5 Extraordinary Tire Christmas Tree Designs You Shouldn’t Miss

Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by teamobn

Do you have a pile of old tires in your yard or garage? Instead of sending them to the landfill, you can turn them into a strong and creative Christmas decoration.

A tire Christmas tree is made by stacking old tires from largest to smallest, securing them, and then painting and decorating them like a regular tree. It works well outside because the tires are tough, but you can also make a smaller version for indoors if you follow basic safety rules.

This guide will show you how to:

• Build a simple tire Christmas tree step by step
• Try 5 different design ideas
• Stay safe while cutting, painting, and stacking tires
• Answer common questions about paint, safety, and storage

What Is a Tire Christmas Tree and Why Make One

A tire Christmas tree is a DIY holiday tree built from old vehicle tires. You stack the tires in a cone shape, decorate them, and use them indoors or outdoors.

People like tire Christmas trees because they are:

• Eco-friendly: You reuse tires instead of throwing them away.
• Durable: Tires are very strong and do not dry out or drop needles.
• Customizable: You can paint and decorate them in any style you like.
• Budget-friendly: The main materials are old tires and paint.

If you want a unique holiday decoration that is tough, cheap, and fun to build, a tire Christmas tree is a great option.

How to Make a Basic Tire Christmas Tree Step by Step

Use this simple tutorial as your base. You can then add your own creative touches or use the design ideas later in this article.

What Are the Tools and Materials Needed To Build a Tire Christmas Tree

• 3 to 5 old tires in different sizes
  • One large tire for the bottom
  • Medium tires for the middle
  • One smaller tire for the top
• Outdoor spray paint or acrylic paint that is suitable for rubber
• Primer for rubber or plastic (optional, but helps paint stick better)
• Heavy-duty adhesive or construction adhesive
  or
• Bolts and screws with a drill
• Outdoor-rated fairy lights or string lights
• Decorations such as ornaments, ribbon, garlands, and a star or angel
• Drop cloth or cardboard to protect the ground while painting
• Soap, water, and a brush or sponge for cleaning
• Safety gear
  • Work gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Mask or respirator when painting or cutting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Clean the tires
   • Wash each tire with soap and water to remove dirt, grease, and dust.
   • Rinse well and let the tires dry completely before you paint or stack them.
2. Plan your stack
   • Place the largest tire on the ground.
   • Put medium tires on top, then the smallest tire at the very top.
   • Adjust the stack until you are happy with the shape and height.
3. Secure the tires together
   • You can use bolts and screws or a strong adhesive.
     • If you use screws or bolts, drill through the sidewalls where the tires touch and fasten them together.
     • If you use adhesive, apply it between each tire and press firmly.
       Allow the adhesive to cure according to the product instructions.
4. Prime the tires (optional but helpful)
   • Spray or brush on a primer made for rubber or plastic surfaces.
     Let it dry fully. Primer helps the color coat last longer and look smoother.
5. Paint the tire tree
   • Spread out a drop cloth or cardboard.
   • Use outdoor spray paint or acrylic paint to cover the tires.
   • You can paint the whole tree a single color, such as green, or use multiple colors.
   • Let the paint dry completely before decorating.
6. Add lights
   • Wrap outdoor-rated string lights around the tree from bottom to top.
   • Make sure the plug and connections stay dry and follow the light manufacturer’s safety instructions.
7. Decorate the tree
   • Hang ornaments, tie ribbons, or drape garlands over the tires.
   • Add a star, angel, or another favorite topper at the very top.
8. Place the tree safely
   • Put the tire Christmas tree on a flat, stable surface.
   • If your area is windy, add weights inside the bottom tire or anchor the tree to the ground or a heavy base.
   • Keep the tree away from open flames, heaters, and anything that gets very hot.

This basic method gives you a strong, long-lasting tire Christmas tree you can decorate in many different ways.

Have a look at some examples we have for you below and be inspired to build your own tire Christmas tree!

5 Adorable Tire Christmas Tree Designs You Must Try

Once you know how to build a basic tire tree, you can play with colors and themes. Here are five creative designs that turn old tires into eye catching holiday decorations.

1. Whimsical Snow-Topped Tire Tree

For a winter wonderland look, try a snow covered style.

• Use 3 to 5 tires stacked from largest to smallest.
• Paint the tires white or a mix of white and pale blue to look like snow.
• Add extra white paint or textured spray at the tops of each tire to look like piled snow.
• Wrap the tree with warm white fairy lights.
• Decorate with silver, blue, and white ornaments and finish with a star or snowflake on top.

This design looks great outdoors, especially if you live where it does not snow but still want that snowy feeling.

2. Rustic Wooden Tire Tree

Combine old tires with wood and natural materials for a cozy, country look.

• Start with a tire stack as your base.
• Cut wooden planks or pallet boards into different lengths that look like branches.
• Attach the planks horizontally around the tires with screws or nails, starting at the bottom and working upward.
• Stagger the lengths to create a layered, tree-like shape.
• Add greenery, pine cones, berries, and a burlap ribbon.
• Use warm white lights to complete the rustic style.

This design works well on porches and in farmhouse or cabin-style spaces.

3. Colorful Tire Tree With Painted Tires

If you love bright colors, this playful design is for you.

• Clean and stack your tires as usual.
• Paint each tire a different bold color such as red, green, gold, blue, or pink.
• Alternate colors as you stack the tires for a fun pattern.
• Add glitter, sequins, or simple painted shapes such as stars or snowflakes.
• Wrap the tree with multi colored string lights.

This design is perfect for families, kids, and anyone who enjoys a cheerful, non-traditional Christmas look.

