I wouldn't call myself a tree hugger, but I do take reusable bags to the grocery store, I've switched all my monthly bills to paperless emails, and I always, always, turn the water off while I'm brushing my teeth. Every little bit helps. But let me tell you, this last project I just finished is going to skyrocket me straight to recycling queen status!
I turned a tire into an ottoman! And not just any ottoman. It's the kind of ottoman that you just want to sit and stare at for at least two hours with a glass of cold milk and a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies while your husband sits across from you nodding in amazement and approval.
I've been eyeing this ottoman for at least two years:
But, it's $522.99, and that's on Overstock.com (regular price $706). I wasn't trying to spend that much on an ottoman Especially when I know that if I think hard enough I can make it myself. After staring at my wish ottoman, I noticed that it looked a whole lot like, OMG, a tire. BINGO! I would make the ottoman out of a tire! Here's how it went down:
1) Jumped on Craigslist.com and searched for free semi-trailer tires (I wanted my ottoman to be a nice, round, full figured girl who isn't afraid to flaunt her curves). Found a company that sells used tires that had literally a mountain of tires they wanted to give away. Headed right over and picked my tire from the bunch.
2) Took her home and washed her up to remove any grease and grime.
3) Started at outer edge of tire, and glued rope to tire one line at a time, rolling tire as I went.
4) Got a sheet of plywood and cut two circles the size of the tire's inner hole. Attached wood circles to tire openings using self-drilling wood screws.
5) Attached top plates to plywood topped tire in locations where legs would be stationed.
(3 legs will support a round ottoman just fine, but 4 legs can be used for added stability.)
6) Screwed legs on...and she stood!
7) Cut and glued rope to wood circle to make the pattern I wanted. I used Crazy Glue the first time. I've since used hot glue and it worked as well.
8) A final double trim around the edges and done!
I love her!
Here are a few others I've made. They're on my online store Home AttireTM
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7uZPwfLHxXo2pMda9eR7LdoN2fjB2hD8r-xAki_HcEy4UMyRpsBokfcS7TZ4DVnC-OdqF7S3TYLL1CHKG1eqHzZk9ZyGI2q3HVKnFtc_WM3RrU4wOsLZZoHYvl8-EJtgm0Tm0yqQG_4/s320/The_Logo_7_1024x1024.jpg)
P.S. If you decide to make a tire ottoman know that Manila rope is made of natural fibers from the abaca plant and is usually treated before importing. The treatment applied to the rope can leave a somewhat oily smell that may not be pleasing. If the smell of the rope is not to your liking, a spray of any odor eliminating product can remove the smell. The smell will resolve on its own in time as well. And, no, it doesn't smell like a tire! Just don't use a new tire, I'm sure that would smell like a tire.
One other thing...
I came up with this idea two years ago in 2012. Since I originally shared my idea it has spread across the Web like wild fire! I'm happy that so many people like my idea, and I only ask that if you decide to share my idea that you will give credit back to the source. I've seen more than a few people take credit for my idea with no mention of where they actually got their inspiration. So, remember...Be kind, what goes around comes around.
~Nikki
379 comments:
1 – 200 of 379 Newer› Newest»I saw your ottoman on Hometalk and had to come visit! Wow, this is just amazing! You did a fabulous job especially on the top!!! Blessings, Tammy
Thanks so much, Tammy! The top is my favorite part, too. Thanks for visiting. Stop by anytime.
Saw you over on hometalk as well, and had to check out your tire ottoman- wow! I can't believe how good it looks! Maybe you should make these to sell!
Oh my gosh! This is fabulous! I am so glad you took pictures of the process because I almost could not believe it. Great job! I found your blog through Hometalk. I am your newest follower!
Just saw your ottoman tire on Funky Junk Interiors Facebook post. WOW! Amazing and sooo creative! Also love your pedestal bench!
I think it's amazing! Who would even guess that there's a tire under all that gorgeous rope? You did such a great job on that!
Does it still have the rubber tire smell?
Love it! I would like to try the same with fabric..maybe wrap quilt batting around first, then do the fabric. Will share once I get this done. Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Pat
Absolutely stunning! It's just gorgeous! I SO love it!! I'm impressed!
