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Product guide
From Old Tyres

Build an Ottoman

A finished ottoman built from old tyres — practical, honest, and made from what you already had.

Skill level · Intermediate 3 hours $12 – $30

Comfortable using basic tools. Some measuring and finishing required.

Ottoman made from Old TyresFinished idea
Materials needed
  • Clean tyre
  • Natural rope (~30 m)
  • Round plywood top
  • Hot glue
  • Foam
  • Fabric
Tools needed
  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors
  • Drill
Safety First

Read these before you start — protect yourself and the space around you.

  • Ventilate the room while using hot glue.
  • Watch fingers with the glue gun.
Income opportunity
Potential to sell

This could become a side income — or your own craft.

Real people sell handmade upcycled pieces every day. Start with one, price it fairly, take honest photos, and grow from there.

Estimated cost
$12 – $30
Possible selling price
$50 – $130
Estimated gross profit
$20 – $118
Who buys it
  • Homes
  • Cafés
  • Boutique hotels
Where to sell
  • Local marketplaces
  • Etsy
  • Instagram
  • Interior shops

Estimates vary by location, materials, quality and local demand. Labour, platform fees, packaging and delivery may not be included. Selling results are not guaranteed.

Side hustle potential

Could this become a small side hustle?

This product could work as a small side hustle idea because it can be made from low-cost or reused materials, styled nicely, photographed well, and sold through social media, local markets, eco fairs, cafés, or small shops.

Why this could sell

Handmade, upcycled, and useful — three qualities buyers actively look for.

Who might buy it

Homes · Cafés · Boutique hotels

Where it could be sold

Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, local markets, eco fairs, community events, gift shops, cafés, workshops, online marketplaces.

How to present it

Clean natural-light photos, a short honest story, and simple branding or packaging.

How to increase value
  • Use a clean finish
  • Make it strong and practical
  • Use natural colors
  • Take good photos
  • Show before and after
  • Explain that it is upcycled
  • Add simple branding or packaging
  • Price based on quality, time, and local demand
Start from home

You do not need a large workshop or office to begin. Many upcycling products can start from simple tools, reused materials, good finishing, and clear photos. Build skills as you go — one project at a time.

Want to go deeper?

Grow your skills so you can sell with confidence — safety, finishing, pricing, and product photography.

  • Cleaning
  • Rope wrapping
  • Upholstery basics
Small things that raise perceived value

Tight, even rope wrapping and a well-tailored fabric top make the difference between craft and product.

Best use

Home · Resale · Cafés

How long it may last

With good finishing and normal use, this project may last several years. Durability depends on materials, construction, and where it is used.

Example inspiration for Ottoman

Example inspiration — your finished result will vary.

UpcycleMe provides general creative guidance, not professional construction or safety advice. Inspect all materials carefully, use suitable protective equipment and obtain qualified help when necessary. Costs and selling prices are estimates and results will vary.
Finished building?

Only confirm what you actually reused. Completion and material figures are user-reported and are separate from app activity.

Made it?

Share it and inspire others.

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