DIY Tyre Seesaw

26 Sep 2024

Forget the classic tyre swing. Instead try upcycling an old tyre into a fun and unique mini-seesaw that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Using both halves of the tyre you could even make two! With some rope, a piece of wood and Resene paint you can create and paint to suit any colour theme or design you like. We’ve opted for tiger stripes, but maybe your kids might prefer dinosaur greens, cheetah spots or just a mix of random shapes and colours

You will need:

• Plank of timber (30mm thick)
• Wood block offcuts
• 1 large recycled tyre
• Hacksaw
• Screws
• Power screwdriver/drill
• Low-tack masking tape
• Tape measure
• Chalk
• Paint brush
• Rope (500mm long, x 10mm thick)
• 1L Resene Membrane Primer
• Resene testpots in your choice of colours – we used Resene Ecstasy, Resene Alert Tan and Resene Black Magic. 

How to:

Step 1
Wash the tyre thoroughly with hot soapy water then let it dry completely.

Step 2
Measure and draw a line to mark the centre of your tyre.

Step 3
Using a hacksaw, cut the tyre in half using the chalk marks as a guide. It is a good idea to clamp it to your workbench or place it on the ground with a weight to hold the tyre steady whilst you cut it.

Step 4
Once you have cut the tyre in half, thoroughly clean it again with warm soapy water and let it dry completely.

Step 5
Paint the outside of the tyre with Resene Membrane Primer and allow to dry completely.

Step 6
Now to make the seat for your rocker. Measure the length and width of the tyre and add an extra 20mm. This is to ensure your seat will slightly overlap the edges of the tyre. Measure, mark and cut your plank of timber to size and smooth any rough edges with sandpaper. 

Step 7
Now you need to strengthen the base of your tyre. Measure the inside width of your tyre and cut two wood blocks to slot into each side of your tyre. Attach the block to either side of the seat.

Step 8
Choose which side you want to be the front of your rocker. Measure, mark and drill two holes on the top for your rope (or repurposed handles). Sand the surface of the seat with sandpaper and use a cloth to wipe off the residue.

 
Step 9
Paint the seat and tyre in your favourite Resene colours.

Step 10
To attach the seat to your rocker, place the offcut blocks of the seat within each side of the tyre. Secure with screws.

Step 11
Insert a rope into the holes you made for the handle. Tie a knot under the plank on each side of the rope to secure it in place. It’s ready for your kids to rock and roll!

As an extra step, we painted ours with stripes to create a tiger-themed rocker.

Top tip: One tyre is sufficient to create two tyre rocking chairs.  Create a second one and paint in a fresh range of Resene colours or donate the other half to another family so they can create their own.

Seesaw painted in Resene Ecstasy, Resene Alert Tan and Resene Black Magic. Deck finished in Resene WoodsmanDecking Oil Stain in Resene Nutmeg.

project: Leigh Stockton

Published: 26 Sep 2024