If you're looking to be the cool house this winter, building a backyard ice rink is a fantastic way to solidify your home as the neighborhood hangout. Whether you have a burning passion for hockey or want to make the harsh winters more enjoyable, we've got you covered.
Building a small backyard skating rink is surprisingly simple, given you live where the weather conditions are right. However, you will need to have a touch of creativity and a lot of patience. Let's get to how to build a backyard ice skating rink without breaking the bank.
Materials You'll Need for Your Backyard Ice Rink
You can either get an ice rink kit like the one below:
Nicerink Skating Rink
With plenty of room to skate, a bracket system that adapts to uneven ground, and easy set-up instructions, this ice rink kit is a hassle-free solution to winter boredom.
Or you can save some cash and build your rink from scratch. Here's what you'll need for the DIY version.
Backyard Ice Rink Boards
Your rink brackets can make or break your backyard ice skating rink. With several materials to choose from, how do you select the best? Most people use plastic, metal, or wood, but you can also buy premade rink brackets if you don't want to construct your own.
The decision you make depends heavily on your time, budget, and workspace. Plastic is an excellent choice because it's long-lasting and extremely malleable. Larger boards allow you to construct a broader and thicker rink.
When it comes to building a backyard skating rink, thicker is typically better because it allows smoother and safer ice. If you want your rink to last the entire winter, opt for a waterproof material like plastic.
Backyard Ice Rink Liners
If you're making a traditional ice rink, you don't need plastic liners. You can pack snow around the rink, cover the surface with water and let it freeze. However, making an ice rink with liners is much easier and faster. Using a plastic liner protects your lawn throughout the season.
You can find affordable plastic liners that will eliminate many of the hassles of keeping your rink frozen. When the weather drops to a suitable level, you can expect a skatable rink in only a few days.
If you live in an area where the climate is relatively mild, we recommend going with a rink tarp. Rink tarps are typically made from durable plastic, which is both water-resistant and unsusceptible to wear and tear.
Backyard Ice Rink Refrigeration
It can be challenging to keep your DIY skating rink cold. However, with the right refrigeration system, you can use your backyard ice rink into the spring. You can use several ice rink chillers, pipes, and refrigerants to prolong your home hockey season.
Refrigerated ice rinks aren't as complicated as you may think. Pipes under the rink keep the ice frozen using super-cold saltwater. The coolant recycles throughout the system many times over so that you can enjoy your skating rink in temperatures as high as 60°F.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost to build your backyard skating rink can vary depending on the size, location, and materials available. If you're looking for a durable rink that will last throughout several winters, you can expect to spend anywhere from $250 to $2,500.
The most expensive component will likely be your liner. A 40 by 100-inch polyethylene liner can cost around $100, and you'll quickly need double that if you want to build a large rink. You can also hire professionals to help, but that will cost more and take the fun out of the project.
How to Build an Ice Rink
1. Find the Best Spot
We know you're excited to start building, but you must choose the right spot. You want to find a flat surface that doesn't have any drains. It's also essential that there's enough natural lighting to avoid having to purchase costly portables.
Choosing a spot near a water source will make your job a lot easier when it comes time to fill your rink.
Once you have your spot, start setting up your boards in a rectangle or square shape. You can use wooden stakes to hold the boards in place as you fill your rink with water later on.
2. Construct Your Tub
The tub is what holds everything together, so you must pay close attention to detail while building it. Carefully place your plastic lining over your frame, and make sure to gently tuck it in line with the boards and the ground.
Whatever you do, please don't walk on your lining after you place it. If you tear your lining, you can end up with a small hole that will drive you mad. If you're having trouble dealing with the wind, you can use a small brick to weigh your lining down.
3. Fill It Up
This is the easiest part. All you need to do is run your garden hose and fill your rink up with a few inches of water. If you're lucky enough to find a flat surface, you should have a ready rink in only two days. The best time to complete this step is during a cold wave.
Additional Tips
Building your backyard rink for skating and hockey is surprisingly straightforward. However, here are a few things you can do to eliminate some of the hassles:
- The Bigger, the Better. While you'll need to build a skating rink that's suitable for your yard space, the bigger, the better! If you have the budget to create a large rink, you can invite more skaters and enhance the fun.
- There's Never Enough Bracing. Bracing helps keep your rink together. Therefore, you never want to skimp out on it when building your backyard rink. Most people use wooden stakes, but you can also get stronger braces online.
- Fill Your Rink All at Once. Professionals recommend you fill your entire rink at once to prevent uneven surfaces and damage to your lining.
- Patch Holes Right Away. One of your biggest nightmares with a backyard rink will be holes. You can use roofing tar or other special tapes to quickly patch up holes.
- Keep Your Surface Smooth. Since you don't have a fancy-schmancy Zamboni, you'll need to find a way to keep your ice smooth. If your rink is covered with snow, you can use a snowblower to remove any debris.
Are You Ready to Start Building?
Without a doubt, having a backyard ice rink is a fantastic way to enhance your home during the winter months. With our DIY guide, you should be well on your way to building a durable rink that the whole neighborhood can enjoy for many winters to come.
If you have any hockey or ice skating fans in your friend group, please share this article with them. If your property is too steep for an ice rink, it might be time to get a sled instead.