I think you did an awesome job! Your ottoman is beautiful! ~*<3*~
Very Cool project, I would be smiling to if I came up that idea.
Bea
Hi there
I just discovered your blog, wow amazing on your ideas. I love this tire redo so much. Of course I will be attempting to make one
I think you should write a book on your cool ideas.
Found you on Home Talk,
post more girl :)
deezie
Ok, now I want a tire!!! This is amazing, love it!
Debbie
This is so awesome, you are very creative!
WWW.SweetOrdinaryDays.com
This is crazy good and something I would totally do! My head is perpetually cranked to the right looking at things upside down. It's really the only way to look at things.
Welcome to the blog world. What an excellent addition you are!
If you ever have questions or need help please do not hesitate to ask or email me.
Well Done!
Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com
that's a work of art! great!
http://bisozozo.blogspot.com/
Amazing! Your fingers must have been raw from dealing with all of that rope. It looks beautiful though, and I bet it's super sturdy.
Wow! What and awesome job.. Very creative..I Just happened to uncover an old tire in my garage I may have to try this... I was going to make a planter out of it but I love this Idea more... Cheers!
Tania♥
http://tcdesigns1968.blogspot.com/
This is totally amazing, I will be making one of these very soon. Thanks for the idea, can't wait to see what's up your sleeve next time. You are very talented.
Awesome!! Beautiful!! I L O V E it!! ♥♥♥
Holy crap i am uber impressed. I am going to feature this on Roadkill Rescue soon. I will send you an email when I do. I am still in awe.
Wonderful project and a great job on directions. You've got me wanting to find a tire now. Thanks
That is amazing!!! Looks great and is a great way to recycle!!! I've been wanting to use tires for moveable garden plots but that looks like a great addition. I wonder if it would be water proof for out on a deck or porch??
Holy cow! That is so imaginative, and it looks fantastic! I love what your blog is about, I love repurposing, and you are very inspiring ;). I found you on hometalk, and I'm your newest follower! I'd be tickled if you came over and said "hey" in my neck of the woods, myclevernest.com.
Hope you have a great week!
Alyssa
Hi Sheila! My husband said the same thing! That's something to think about.
Hi Jen, so glad to have you over! Hopefully the pictures will help if you decide to try a tire ottoman of your own.
Thanks Jen! I'm enjoying this new creative outlet I've discovered!
Thanks, Suzanne!
Hi Delila, no it doesn't have a smell at all. I think it's because the older tires get the less they smell. I used an old, used tire. Scrubbing it with Awesome cleaner may have helped some, too, but I think it was more that it was old.
Hi Pat, great idea! I can't wait to see your version!
Awww, thanks Susan!
Thanks Bea! I'm STILL smiling. :-)
Hi Deezie! Thanks for stopping by. Let me know how yours turns out!
Thanks RR! There's probably a tire waiting for you right outside your door!
Thanks Patricia! Can't wait to visit your site! (As soon as I finish replying to all my guests.)
Thanks so much, Kim!I'm learning as I go, so I'll definitely be in touch!
Thanks Zozo!
Kelly, OMG, yes! Not raw, but definitely sore. I soaked them in warm water every night and they were fine. Definitely worth it though.
Thanks, Tania! Let me know how yours turns out if you try it!
Thanks Kelli! Good luck with yours, and let me know how it turns out. Up next for me will be a console table built from bifold closet doors!
Thanks, Dragonflyspa!
Wow! Thanks, Infarrantly!
Thanks, Cris! It's not hard at all. Let me know if you decide to try it.
Hi Tinacat, I was just thinking the same thing last night. I know the robe is waterproof and the tire is obviously. I guess it would just be a matter of how strong Super Glue really is and sealing the top and bottom plywood bases and legs (if you use wooden legs). Let me know if you try it.
Hi Alyssa, thanks for stopping by! I'm coming over for a visit as soon as I'm done replying back to my guests!
