Build a Ottoman
A finished ottoman built from old tires — practical, honest, and made from what you already had.
Comfortable using basic tools. Some measuring and finishing required.
Finished idea- Clean tire
- Natural rope (~30 m)
- Round plywood top
- Hot glue
- Foam
- Fabric
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Drill
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.
How to build it
- 1
Clean and dry the tire.
- 2
Glue rope from the center of one side outward in a spiral.
- 3
Continue around the outer wall and onto the other side.
- 4
Cover a plywood disc with foam and fabric.
- 5
Fix the padded top onto the tire.
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.
- Homes
- Cafés
- Boutique hotels
- Local marketplaces
- Etsy
- Interior shops
Estimates only — final value depends on quality, finish, photos, local demand, and time invested. Not a guarantee of income.
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.
Handmade, upcycled, and useful — three qualities buyers actively look for.
Homes · Cafés · Boutique hotels
Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, local markets, eco fairs, community events, gift shops, cafés, workshops, online marketplaces.
Clean natural-light photos, a short honest story, and simple branding or packaging.
- 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
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.
Grow your skills so you can sell with confidence — safety, finishing, pricing, and product photography.
- Cleaning
- Rope wrapping
- Upholstery basics
Tight, even rope wrapping and a well-tailored fabric top make the difference between craft and product.
Home · Resale · Cafés
With good finishing and normal use, this project may last several years. Durability depends on materials, construction, and where it is used.