How to Make a Seesaw

Toys out of tires are a big hit around here, remember the sandbox?! So, when Discount Tire asked if I’d like to make another toy out of tire, I couldn’t resist. Maxwell needs a seesaw! He loves to use his rocking horse as a one man balancing game, and I have no doubt he will do the same with the seesaw. But, I also love that the seesaw can be enjoyed by 2 kiddos, since baby girl will be here before we know it!

Here’s what you need to make a seesaw

• Tire
• 2 Handles
• 4 Screws
• Reciprocating saw with a blade for cutting metal
• 53″x 11″ piece of wood (We used an old closet shelf as the seesaw seat!)
• 2″ x 3″ piece of wood
• Paint
• Tape measure

How to build a seesaw

Step 1- Cut the tire

First, you have to cut the tire. Sounds simple enough, but this is by fat the most difficult part of this project. It took Andy about 1 hour to cut the tire in half. I found it comforting to know that the tire was so sturdy, but Andy was over my tire see saw project. Check this out, you can see the steel threads throughout the tire!

Do not try and cut a tire without a power tool, the reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade is key. Andy tried using a wood cutting blade first, but that did not work.

Step 2- Build the braces

After the tire is cut in half, it’s time to build the braces for the seesaw bench. Andy cut 2- 9″ segments to be used to hold the shape of the tire and support the seesaw bench. Screw in each 9″ segment to the sides of the tire.

Step 3- Attach the see saw

After the braces are built, screw the seesaw top to the wood braces. Since our seesaw top came out of an old closet, it was already painted white. If you want to spray paint the top of the see saw, I suggest doing it before you attach it to the tire.

Step 4- Attach the handles

Now, it’s time to screw in the handles and then spruce it up! I used some leftover black paint and painted 13 black triangles across the top. Simple and easy!

Maxwell is investigating his new toy…

He was a little nervous about this one, but he has declared he loves it! I think this kiddo of mine is going to be a surfer! This seesaw definitely has a weight limit. I’d guess it would work for most elemnentrary age kids, but does not work well for 2 adults, ha!

A seesaw made out of a tire would make a fun gift for! For more tire crafts don’t miss:

• 22 more ways to use an old tire
• How to make a sandbox