Looking for your next weekend DYI project? If you’ve got an old tire lying around, you’re just one DIY project away from making the coolest swan planter on the block. This isn’t just any tire planter—it’s a bold, quirky statement piece that’ll make your neighbors do a double take. Whether you’re into garden crafts, upcycling, or just love a good excuse to fire up your tools, this is one of those DIY gardening ideas that’s fun to make and totally functional.
This DIY planter made from an old tire is part outdoor art, part practical garden upgrade. It’s the kind of DIY project for outdoors that checks all the boxes: affordable, eye-catching, and surprisingly simple to pull off. Plus, this swan planter is big enough to hold your favorite flowers, herbs, or trailing vines—aka your excuse to finally show off those green thumbs
I saw my first tire planter at a restaurant where my family and I were eating and I was so blown away, I couldn’t wait to get home and start researching Youtube to find a tire planter tutorial for my new screened-in porch at our ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas. Lo and behold, one of my very first search results yielded the most magnificent planters I had ever laid eyes on, this DIY swan tire planter tutorial! Watch it here, it’s awesome. Watch the YouTube video by Asiasiowo to see exactly how to make this cool homemade garden planter, then follow along here while making.
Table of Contents
Swan Planter Tutorial
Time Needed : 45 min minutes
Learn how to make a tire swan planter from an old car tire. DIY planter idea that is free but awesome. Step by step video tutorial on YouTube
Choose and Prep Tire
Select a suitable tire (textile-belted or scooter tire is easier to cut) Clean and dry it thoroughly—remove debris for easier drawing and cutting.
Draw Swan Shape on Tire
Use a paint marker or chalk to draw the swan shape on the tire. Watch the video for reference to see the exact shapes. Neck + head should be over half the tire’s circumference; tail on opposite side.Cut Outline Your Tire Planter
Begin with a small hole using a knife or drill.
Use an angle grinder or metal cutting disc along marking—cut about ⅔–¾ around, leaving one side connected for flexibilityInvert Tire
Fold and turn the tire inside-out so the cut sections pop up like wings and the neck. This cool step reveals the swan silhouette.Shape Neck & Secure
Attach a metal rod or sturdy wire underneath the neck for support.
Use sheet metal, screws, or cable ties to fix it in an upright, graceful curveDefine Details
Cut additional slits to shape wings or tail tips.
Refine the neck/head curve using the support rod.
Sand rough edges if needed for safety.Add Drainage Holes
Create drainage and planting space by cutting small holes or removing part of the bottom sidewall
Paint Your DIY Tire Planter
If you wish for your swan to be white or a color, paint with flexible paint like outdoor acrylic or spray paint. You can also leave the tire black for a natural look. Color beak with acrylic paint, I recommend using a paintbrush for the details.
Install & Plant
Position your swan planter securely in your garden. Fill with soil and plant colorful flowers or green plants
Materials
- Paint marker
- Car Tire
- Utility knife or box cutter (to start initial cuts)
- Angle grinder or jigsaw (for cutting the tire—angle grinder is preferred)
- Work gloves (heavy-duty for handling rubber and tools)
- Eye protection (safety goggles for cutting)
- Metal rod or thick wire (to support and shape the swan’s neck)
- Cable ties, screws, or bolts (to secure neck and details)
- Spray paint or outdoor acrylic paint (white for the body, orange/black for beak and eyes)
- Sandpaper or rotary tool (to smooth rough edges)
- Drill (to make holes for drainage or mounting)
Be sure to watch the video to see exactly how this is done. As you see, you can paint your amazing tire swan planter with any color of spray paint or just leave it black and natural. I made both a black white DIY swan planters, and they looked so amazing on my screened-in back porch at my ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas. I have all the neighbors making them too, they are so beautiful, everyone loves them. You cannot go wrong with a cheap and easy DIY project like this one, it’s a winner!
So if you’ve been hunting for DIY outdoor ideas that actually look cool and don’t cost a fortune, this tire swan is your new go-to. You’ll get a creative garden craft that doubles as a plant holder and turns your yard into a colorful DIY paradise. Grab that old tire and some paint, then make it happen—because who says DIY planters can’t have tons of personality?
I found your next tire planter idea, too. Check out this fun tire turned garden planter:
We have a step by step guide ready for this one, too. Info on the video tutorial. Find it all here: Upcycled Garden Planter from Tire
DIY Swan Planter Video Tutorial
