A wooden decorative wagon wheel is a great way to add that rustic touch of country or western style to your home. These are easy to care for and look fantastic. They come pre-assembled and ready to display in a variety of settings, from outdoors to indoors.

Creating a Decorative Wagon Wheel

To make a wood decorative wagon wheel, the first thing you will need to do is plan out what size and shape of wheel you want to create. Then, you will need to find a suitable material and cut it out in the right shapes.

The diameter, height, and thickness of the material you choose to use will determine the final size and shape of your finished wheel. You may also decide to have it painted, stained or left as is.

Lay out your chosen dimensions and materials on a piece of plywood or other panel large enough to draw a full-scale drawing (or at least a half drawing, if the wheel size you have selected is very big). Next, trace and cut out the eight rim-segments; take careful measurements, keeping your cuts square and accurate.

Using the cardboard template/pattern you made, trace the eight rim-segments on your chosen wagon wheel material; then cut them out. Repeat the process on your other two rim-segments, taking care to keep each of the cuts as square and accurate as possible.

Drill a spoke-dowel hole at the center of the flat side of each rim-segment; penetrating at least 3/4 of an inch. This will allow you to attach each rim-segment to the next with long screws.

After you have drilled the spoke-dowel holes, and trimmed away the burs, square up any edges that need to be squared; then smooth out both sides of each rim-segment and the wheel hub, as necessary. Then, assemble your wooden decorative wagon wheel; starting with the center hub section and then the spokes and rim-segments.

The hub is generally made from Elm for the nave; Oak for the spokes and Ash for the felloes. However, in some countries this is not the case and other timbers can be used.

For the rims, you will need to use whatever material is appropriate for your particular wheel; and it is likely that you will have to experiment with different types of wood to get the right effect. For example, you may wish to try using an Ash wheel for its flexible nature; or a hickory wheel for its ability to bend without being too stiff.

To finish the decorative wooden wagon wheel, it is usually a good idea to paint or stain it to match the color and theme of your home. You can also have it fire-torched to reveal the beautiful grain of the wood, which is a great way to add texture and interest to your decor! Then, you can enjoy your new wooden wagon wheel for years to come! You can even hang it on a wall (mounting hardware not included) inside your home to provide an instant western or country touch to your décor.