Transforming a child’s room into a space that sparks imagination and creativity is always exciting. When I embarked on a race car-themed room makeover for a special boy, I knew I wanted to include unique, fun, and meaningful elements that would make the room truly one of a kind.
One of the standout features that brought the whole theme together was something unexpected: a golf cart tire turned into a shelf!
In this blog post, I’ll share the entire process, step by step, so you can recreate this fun and functional shelf.
how to make shelves from tires
The inspiration behind the tire shelf came to me while brainstorming different ways to incorporate the race car theme into the room. This was the perfect piece to upcycle and create a unique shelf that would tie the entire room together. I found this tire at a junkyard for cars. This is a golf cart tire, it seemed to be the perfect size for a shelf.
This was probably the most creative feature in the room.
How to turn a golf cart tire into a shelf
Turning a tire into a shelf wasn’t going to be an easy feat, but that’s part of the fun of DIY, right? I knew I needed the help of some friends and professionals to make it happen.
Tell A Friend Automotive, a local mechanic shop, helped me with the most crucial part—cutting the tire. They were able to safely slice the tire in half, creating two perfect pieces for the shelves.
Pro Tip: If you plan to cut a tire, be aware of the metal threads inside. These can be sharp and dangerous if not handled properly.
I didn’t handle the cutting myself but instead enlisted an expert to ensure safety and precision. If you’re thinking of tackling a project like this, it’s always a good idea to ask for help when needed!
Step-by-Step Guide: Turning a Tire into a Shelf
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how this unique tire shelf was created!
Step 1: Cleaning and Painting the Tire
The first step was cleaning the tire. Tires are often very dirty, especially when they’ve been used, so you’ll want to give them a good scrub. After the tire was cleaned, I spray-painted it with black lacquer paint to give it a fresh, polished look that fits perfectly with the race car theme.
Quote: “The beauty of DIY is that even the most unexpected items can become something beautiful and functional with a bit of creativity.” – Cheryl Phan
Step 2: Preparing the Wood Base
Next, I needed a base for the shelf. I found a round piece of wood that was the perfect size for the tire. The dimensions of the wood were 1”x18”x18”, and I cut it in half to fit inside the tire’s curve. I painted the wood black to match the tire.
Step 3: Assembling and Installation the golf cart shelf
To attach the wood to the wall, I used L-brackets. The wood is mounted securely to the wall using the brackets, and then the tire is slipped over the wood. For added stability, it’s important to screw the tire into the wood, so it doesn’t fall off.
The shelves looked fantastic, and they really tied the whole race car theme together. They were practical for storage while also serving as a fun design element.
Fun Fact: This tire shelf design isn’t just cool—it’s practical! The round tire gives the shelf an industrial, yet playful look that’s perfect for a race car-themed room.
Why DIY Projects Like This Matter
DIY isn’t just about saving money or making something on your own. It’s about creativity, personalization, and the joy of bringing your vision to life.
In this case, turning a golf cart tire into a shelf not only fit the theme but also made the room truly unique. And the best part? It’s a project you can replicate in your own home with some basic supplies and a little ingenuity.
Statistics: According to a recent survey, over 50% of homeowners say they prefer DIY projects over buying ready-made decor because it allows them to express their individuality and creativity in their space.
If you’re thinking about turning a golf cart tire into a shelf like this one, I say go for it! Creativity is a muscle that grows the more you use it, and turning everyday items into something functional and beautiful is incredibly rewarding.
Just in case you missed all the other amazing transformations, here they are…
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Have fun and stay creative!
Cheryl
