How To Build A Hockey Rink

Learning how to build a hockey rink is much easier than you think. If you are a hockey fan, or just someone who enjoys ice skating, you most likely have dreamed about owning your very own hockey rink. Well, believe it or not, it is easy to turn your ordinary backyard into a hockey lover’s fantasy land. With relatively little effort and expense, along with some help from Mother Nature, you can construct your very own hockey rink in as little as a one afternoon.  

To successfully build a hockey rink you will need: 

• Lumber: Use either 2 x 6’s, or 2 x 10’s
• Hammer and Nails 
• Saw 
• Plastic liner  
• Water 
• Plywood 

After collecting the materials, you can begin learning how to build a hockey rink.   

1. To properly build a hockey rink, you will need to carefully plan out the design and layout. The rink should be built on the largest, flattest surface available. It is possible to build a hockey rink on a sloped or slanted surface; you will just need to use the 2 x 10s instead of the 2 x 6s. During this planning stage, also take the time to decide on the size and shape of your rink.   
2. Using the lumber, begin to construct the frame of your hockey rink. The frame can be constructed from 2 x 6s or 2 x 10s. The size of the lumber depends on the grade of the ground. If the surface is flat, you will only need the 2 x 6s; however, if you are building on a sloped surface, you will want to use 2 x 10s. To ensure rink stability, use extra lengths of board to reinforce the joints.  
3. The plastic liner can now be installed. If built correctly, the liner should be big enough to cover the entire hockey rink and easily extend over the sides of the frame. Taking time to ensure that the tarp is level and smooth with the bottom of the boards, tuck the excess liner underneath the outer framework of the rink. For maximum durability, consider using an ice rink liner tarp, which is more durable than a regular plastic liner. 
4. It is now time to fill your hockey rink with water and let Mother Nature do the rest. Keep in mind that you do not want the water level to completely reach the top of rink; instead, the water level should only reach about half way up the boards. This allows the water to expand and find a natural level point. Ideally the temperature should be around ten degrees below freezing, and the water should be allowed to freeze for 48 hours before use.  
5. When you build a hockey rink, you may want to consider installing rink boards. While rink boards are a completely optional part of this endeavor, they will help give your rink a realistic feel. Rink boards contain loose pucks, and allow for board checking. They can be constructed by reinforcing plywood and attaching it to the outermost edges of the rink’s frame.