My son is moving into his first apartment (since college) and I have been looking for ideas .... this is fabulous! This week him and I are going to try this. My only question is would it be durable enough if someone sat on it. If not, what would you suggest I use? I am not the most creative person in the world, but the recycled tire has certainly captured my interest!
"Rope," I meant "rope" LOL
Hi Carol, both my kids have gotten caught testing it, by standing, sitting and laying on it, and it's doing just fine. My kids are 10 and 6 though, so they're not the weight of college boys!I went with a rather thin plywood for the top and base of the ottoman. If you want it to be used as everyday seating, you might want to use a thicker piece of plywood. Just not so thick that it's extending too far over the top of the tire. Let me know how it turns out!
Absolutely amazing! I'm speechless! You rock! What a great knockoff! I found you from HomeTalk. Thank you for sharing this great tutorial!
You're brilliant. The earth is smiling from your creativity. Bravo (stumbled here from Pinterest)
Try Arlene's tacky glue. I haven't found anything it won't hold together.
This is AMAZING! You should definitely start a little business making these.
Shut the front door That's AWESOME!!!! <3 it
Girl, shut the front door...I love the heck out of this...
Awesome job! Congrats!
WOW....love this, love your bench, love your window treatment....if these three posts are anything to go by your blog is going to be a MUST to follow...x
This tire re-do is butt-kicking AWESOME! Pinterest is where I found you. Ah-maaaaaaaaaayyyyy-zing!
Good for you!
I love this idea and it came out beautiful!!!
This is gorgeous! Great job!
Thanks Betsy! Glad to share.
Such a nice compliment. Thanks, Shelley!
Thanks, Shelva! I'll have to give Arlene's a try.
Tattooedmommy, I think I'm gonna give it a try!
:-) Thanks!
Two "shut the front door" comments in a row! Love it!
Thanks, Nancy!
FairyD, let's hope so!
Thanks Jenny! Loving Pinterest!
Thanks Mommyof4! Wow, 4, more power to you!
Thanks, Jen!
Very cool! Love the upcycling and this is a very well done project. People would pay SICK money for something like this, mama....
What an awesome project! I may have to give that a whirl. I'm a little afraid my cats might claw at the rope though. We'll see.
W.O.W. That's all I can say! Wow! I have several tires laying outside (live on a farm) and I'm thinking I have a new craft to try now! I'm wondering if contractor's cement (comes in a tube like caulking)would work? Hmmmm,I'll try it and see! I'm a new follower! Love the blog, keep it comin'!
Seriously.Amazing. I featured this on my blog today. Hope you don't mind! :) It's really one of the most clever projects I've seen in a while!
Wow. This is incredible. When (if) we move out of our apartment into a house with room to decorate, I would LOVE to copy this idea. Great, great job.
http://secondhandcouture.blogspot.com/
OMG, are you KIDDING me!? That's awesome!!!
Tania
Great job and amazing that your thought process went "Ottoman, Tire!" BTW don't you hate it when the hubby's always decide we should mass produce after making a wonderful creation (saw your reply to another commenter about selling them).
Shared your idea on my FB page...you're getting some interest and people are visiting you to look!
Whoops, I wasn't signed in to Google when I wrote that so you can't follow via my name...here's the link for you...Lorraine
https://www.facebook.com/missflibbertigibbet?ref=hl
My kind of thrift! My husband thinks I'm crazy anyway, may have to try this!
that's fantastic! what creativity! new follower:)
Thanks ABM! Mildly ill money would be fine with me!
Thanks! Cats do love rope. Good luck!
Thanks Farm-Marm! Let me know if the cement works for you. And thanks for following!
Don't mind at all. Thanks for the mention!
Thanks MaryBeth! Be careful what you wish for. Once you start decorating it's pretty hard to stop. You'll find yourself decorating tires or something!
Little Vintage Cottage, not kidding. Crazy, right? I'm a pretty proud mama!
Thanks, Erin. My thought process has always been a little left of center. I actually don't mind the hubby's suggestion, as long as he's right there beside me with a bottle of glue! (Not!)
Thanks for sharing, Lorraine!
Got it!
Nothing wrong with crazy. Look what I did with mine!
