Building your own backyard ice rink can be a fun winter project that provides hours of skating enjoyment. With some planning and effort, you can create a quality skating surface right in your own yard. Here is a step-by-step guide to building a simple backyard ice rink.
Selecting a Location
When choosing where to build your rink, consider these factors:
- Sun exposure – Choose a spot that gets consistent sun throughout the day, as this will help melt snow and prevent an uneven ice surface. Avoid shaded areas.
- Level ground – The surface needs to be as flat and smooth as possible. Level and tamp down any dips or bumps in the area.
- Drainage – Ensure water can drain away from the rink and won’t pool. Slight slopes are ideal. Avoid areas where water collects.
- Accessibility – Pick a spot that is easy to access from your home and has room to put on skates. Allow space for shoveling snow.
- Size – Decide on the dimensions based on the space available. Typical backyard rinks range from 15 x 30 feet up to 40 x 60 feet.
An open, flat section of your yard that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight is an ideal location.
Prepare the Base
Proper base preparation is crucial for creating a smooth skating surface.
Remove all grass, plants, stones and debris from the area using a flat shovel. Scrape down to expose bare dirt.
Level and compact the soil using a lawn roller, hand tamper or by walking over it. Fill any dips or holes with loose soil and re-tamp until flat.
Lay down landscape fabric over the leveled dirt. This prevents grass and weeds from growing up and creating bumps. Secure the edges with stakes or weights.
Build a perimeter around the rink to contain the water using lumber, stakes, rocks or snow banks. Allow for 2-4″ of height.
Take time to properly flatten and smooth the base. This will pay off later with better ice.
Add Liner and Frame
Installing a liner and frame around your rink will help the ice last longer.
Use a tarp or plastic sheeting at least 6 mil thick. Cut it roughly 2′ wider and longer than your rink area. Secure it in place with weighted objects or stakes.
Construct a shallow frame around the perimeter from 2×4 or 2×6 lumber. This helps hold the liner and prevents buckling. Use rebar stakes to secure it.
Build up the frame edge using packed snow or sand bags at least 6″ high. This forms a stronger containment wall as the water expands.
Seal seams and edges with duct tape to prevent leaks. Make sure the liner lays flat with no wrinkles.
The liner and frame contain the water for consistent freezing and protect the ice from melting or shifting.
Add Water
Now it’s time to fill your rink bed with water.
Attach a hose and gardening sprinkler to a spigot with hose hooks. Setup multiple sprinklers if needed to cover the entire area.
Fill 1-2 inches of water and allow to freeze before adding more. This creates a firm anchor base for building up ice layers.
Add 2-4 inches daily, letting it freeze fully before the next round. Go slow to prevent cracks and hollow spots. Be patient through this process.
Stop when you reach 4-6 inches depth. Any more risks overflow and is not needed for skating. The ice should now feel quite firm.
Remove sprinklers and hardware once complete. Shovel off any excess snow. Let the final layer freeze fully before skating!
Adding water incrementally prevents unsafe thin spots and allows a solid, even ice layer to form.
Maintaining the Ice
Upkeep and maintenance is needed to keep your backyard rink in top skating shape.
- Chip away snow after storms so it doesn’t insulate and soften the ice. Use a squeegee to remove slush.
- Fill in cracks or holes with a thin layer of water sprayed over the affected area. Let fully freeze before skating over it.
- Re-level ice as needed using resurfacing tools like an ice scraper or broom. This smoothes out ruts from skates.
- Avoid flooding if temperatures rise. Just a light misting to fill cracks. Flooding can ruin the base.
- Remove debris like leaves or sticks that blow onto the surface. They can create tripping hazards.
- Check edges for cracking or leaks from the frame shifting. Repair with tape or added snow reinforcement.
- Re-freeze melted spots to keep surface consistent. Small melted areas can be re-iced with a garden sprayer.
With proper care, a backyard rink can provide high-quality ice all winter long!
Ice Skating Tips
Once your rink is ready, here are some tips to ensure a fun and safe skating experience:
- Wear helmets, gloves, knee pads – falling happens, so protect yourself!
- Start slow if you are new to skating. Use skating aids like cones or chairs.
- Invite friends over for games, races and fun! Great exercise and bonding.
- Play music outside using portable speakers to create a festive atmosphere.
- Bring out blankets or benches to sit when taking a break from skating.
- Set up lights around the rink for night skating sessions. Extend the fun after dark!
- Keep a small toolkit nearby for ice maintenance like a broom, scraper and sprayer.
- Stay off the ice if temperatures rise and it seems soft or wet. Wait for it to refreeze properly.
- Most of all, have a great time! Backyard rinks create lasting memories.
With a well constructed rink and some common sense, you’ll enjoy hours of backyard skating with family and friends. Have a great season on the ice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common backyard ice rink questions:
How thick should the ice be?
4 to 6 inches is ideal. Any less and it may crack more easily. Over 6 inches provides little added benefit.
What is the best liner material?
Use a heavy plastic tarp or sheet at least 6 mil thick. Thicker material of 10+ mil will be more durable.
How often should I spray the rink?
Add 2-4 inches daily, allowing each layer to fully freeze before the next round. Go slowly to prevent cracks.
What is the ideal water temperature?
The closer to freezing, the better. Cold hose water works well. Avoid hot water which can melt or weaken the ice.
Can I skate at night?
Yes! Install lights around the perimeter focused over the ice for night sessions. LED lights work great.
How do I resurface the ice?
Use tools like a long-handled ice scraper, broom, or squeegee to smooth the surface and fill in ruts.
How long will the ice last?
With proper maintenance, a rink can last all winter. Take precautions if temperatures rise above freezing.
What size rink should I build?
Backyard rinks typically range from 15×30 feet up to 40×60 feet. Pick a size based on your yard space.
How do I prevent leaks?
Use a quality liner, construct edges carefully, seal seams with tape, and maintain walls as needed.
Can I convert my pool into a rink?
Yes, if it meets depth and size requirements. Drain fully and follow normal prep steps.
Proper construction, maintenance, and use will keep your backyard ice rink in great shape all winter long for hours of frozen fun!
Conclusion
Building a backyard ice rink is an enjoyable winter project that can provide endless hours of skating and recreation. Following the steps outlined above will help you create a high-quality skating surface right at home to be used year after year.
With attention to siting, base preparation, containment, incremental freezing, and ongoing maintenance, you can have professional-level results. Safety first when skating, but don’t be afraid to get creative – backyard rinks are great for hockey, broomball, or any other ice games you can dream up!
Constructing your own rink takes time and labor, but the payoff is having a place for fun, exercise, and making memories with family and friends. Get started this winter on your own home ice rink!