Incredible Ways to Use Old Wagon Wheels In Your Garden

When an old wagon wheel outlives its primary function, it can essentially start a new life and serve an entirely new purpose. After it leaves the wagon, its new role can be entirely decorative, functional, or both. Since the invention of the wagon wheel, people have found fascinating ways to recycle it.

ard or garden ornament
The easiest use for an old wagon wheel is to use it as a garden decoration. Even a dilapidated specimen that is unsuitable for other wheel projects can add charm and interest to a garden. Lean it against a tree, fence or building, or support it by planting half of it in the ground. Use it as a backdrop for a low-growing flowering shrub or as a focal point in a rock garden. A sturdy wagon wheel can serve as an ornament at a greater height by attaching it to a sign pole or to the side of a building.

Furniture
Creative furniture makers are finding ways to incorporate old wagon wheels into pieces of furniture. For a western-style bedroom, they become headboards and footboards. Two identical wagon wheels become armrests for a chair or legs for supporting a bench or table. In some chair designs, a wheel serves as a backrest. When mass producing wagon wheel furniture, manufacturers use dummy wheels made specifically for the furniture.

wagon fences
Old wagon wheels offer creative fencing options. Some incorporate a single wheel into a metal, wood, or wrought iron fence, or build a fence consisting only of the wheels. In Washington State, the historic Wagon Wheel Fence includes more than 1,000 vintage wagon and trailer wheels.

Wagon wheel chandelier
The classic lighting fixture to hang in a western-themed room is a wagon wheel chandelier. In the 19th century, this type of chandelier was typically a wagon wheel suspended from the ceiling by chains, with the sides aligned parallel to the floor and ceiling. Oil lanterns were mounted on the wheel and were evenly spaced around the circular platform. In some designs, the lanterns hung from the wheel. With the development of electricity, later wagon wheel chandeliers featured electric lighting fixtures integrated into the wheel for a less primitive look.

Wagon wheel pot rack
If you have a large countertop in a country-style kitchen, a wagon wheel hanging above it can serve as a western-style pot rack. The challenge is finding a wagon wheel that is suitable for the area. Hang pot hooks on the spokes and along the edge of the wheel to store your pots, pans and utensils.