5 Tips To Build Your Own Backyard Rink (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a good backyard rink? ›

Remember that to hold the average adult, the ice on your rink needs to be at least 3" thick to avoid cracking. If your budget allows, a plastic liner will keep the water in and level. If your budget allows, build a border around the rink area, at least 3" high (it may need to be higher if your location has a slope).

Start flooding at the furthest point away from the water supply and move across the rink applying light fogs or spray over the entire surface until wet. Never direct the force of the water downward at the ice. Instead, always spray up and outward. Do not apply more water until the first coat is completely frozen.

Typically you should consider installing your frame in November or December and your liner in December or January depending on weather forecasts. If you miss these time periods, don't worry! You can install your rink during the cold winter months!

Yard slope can be mitigated by adding extension brackets and making the boards taller where the water levels will be higher. If you are using plywood, just cut the boards to the height you need. Usually, your lumber supplier would be able to cut the boards for you.

The thing is, setting up a backyard hockey rink is not nearly as difficult as it once was. Thanks to advancements in technology and product and process improvements, just about anyone can afford the supplies, time, and know-how needed to get it done.

If snow has not accumulated, wait until the frost is into the ground at least 2 inches and be sure the weather will remain below -4º (24ºF) for several days before attempting to complete the first flood. This typically requires 7 to 10 consecutive days of minus 10 degree Celsius or lower.

The most important factor is the slope of the yard. No yard is perfectly level, but if there is a significant slope, it will not be ideal for a synthetic ice rink. Generally, the slope can be no greater than 6 inches when building a home ice rink.

What is a standard size rink? ›

In America, most hockey players in a professional sense are playing on a standard, NHL size rink. An NHL hockey rink is 200 feet long, and 85 feet wide. In comparison, a European rink is a standard 60 meters by 30 meters, or, 197 feet by 98.5 feet.

The surface ice is kept at the required temperature by using a refrigeration system pumped through pipes embedded in the concrete slab below the skating surface. The ideal temperature of the rink surface is around -4C for ice hockey.

Never direct the force of the water downward toward the ice, instead spraying upward and outward. Using a nozzle is the best way to flood a backyard rink, rather than flooding from an open hose. This is because excess water is difficult to remove and can cause issues for you moving forward.

Keep your ice clean

Just like your local hockey pad, it is smart to clean your backyard ice rink after every skate. Simply use a snow shovel to remove the ice and snow after use. Keeping the surface clean will prevent bits of ice and snow from melting in the sun and freezing in an uneven layer.

If you're a fan of winter sports or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, having a backyard ice rink can bring a multitude of benefits. Not only does it provide endless opportunities for fun and physical activity, but it also offers convenience and flexibility.

You could quickly resurface using your regular yard hose. Start at one end and move very slowly across the surface. As you move, keep the end of your hose on the ice so as not to create a splash. Always step/stand on the side you are not spreading.

Yard slope can be mitigated by adding extension brackets and making the boards taller where the water levels will be higher. If you are using plywood, just cut the boards to the height you need. Usually, your lumber supplier would be able to cut the boards for you.