Building a backyard ice rink is a great way to keep your kids active and stay in shape during the long, cold winter months. It’s also much more convenient than driving to the nearest stadium for a hockey game or skating practice and can be a great neighborhood gathering place. It’s actually easier than you might think to build one yourself and you only need a few simple materials to get the job done.

Site selection and framing

Probably the most important part of building your skate area is selecting the site. It is important to choose a place that is as level as possible. The foundation can be installed on slopes, but you will need to use more materials to get the ground level. Once you have selected your location, prepare it by raking the area, removing small rocks, and grading small holes or slopes to minimize the risk of puncturing the tarps.

Next, you should frame the area with wood planks held in place with clamps or brackets. Use a line level to ensure proper leveling.

Ice rink liners are a must

Once you have the frame in place, place the liner and fill it with water. Ice rink liners are a must. Not only do they protect your turf from damage, but the frozen surface will form better and be stronger than if it were placed directly on the turf. Purpose-built ice rink liners are tough, waterproof and made to withstand harsh winter weather. They will be able to handle the pressure of a frozen bed better than a less resistant garden or car tarp.

Ice rink liners come in many sizes. Make sure you buy one that gives enough overlap so you don’t leak. A three to four foot overlap should be enough to keep the frame aligned once you fill it with water and it freezes and expands.

Once the siding is in place, fill it in and then attach it to your frame before the water freezes. Holding it after it’s full allows it to settle and fill in low spots while maintaining solid contact with the ground. This will put less pressure on the liner during the winter when the frozen ground compresses it. Punctures, tears, or tears can occur if a liner is pushed without a solid surface underneath.

final tips

1. Set up your skating facility before snow falls to avoid the bumps and clumps that come with snow that has frozen to the ground.

2. Fill with water just before a cold front is forecast. This will help fill in any bare or low spots before the cold sets in and freezes the water again.

3. Plan to buy new ice rink liners every year, as they can really take a beating. They sit outside all winter, enduring freeze-thaw cycles, filling up with frozen water and skittering for months. There’s a chance the liner could be reused next year, but it’s also possible the tarp will fill with holes and weak spots that rupture before the water even gets in. Reuse the tarp to cover patio furniture or anything else that needs winter protection, and treat your slippers to a new one.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *