DIY Rinks

We empower you to create DIY rinks that are perfect for family fun and practice. Our preferred method of building a backyard rink is the liner method, which balances cost and efficiency. When selecting a liner, you have options in thickness and colour; we recommend a 5ML thickness as the most cost-effective choice.

“Hi Center Ice. This is the result of your liner. The kids are having so much fun so far. Thanks”

— George Sturge, Sydney, Nova Scotia

Why Choose a White Liner?

Opting for a white liner provides two significant advantages:

  • Insulation: White insulates cool temperatures better than clear liners, preventing heat absorption from underlying dark ground.
  • Aesthetic: A white liner gives your rink the desired appearance of solid ice, enhancing your backyard's visual appeal.

Essential Tools and Materials

To successfully build your backyard rink, you will need the following items. While some may be optional, they can make your task easier:

Tools: Hammer, power drill, screwdriver, tape measure, level, rake, snow shovel, broom, ice scraper/edger.

Materials: String, boards (minimum 2×8 lumber), stakes (metal or wood), screws, nails, marker or chalk spray, rink liner, and a water source.

Key Requirements for Quality Ice

A level surface is the foundation of smooth, enjoyable ice. An uneven surface leads to inconsistent ice thickness, resulting in a poor skating experience. Ensure your site is as level as possible, which may involve filling in low spots with dirt or constructing a subfloor.

 Hot water is the second essential component for producing perfect, glossy ice. Unlike cold water, which can create bumps and imperfections, hot water flows and freezes evenly, minimizing extra maintenance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Rink

Site Preparation: Identify the area for your ice rink and clear the surface by leveling the ground, removing obstacles, and ensuring no sharp objects can puncture your liner.

Mark the Perimeter: Use string, markers, or chalk spray to outline the rink’s dimensions, then calculate the materials needed.

Set Up Side Boards: Lay out the boards for the rink perimeter, ensuring they are 8″-10″ high for effective water containment. Fasten the boards with appropriate hardware and secure them with stakes to maintain structure.

Install the Liner: Lay the liner over the rink, ensuring it is smooth and extends 3-5 feet beyond the boards. Fasten it securely to prevent shifting.

Fill with Water: Gradually fill the liner with water over several days, keeping the ice thickness to no more than 4 inches for optimal conditions.

Maintaining Your Backyard Rink

Regular maintenance is essential for a smooth skating surface. This includes:

Reshaping the ice to fill cracks and grooves made by skate blades.

Removing snow, leaves, and any debris promptly.

Scraping and flooding the surface as needed for a smooth finish.

Resurfacing and Flooding Tips

For optimal ice quality, re-flood your rink with hot water, ideally after skating and during the coldest part of the day. If bumps form, use hot water to melt them down and level the surface using a metal trowel. Always clear the ice after skating to maintain its quality.

DOs and DON’Ts

DOs

  • Use hot water wherever possible.
  • Remove leaves from the rink immediately; they can melt into the ice and create holes.
  • Clear the ice after any snowfall, whether light or heavy.

DON’Ts

  • DON’T leave the hose outside when not in use; it WILL freeze!
  • DON’T walk on the rink after snowfall; your footprints will freeze and create bumps.
  • DON’T use coloured crease lines, as they attract the sun and can harm the ice.
  • DON’T attempt to build your rink on an uneven surface; it will lead to dead ice.
Secret Link