Other Details Display
- Use chalk to mark slit positions on the tire
- Build the spirograph pattern outside-in
- Create a metal “needle” for threading
- Use short lengths of string to prevent tangling
- Orange feet and base are optional but add character
- Adjust the number of tires stacked for preferred seat height
- The tire tread acts as both backrest and arm support
Summary
This industrial-style DIY tire chair is a smart way to repurpose used materials into a bold seating piece.
With a bit of patience and creativity, you’ll have a sturdy, functional, and eye-catching chair. Whether for your patio, garden, or loft, this tire chair adds rugged charm with purpose.
This plan is a contribution by [DancingPope]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here. If you have a plan to share, we welcome your submissions!
