How to Turn an Old Tire Into a Pretty Planter
Don't toss those spent tires! Turn them into chic planters with a little paint and a few basic materials from the hardware store.
Jalynn Baker
Materials Needed
- tire (we used an old lawn mower tire)
- plastic plant saucer
- rolling wood plant caddy
- white exterior spray paint & primer-in-one
- navy blue exterior spray paint
- light blue exterior spray paint
- construction adhesive
Buy It
Clean & Paint
Thoroughly clean your old tire with a degreaser, then follow up with soap, water and a hard bristle brush to get the majority of gunk out of the grooves. Let the tire dry completely, then spray with a base coat of white exterior paint + primer-in-one. Let that dry, then follow up with a second coat. Once paint is dry, lay the tire on its side and spray the bottom with navy blue spray paint, using quick short bursts to create the beginning of an ombre effect.
Jalynn Baker
Create Ombre Effect
Spray a layer of light teal paint just above the navy blue paint in quick, short bursts, allowing the overspray to create the appearance that the colors are bleeding into one another. Leave the top layer white. Let dry.
Jalynn Baker
Paint & Attach Base
Find a plastic saucer to fit the base of your tire. Paint the bottom of the saucer the same navy hue as your tire, then apply a line of construction adhesive along the saucer's top edge (Image 1). Turn the saucer over, center it and press firmly into the bottom of the tire (Image 2). Wipe up any excess adhesive with a cloth, then let it dry according to package instructions (Image 3). Once dry, create a seamless look by spray painting the white adhesive navy blue (Image 4).
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Jalynn Baker
Drill Drainage Holes
Most plastic plant saucers come with pre-determined divets that you can drill into to create drainage holes. If yours does not, drill about five equally spaced holes across the bottom of the saucer that will allow water to drain when planted.
Jalynn Baker
Make It Mobile
We found this rolling plant caddy at the hardware store for $8. If you can't find one of these in your area, any plant stand with casters will work. Squeeze a line of construction adhesive along the top of the rolling stand, then flip over and press firmly into the saucer base. Be careful not to cover any drainage holes! Let the glue dry before planting.
Jalynn Baker
Show It Off
Fill your pretty new planter with colorful blooms and enjoy! When you're ready for a new look, simply roll it to another location or paint it a fresh, seasonal color.
Jalynn Baker
More DIYs to Try
15 Oversized Planters You Can Make From Upcycled Items 22 Photos
Amp up your curb appeal (and save some cash) by transforming your old stuff into eye-catching plant containers.
Jill is a stylist for HGTV and Handmade creator specializing in thrift store flips, based in Knoxville, Tennessee.