Thanks, Nancy! Welcome aboard!
Hi, just wondering: any idea on how to clean this? I mean dust, accidental spillage... etc.
This is absolutely amazing. I've seen a tyre turn into many things, but nothing so beautiful.
Way to go! You're very talented.
I run a diy projects blog (not blogger - so I can't sign into it with this comment because you haven't got url/name option) but I've never made anything like this.
I saw this on pinterest, you did a brilliant job, it's beautiful. Way to go! Also I love how you write, I about died when I read " wanted my ottoman to be a nice, round, full figured girl who isn't afraid to flaunt her curves." Very, very well done! I'm so glad that you got the ottoman you wanted for a fraction of the cost!
This is wonderful, I'm just curious, tho, I didn't see what the lengths of rope were in the bags that you bought--what would you supposed was your total yardage of rope used? (I tried to see if this question was asked already by scrolling through the comments, but my eyes grew weary--so sorry if it's a repeat!)
Ciao-
Bettye
This is ridiculousy gorgeous - and one of the most impressive DIY's I have ever seen - amazing work!
Happily following you - would love to have you come by and follow back when you get the chance!
Hugs,
Suzan
Holy cow! Awesomeness! Way to go!
I love it!! WoW! WoW! WoW!
WOW! What an awesome project! It turned out AMAZING! GREAT job!
Niki, This so cool! It looks fantastic! I like repurposing, I never would have thought of using a tire but, it works! I have a old round ottoman that needs to be recovered and I am going to use your idea on using the 3/8 manila rope to cover it. The ottoman top is gorgeous! I'm your newest follower! and will check in often.
Thanks,
dee
Nice! I love it! Granny Gee :)))
That's freakin' amazing! I wish I needed an ottoman.
wow! I think yours looks better than the way to pricey one. Great job! LOVE It!
Excellent idea! What an inspiration.
um yes...you definitely need to be recycling queen status! fabulous...I love it!
As far as dust, I'll probably use the nozzle attachment on my vacuum. Accidental spills, no idea. I'll let you know when/if it happens. Cross your fingers with me and make a wish that it never happens!
Thanks, Anne! The reply box wouldn't accept your url?
Thanks, Laura!
Hi Bettye, there were 50 feet in each bag and I used 9 bags, so 450 feet of rope.
Thanks, Suzyq! Following you, too!
This is quite simply freakin' AWESOME!!!! This is one of the most creative reuses I think I've ever seen.
This is seriously amazing! You win the award for most creativity!
Holy smokes, that is amazing! I'm impressed! :)
I'm constantly excited about things I find on Pinterest. However, this is one of the most impressive to date!! Girl, you did an excellent job on this and it looks very high-end!! Kudos to your talent. I'd love to be your neighbor!!
What Awesomeness! I'd love to follow you via email - are you considering adding this feature to your site?
Really???? That is one of the most fantastic reuse projects ever...ever evereverever!
You are brilliant!
This is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! What a fantastic and impressively creative idea!
Wow, super genious!!! I love it, I think I got an old tire in the garage. Maybe I should make one of these. Thanks for sharing. Oh by the way, I think you could have used Gorilla Glue. Comes in big bottles and is somewhat slow drying but glues things real good. Just a thought in case you decide to make another one.
This is amazing! found you on HomeTalk! I am pinning this! Genious!!!!! laura@imnotatrophywife.com
Brilliant! and beautiful.
This is so inspiring!!! I wish I had the nerve to try it :-)
You are a genius! It's almost shocking how well the ottoman matches your chair - just brilliant!
I absolutely can't believe that used to be a tire! You are a genius, my friend!!! So Macgyverish! I'll be following you for sure!!!
Jaye @ Just Trying to Make Cents of it All
I love your creativity! You are 100% right you are the queen of recycling! Good JOB!!!! It looks great and I am sure you have inspired many people to do this awesome project.
Whoa. That's the most creative transformation I've seen in a while. How clever of you, and thrifty! And the finished product looks great. Kudos! Following you now! ~ Angie
I'm super impressed! I never would've thought of using a tire for an ottoman. I'm so glad you shared, I can't wait to create my own! :)
This is just fabulous ....and I mean fabulous. I am so impressed!