4. Coastal-Inspired Tire Tree

Bring a beach feeling into your holiday decor with a coastal tire tree.

• Use a large tire on the bottom and 2 to 3 smaller ones above it.
• Wrap rope or thick twine around the tires, securing it with hot glue.
• Attach seashells, starfish, small pieces of driftwood, and other seaside finds to the rope.
• Choose a soft color palette such as white, sand, sea green, and light blue.
• Add white or pale blue fairy lights and top the tree with a seashell star or a small boat ornament.

This design is perfect for coastal homes or for anyone who dreams of Christmas by the sea.

5. Upcycled Tire Swing Tree

Turn an old tire swing into a living, plant-filled tree.

• Remove the tire from the swing hardware and clean it.
• Paint the outside of the tire in your chosen color.
• Place the tire flat and fill the center with soil or floral foam.
• Plant small evergreen shrubs, succulents, or artificial greenery in the center so they form a tree like shape.
• Add miniature ornaments, small LED lights, and a tiny garland.
• Hang little presents or ornaments from the branches.

This design combines gardening and upcycling and makes a charming focal point for a porch, patio, or garden.

These five cute tire Christmas tree designs offer endless possibilities for creativity and holiday cheer. Whether you prefer a whimsical snow-topped tree, a rustic wooden design, or a colourful and festive option, there’s a tire tree to suit every style and taste.

Embrace the spirit of the season and spread joy with these adorable and eco-friendly decorations that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. ?

Tire Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Crafting with tires is fun, but you should always put safety first. Here are important safety guidelines to follow when you build and display a tire Christmas tree.

1. Choose and Prepare Materials Carefully

• Use tires that are free from deep cracks, splits, or severe damage.
• Avoid tires with exposed steel wires or sharp edges.
• Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling old tires.
• Clean tires thoroughly to remove dirt, oil, and chemicals.

2. Be Careful When Cutting Tires

Some designs may require you to cut into a tire.

• Use sharp tools such as utility knives or saws carefully and always cut away from your body.
• Secure the tire with clamps or a vice so it does not move while you cut.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing a mask to avoid breathing rubber dust.

If you are not confident cutting tires, choose designs that do not require cutting and only involve stacking and painting.

3. Paint and Decorate in a Safe Space

• Use non-toxic paints that are labeled safe for rubber or plastic and suitable for outdoor use.
• Paint in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid breathing fumes.
• Wear a mask when using spray paint.
• Allow paint and glue to dry fully before moving the tree or adding lights and decorations.

4. Build a Stable and Secure Tree

• Assemble the tree on a flat, solid surface such as a patio, deck, or level ground.
• Secure the tires with bolts, screws, or strong adhesive so they cannot slide.
• If the tree is tall or placed outside, add extra weight inside the bottom tire or anchor it to a base.
• Check stability by gently pushing the tree from different sides. It should not wobble easily.

5. Choose a Safe Spot to Display the Tree

• Keep the tree out of high-traffic areas where people could trip over it.
• Do not put the tree near fireplaces, space heaters, candles, or other heat sources.
• Keep the tree away from flammable materials such as curtains and upholstered furniture.
• Use outdoor-rated lights if the tree is outside, and protect plugs from rain and snow.

By following these safety steps, you can enjoy your tire Christmas tree without unnecessary risk.

The Wrap Up

Creating a tire Christmas tree is more than a simple craft project. It is a way to reuse old materials, save money, and express your personal style during the holidays.

By stacking and painting old tires, you can build a tree that is:

• Eco-friendly, because you give old tires a new life
• Durable, so it stays looking great all season long
• Customizable, so it matches your home and your taste
• Budget-friendly, since most of the materials are low-cost or already on hand

With the step-by-step guide, design ideas, and safety tips in this article, you have everything you need to build your own tire Christmas tree.

Roll up your sleeves, gather a few old tires, and turn them into a festive centerpiece that your friends and family will not forget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Christmas Trees

• Are tire Christmas trees safe for indoor use?
  • They can be safe indoors if they are stable and kept away from heat. Make sure the tires are clean, securely stacked, and placed on a flat surface, and use indoor-rated lights.
• Can I use any type of tire for a DIY Christmas tree?
  • You can use most car or truck tires, as long as they are in good condition. Avoid tires with deep cracks, bulges, or exposed wires so the tree stays stable and safe.
• How should I clean and prepare the tires?
  • Wash the tires with soap and water, then let them dry completely. For better paint results, lightly sand the surface and wipe off any dust before priming and painting.
• What type of paint should I use on a tire Christmas tree?
  • Use outdoor paint that is made for rubber or plastic surfaces. A primer for rubber or plastic, plus two thin coats of outdoor spray paint or acrylic paint, usually works best.
• How do I stack and secure the tires safely?
  • Stack the tires from largest at the bottom to smallest at the top, and make sure each one sits flat. Secure them with bolts, screws, or strong construction adhesive so they cannot slide or tip.
• Can I add lights and decorations to my tire Christmas tree?
  • Yes, lights and decorations are encouraged. Use outdoor-rated lights for outside trees, do not overload outlets, and hang decorations so they do not pull the tree off balance.
• Can I leave my tire Christmas tree outside in winter?
  • Yes, tires handle cold and wet weather well. Just use outdoor-rated paint and lights, and anchor the tree so wind and snow will not knock it over.
• How do I store my tire Christmas tree after the holidays?
  • Remove lights and decorations, then store the tires in a dry, cool place. You can keep the stack together or separate the tires and cover them with a tarp or sheet.
• Are tire Christmas trees environmentally friendly?
  • Yes, they are more eco-friendly than throwing tires away. By reusing old tires, you reduce waste and create a long lasting holiday decoration you can use again and again.