becomes three must-have items

Tip If you’re not using a standard-size car tyre, adjust the measurements so the circles will centre on the top and taper down the sides as a seamless base for the rope

Old car tyres have long been a favourite for homemade garden swings, but they can have more grown-up uses, too! Here’s how to transform a tired tyre into a chic sisal ottoman. Use it as a side table, low seat or footstool – perfect for poolside lounging (although avoid getting it wet).

TOOLS & MATERIALS  Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection)  Tape measure and pencil  Drill with a 4mm, 8mm and driver bit  Jigsaw  Random orbital sander with 120-grit abrasive disc  Caulking gun  1220mm x 610mm x 12mm marine plywood•  0.5m length of 20mm x 12mm clear pine• (or an offcut of similar size)  20mm timber screws  90mm x 45mm treated pine cut to four 185mm lengths•  Clean standard-size used car tyre  40mm timber screws  Three 250g tubes of construction adhesive  Approximately 75m of 10mm sisal rope  Masking tape

1On the marine plywood, measure 300mm from each end and the sides to mark the centre of two circles, each just over 590mm in diameter. On the length of clear pine, measure 155mm from one end and centre a hole using an 8mm drill bit. From the other end, measure 50mm to centre a hole using a 4mm drill bit.

2Use a 20mm screw to secure the pine to a centre mark through the hole closest to the end. Put a pencil through the hole on the opposite side and push the pine to mark out a circle, then repeat on the other end of the panel.

3Position the panel on a stable surface to cut the circles with a jigsaw, ensuring there is unobstructed space for cutting underneath, cutting with one hand while pushing down and turning the panel with the other. 4Evenly position the four pieces of treated pine inside the tyre, then centre one of the circle cutouts on top.

5Secure the circle cutout to each piece with two 40mm screws. Tip: Drill pilot holes using a 4mm bit before installing the screws.

6Flip the assembly over to centre and secure the remaining circle cutout. Round over both circles cutouts using a random orbital sander to smooth off the sharp edges.

7Apply adhesive to the end of the sisal rope and the centre of the top circle cutout, securing with three 20mm screws, ensuring they’re flush with the surface, leaving to dry. 8Begin coiling the sisal rope over the screws to create a tight coil to neatly cover the circle cutout. Work in sections of five rounds of rope, first applying adhesive in a zigzag pattern, then coiling. Hold each section with masking tape and leave to dry for about five minutes, or until the adhesive becomes tacky and holds the rope.

9Work over the circle cutout and down the side of the tyre, flipping the assembly over at halfway to work towards the base. About 10 rows under, cut the rope, apply adhesive to the end and secure with a 20mm screw, leaving to dry thoroughly before use. ◆

Opposite: Ottoman made using Grunt 10mm twisted sisal rope, $1.50/m, I/N: 4310235. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.