Just found you on Pinterest and I love this DIY! I want to try it for myself!!
This is genius and turned out great!
Nikki - I'd like to contact you about featuring this project on my blog. worthingcourt(dot)blogspot(com). Would you mind emailing me at handgrs(at)gmail(dot)com? Thank you!
I'm wondering if you are experiencing any off-gassing from the tire.
Very creative, chic, and classy! Love it!!! New follower!
Could you use liquid nails to glue the rope instead of superglue?
So cool!!!! Good reuse and so creative. You have a new fan!!!
Amazing! I can't believe you're new to blogging - you've been holding out on us! Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
absolutely beautiful! Just saw you on pinterest! Fantastic.
That's incredible. Love it.
Really fabulous, so well done x x I love it
I spotted this on Healthy Hybrid, on Facebook. How very clever of you! I bet you could sell some of these for half the Overstock price, and you would make out like a bandit! I would be sure to line up a buyer first...but if money is a bit tight, it's an idea. It's also fairly child and cat proof. Nice!
Love Love Love it!
How amazing you are!! I was so enthralled with your project that I pinned it on Pinterest and joined your blog!! Whew! I agree with Tina B. You can make some nice bank on making these and selling them!
This is awesome. I want to do something like this. Where did you buy the 35 bottles of superglue for $18.00? The cheapest place I know is the Dollar Tree, but they are a dollar a bottle. You have been pinned on Pinterest. That is how I found you. I placed the pic of your re-purposed tire table on my FB account. I hope you don't mind.
I crown thee "Recycle Queen"!!! Awesomeness! :) try gorilla glue it holds anything comes in a big bottle and dries clear also!!
Thanks, Kelli!
I tilt my head to the right:)lol!
GREAT SAVE NIKKI!
Great Job & I like the Fancy Design on top! What's Next-Design ReCycle Genious?
Flippin' fantastic! Saw your post on Apartment Therapy, love the detail in your bog post here.
Amazing. really great job. I might attempt it myself. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely but scary. Those of us with latex allergies are going to be in a world of hurt now with all these folks turning rubber tires into innocent looking ottomans.
I saw this on Pinterest. Just want to say, it's awesome! I love how it's made by you, cost wasn't too bad, and it really does look awesome! Well done, I think you've started a 'save the tyres from the dump' revolution!
I wonder what other things people can come up with...
I saw this on Pinterest and have just become a follower. This looks amazing. you would have never known it started out as a tire. Great Job!
Highly IMPRESSED!!!!! Do you have any idea of how many hours it took to wrap and glue the rope? It's an amazing and beautiful piece of furniture!! You have inspired a LOT of people!
AND... you really should take a picture to share with the people at the tire place!!
Thanks, Teresa. So do I!
Thanks for following, Dee. Share pics of your ottoman when you're done!
Thanks, Granny Gee!
Jean, I love your self control! I'm still working on making choices based off of needs vs. wants.
Cherryl, I kinda think so, too. Thanks!
Thanks, Amanda!
Thanks, Lucy! :)
Hi Shirlee, I bought the glue in 12 packs from Home Depot. I don't mind you posting, but please link back to my blog. I've found some people taking credit for my idea. Not cool.
Holy recycling Batman! That ottoman is GORGEOUS! A thought about off-gassing: maybe you could seal the tire with... something. Don't know what, but there's got to be something, right?
You're absolutely BRILLIANT! But I'm sure you know that by now ;) Your ottoman is BEAUTIFUL. I need to network and find a contractor friend so I can get started on this incredible ottoman. Congrats on your blogging success as well!! You have by far the most comments I've EVER seen on a blog!!
-Daydream Mom
Wow! This is incredible (saw it on Pinterest,) you are very creative, but I have to be honest, my favorite part of this entire project is that you saved a tire!!! You definitively earned your tittle your Highness!
