How to make a stool out of a tire?

Upcycling projects offer a creative and eco-friendly solution for repurposing old items, reducing waste, and creating unique home furnishings.

Turning old tires into stools is a fantastic project that helps declutter and enhances home decor with a rustic and eco-friendly touch.

In this guide, we’ll walk through each step to create your tire stool with detailed instructions, providing an affordable and stylish seating solution.

Why Make a Tire Stool?

Old tires take up enormous space in landfills and take centuries to decompose, causing significant environmental harm.

By upcycling a single tire, you’re making a small yet meaningful contribution to reducing waste. 

Plus, tires’ durability and versatility make them ideal for sturdy furniture like stools, with the option to add storage inside. Let’s start!

Materials Needed

1. Tire(s): One for each stool
2. Plywood: 3 circular pieces, sized to fit your tire
3. Fabric: Any style or pattern you prefer
4. Heavy-duty Faux leather: a Durable and stylish option for the seat
5. 4oz Polyester Padding: For extra comfort
6. 2-inch (50mm) Thick Foam: To create a cushioned seat
7. Spray Adhesive: To attach padding and fabric
8. Furniture Legs or Feet: 3-4 legs (three can add stability on uneven surfaces)
9. Staples and Screws
10. Black felt: to cover the bottom for a clean finish

Tools Required

• Stapler: Heavy-duty, for securing fabric
• Jigsaw: For cutting the plywood
• Screwdriver: For attaching the legs
• Measuring Tape: To size materials accurately
• Utility Knife: For trimming foam and fabric
• Pencil: For marking measurements

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Tire Stool

Step 1: Measure the Tire

Measure across the inner circle of the tire (inside diameter). Add an extra inch to this measurement for a snug plywood fit.

Step 2: Cut the Plywood

Cut three circles from plywood. Two will form the top and bottom of the stool, and the third will serve as the base for the seat cushion. If you don’t have a compass, tie a pencil to a string and draw a circle.

Step 3: Attach the Plywood to the Tire

Use screws to secure two of the plywood circles on top and bottom of the tire, creating a stable base.

Step 4: Add Padding

Spray adhesive on the tire, then attach polyester padding to the sides and top. This adds comfort and smooths the surface.

Step 5: Make the Seat Cushion

Attach the 2-inch foam to the third plywood circle with spray adhesive. Trim the foam to match the plywood, ensuring an even cushion.

Step 6: Cover the Seat with Fabric

Stretch a piece of faux leather or fabric over the foam cushion. Pull it tight and staple it to the underside of the plywood, avoiding wrinkles.

Step 7: Wrap the Tire in Fabric

Cover the sides of the tire with fabric. Wrap it tightly, then either staple or glue it to the top plywood for a clean finish.

Step 8: Attach the Seat

Flip the stool upside down, position the seat cushion on top, and screw it in from underneath to hide the screws.

Step 9: Add Felt to the Bottom

Staple black felt to the underside to give the stool a polished look and protect floors from scratches.

Step 10: Attach the Legs

Attach three or four legs to the base with screws. Three legs work well for stability, but four can also be used if preferred.

Maintenance and Care for Your Tire Stool

Keeping Your Tire Stool Clean

• Fabric and Padding: Dust and vacuum the stool regularly. If there’s a stain, gently clean it with mild soap and water or a fabric cleaner.
• Painted or Rope-Covered Tires: Wipe with a damp cloth for a painted tire, avoiding solid cleaners. Rope-covered stools can be to keep them fresh.

Outdoor Care Tips

If you plan to keep your stool outside, here are some tips:

• Protect Against Weather: Apply waterproofing spray to any fabric to prevent rain damage.
• Use a Cover: A simple waterproof cover will help prevent fading and weather wear, keeping your stool looking new.

Final Touches

Once everything is screwed in and secure, give your stool a quick check. You’ll have a unique, eco-friendly stool ready to use, and you’ve helped reduce waste by providing an old tyre with a new purpose.

Optional Ideas

• Storage Option: Add a removable seat top to store the space inside the tire.
• Paint for Color: Add a pop of colour to the tire before covering it with fabric.

Conclusion

Making a stool from an old tire is a fun DIY project and a meaningful way to contribute to environmental sustainability. Reusing a tire helps reduce landfill waste, and with a few easy steps, you’ve crafted a functional, stylish piece of furniture.

This highly customizable project lets you choose fabrics and finishes that fit your decor. Plus, with proper care, it’s sturdy and long-lasting. 

Whether indoors or outdoors, your upcycled tire stool adds unique character to any space.

Enjoy your new eco-friendly stool, and share the idea with friends to inspire more upcycling!