Create the Perfect Backyard Hockey Rink This Winter

Nothing beats the thrill of skating on your very own backyard hockey rink. It’s a great way to get outside, enjoy the winter, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Building a backyard hockey rink may seem daunting, but with the right tools, preparation, and a little effort, you can create the perfect ice surface for endless fun.

1. Choose the Right Location

Before you start, the first step is selecting the perfect spot in your yard. You’ll need to find a flat area to ensure the rink freezes evenly.

Factors to Consider:

Flat Ground: The flatter the surface, the easier it is to flood and freeze the rink evenly. Even slight slopes can cause problems with water distribution and freezing.
Shade: If possible, select an area that’s shaded for part of the day. This will help keep the ice solid during sunny days.
Drainage: Choose a spot that will drain well after the ice melts in the spring, especially if you have a liner.

Pro Tip: If your yard isn’t perfectly level, use wood planks or other materials to level one side to prevent uneven freezing.

2. Determine the Size of Your Rink

The size of your backyard rink will depend on your available space and how many skaters you expect. Smaller rinks are easier to maintain, while larger ones provide more room for games and practice.

Common Backyard Rink Sizes:

Small Rink: 20 x 40 feet – Great for families with young kids or limited space.
Medium Rink: 40 x 60 feet – Perfect for hockey practice and small games.
Large Rink: 60 x 100 feet – More space for full hockey games and larger groups.

If you're short on space, don't worry. Even a small rink can provide endless entertainment!

Pro Tip: If your yard is uneven or small, consider building a half-size rink, or one with an odd shape to fit your space.

3. Build the Rink Frame

Once you've chosen the location and size, it’s time to build the frame to hold the water and eventually the ice. You can use different materials depending on what you have available and your budget.

Materials for the Frame:

Wood Boards: Pressure-treated 2x6 or 2x8 planks are ideal for creating sturdy, durable walls. They are easily customizable to fit your space.
PVC Pipes: A lighter and more flexible alternative to wood, PVC is easy to set up and break down at the end of the season.
Brackets or Stakes: Use metal or plastic brackets to hold the boards in place, or hammer wooden stakes into the ground to secure the boards.

Steps to Build the Frame:

Lay out the boards or PVC pipes to form the perimeter of your rink.
Connect the corners securely using brackets or stakes.
Ensure the frame is level, especially on sloped areas. Add additional stakes for support if needed.

Pro Tip: Leave extra space outside the boards for snow buildup and shoveling.

4. Install the Liner

A high-quality liner is crucial to creating a smooth, leak-free rink. The liner holds the water and ensures it freezes evenly into a perfect sheet of ice.

Choosing the Right Liner:

Material: Use a heavy-duty plastic liner, at least 6-8 mils thick, to prevent tears and leaks.
Size: Make sure the liner is large enough to cover the entire rink, including some overhang along the edges.

Installing the Liner:

Lay the liner flat over the rink frame, allowing for extra material around the edges.
Smooth out any wrinkles or folds to avoid uneven ice.
Secure the liner to the frame using clamps, wooden stakes, or by tucking it under the boards.

Pro Tip: Wait to install the liner until temperatures are consistently below freezing to prevent rain or snow from damaging the surface.

5. Flood the Rink

Flooding the rink is one of the most important steps in the process. You want to make sure the water is evenly distributed across the surface for smooth, thick ice.

Steps to Flood the Rink:

Use a garden hose to slowly fill the rink with cold water.
Let the water spread naturally and fill to a depth of 3-4 inches.
Check for any low spots and adjust as necessary to ensure even water distribution.

Freezing the Ice:

Allow the water to freeze in layers. This might take several days depending on your local weather.
Once the initial layer is solid, you can add more water to build up the thickness of the ice. Aim for a minimum of 4 inches of ice for safe skating.

Pro Tip: For a smooth surface, flood the rink at night when temperatures are lower and there’s less wind.

6. Maintaining the Ice

Regular maintenance will keep your backyard rink in top shape throughout the winter season. Smooth ice makes for better skating, and a little effort goes a long way.

Ice Maintenance Tips:

Shovel Snow: After each snowfall, promptly shovel the ice to prevent snow from melting into rough patches or bumps.
Resurface: To repair cracks or rough spots, flood the rink with a thin layer of water every few days or after heavy use. You can use a garden hose or make a DIY resurfacer.
Daily Checks: Regularly inspect the ice for cracks, holes, or uneven areas and patch them as needed.

Pro Tip: Consider building a DIY rink resurfacer using PVC pipes to evenly spread water across the ice.

7. Lighting for Night Games

Hockey doesn’t have to end when the sun sets! Adding lights to your backyard rink can extend skating hours and create a fun, festive atmosphere.

Lighting Ideas:

Floodlights: Place LED floodlights around the rink to illuminate the entire area.
String Lights: Hang string lights along the boards or nearby trees for a cozy, ambient glow.
Solar or Battery-Powered Lights: If electrical outlets aren’t available, solar-powered lights can offer a practical solution for nighttime skating.

Pro Tip: Place lights at different angles to reduce shadows and ensure the entire rink is well-lit.

8. Enjoy Your Backyard Rink

After all the hard work of building your rink, it’s time to lace up your skates and enjoy! Whether you’re practicing hockey drills, playing with friends, or just gliding around, your backyard rink will be the ultimate winter destination.

Fun Ideas for Your Backyard Rink:

Pick-Up Hockey Games: Organize casual games with family, friends, or neighbors.
Skating Parties: Host a winter skating party with hot cocoa, music, and plenty of time on the ice.
Practice Drills: Use the rink for shooting practice, stickhandling, or improving your skating technique.

Conclusion

Building the perfect backyard hockey rink is a winter project that pays off with hours of enjoyment. With proper planning, materials, and maintenance, you can create a smooth and fun skating surface for everyone to enjoy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the ultimate winter retreat right in your own backyard!

So grab your skates, sticks, and pucks—and get ready to enjoy your personal winter wonderland!