-Carol
http://www.liskadesign.co/
Hi Nikkia....what can I say that hasn't been said before?! Your creativity blows my mind! My new resolution is to follow your blog AND learn from you. Well done! Hx
Thanks, Dawn!
This is great! I'll do one, but I'd like to use red rope!
Thank you for sharing!
suzy
This is the most amazing repurpose project I have ever seen. Thanks for showing it. Just wondering if Gorilla Glue has large bottles of Glue that might work.
Found you through House Beautiful's pick of the week. Love this project-- you go girl! Want to follow you using Google Reader, but you're not showing up. Know you're new to blogging, but can you turn on your blog's settings for RSS feeds? You'll get a ton more followers that way, since not everyone uses Google Friends.
Can't wait to see more of your amazing work!
Absolutely LOVE this project!! I put in a call to my Stepdad (truck driver) and told him to hook a girl up-I cannot wait to make one for my living room. I think it will fit perfect with my shabby chic beach decor.
YOU are the Queen! Not only of repurposing but of Great Tutorials as well. I might just be able to pull this off! I would buy this in s store, cuz now way does it look like some home made funky thing either! What is your next project?
Wow - this is GREAT! Nice job.
This is AMAZING! I saw this on Apartment Therapy and had to come check it out. This is brilliant. You are totally the recycle queen. I can't wait to check out the rest of your blog. =)
YOU, my dear, are nothing short of brilliant! Oh shit, someone already used "brilliant". You are......I'm sorry there are just no words, you are that good. Keep it up! Your're gonna be a millionairess!
Absolutely magnifique! We've been looking for 'something round' for our small family room rather than our typical rectangle coffee table that just gets in my way and I think this is IT! Thank you for sharing!!
Your 'captcha' is a nightmare btw...even the audio and even the mp3. It took me 12 tries (at least) to get it right. That's a quick way to lose subscribers and comments sorry. I'll try it again and if it still is that hard it is not worth it to me nor my older friends who have a hard time with those things. I understand the need but there are ones that aren't so difficult.
To keep hot glue from melting rubber put it on the rope. Excellent piece
This is amazing.. it's crazy- I just picked up an oversized chair at a garage sale, and all I keep thinking is "I really need an ottoman." You''re my hero.. seriously.
Thanks for the crown! I may give the Gorilla Glue a try.
Lol! Thanks, Laura!
I think the top is my favorite part, too. Next...I have these two closet doors...
Thanks, Amy. Didn't know my otto had rolled over to Apartment Therapy. I'll have to see what they're saying over there.
Thanks, Jaon. Let me know how it turns out.
Sorry. They're a conversation piece though, so you probably won't be able to enter someone's house without them telling you it's a tire. I can't stop talking about mine!
Hi Holly, I'm wondering too...
Thanks, Emily. And thanks for following! I'll try to keep it interesting around here.
Hi DBS, I have no idea how many hours it took. I used the time to relax, so I wasn't paying attention and just lost myself in the work. I went back to the tire shop and showed them the pictures. They were blown away!
Good thought Rae Ann. I looked for research on the sunject and there didn't seem to be any conclusive evidence of substantial offgassing from used tires. So, I think I will take your advice and find some kind of sealant.
Thanks, Daydream! I still can't believe the huge response I've gotten.
Thanks, Carol. I'm pretty happy about the tire save as well.
So nice. Thanks Aussiebushgirl! Glad to have you along.
this is amazing no words beatiful!!! good job love it!!
You are one crafty lady. This is awesome and it looks so chic.
My only question is how long will it last? I mean, super glue and crazy glue degrade in air conditions within months or even weeks, in my experience.
Thanks. Share your pics when you're done.
Hi Connie, a few people have suggested Gorilla Glue. I like Super Glue's quick drying time. Not sure how fast Gorilla Glue dries.
Wow, House Beautiful! Ok, I'll turn on RSS feeds. Thanks.
Hi Jessi, let me know how yours turns out!
Thanks Carin! I'm finishing up a console table right now. I'll post it soon.
Not sure Magdalen, I've only had it for a week. I'm pretty confident it'll hold though. I super glued a broken vase over 15 years ago and it's still holding. Fingers crossed!
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