How To Make A Hockey Rink In Your Backyard

If you or your children spend a lot of time and money at a public ice skating rink, why not learn how to make a hockey rink in your backyard. Having a backyard hockey rink not only allows for skating anytime, but will save you money on the high public rink admission fees. Have a bit of backyard fun this winter and learn how to make a hockey rink in your backyard.

• measuring tape
• enough 2 x 4's to build the size rink you want
• saw
• corner brackets and screws
• drill
• tarp at least 2 1/2 inches larger than the area of your rink
• staple gun and staples
• hose
• water
• temperatures below freezing

1. Measure the area where you will put the rink. Take a look to see where you will put your rink. A rectangle or square will be easier to build that a circle. Take measurements so that you know how big to build your frame. When you make a hockey rink in your backyard the area needs to be completely flat. This is very important!
2. Purchase 2 X 4's. Once you have your measurements, go to a lumberyard or hardware store and get the correct amount of 2 X 4’s for your desired frame size. Try to buy the largest pieces you can for the size you need. It will be easier to make if you do not have to piece wood together.
3. Cut the wood. Cut the wood according to your measurements for the hockey rink. Make sure to cut the corners diagonally so you make perfect square edges.
4. Attach brackets onto corners. Once the wood is cut, lay out the wood. Attach the pieces of wood together, at the corners, using the brackets and screws.
5. Lay out the tarp. Lay the tarp flat out onto the ground. Place the frame that you built from the 2 x 4’s on top of the tarp. Cut the tarp so it is about 2 1/2 inches longer than the frame all the way around. Then staple the tarp to the outside edges of the frame. You have just learned how to make a hockey rink in your backyard.
6. Place the frame in the desired location. If the frame is not where you want it to be, place it there now.
7. Fill it with water. Fill up the entire frame with about two inches of water.
8. Wait for it to freeze. After the temperatures drop below 32 degrees F for two to three days your water should be completely frozen. Make sure to check that entire surface is frozen before beginning to skate on it.

For less than the cost of taking the family to a skating rink you can make a hockey rink in your backyard. If you live in an area where the temperatures stay below freezing for long periods of time, you will be able to get a lot of use out of your skating rink. When the winter weather draws to an end you can store the frame so you can make a hockey rink in your backyard again next winter.

Resources:

Homemade ice rink