Picture it. Backyard hockey, with the ice just hanging there, inviting you to come out and join the fun. You can feel the cold air tickling your cheeks as you rush outside to get your helmet and gloves. The sun is beaming down on you as you stand there, looking out at the frozen pond, wondering if it’s really going to snow that day.
If you’re the type of person who enjoys spending time outdoors with your family and friends, then this winter scene may soon be a reality. Thanks to the NHL and COVID-19, life has changed once again. We are no longer enjoying outdoor activities such as baseball and football. Now, we’re spending more time indoors. This has resulted in a major uptick in the demand for backyard sheds and other small storage buildings.
If you’re looking to create an outdoor space that will be inviting to friends and family, then this is the perfect project for you. It will be the perfect place for kids to play while parents chat in the sun or catch some rays on a hot summer day.
If you’re looking to build a hockey rink, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know to get started.
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The Benefits Of A Backyard Hockey Rink
Aside from being a fun and exciting pastime to participate in, hockey is a great way to stay active. Not only does it put a smile on your face, but it also gets your heart pumping. A good hockey workout can be very therapeutic, particularly after a long day.
Furthermore, the equipment required to play hockey is relatively affordable. You don’t need to spend a fortune. Even a backyard rink will only cost you a few hundred dollars, plus your time and labor. When you’re paying off that credit card debt, spending a few hundred dollars on hockey equipment isn’t such a bad idea.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro. Everyone can enjoy the benefits of a hockey rink, because it’s such a simple and straightforward project to complete. If you’ve got a spare few hours over the winter holidays, then you could build the most basic of hockey rinks and get the enjoyment out of it. Why not? You might as well, since you can always add more equipment and ice as needed.
Where Should The Rink Go?
If you’re planning on building a hockey rink, then the first decision you need to make is where to put it. You obviously need a space that is large enough for the activity, as well as offering enough room for the spectators who may turn up. If you have a concrete surface, then the best place for a hockey rink would be in the garage. It’ll be sheltered from the wind, and it’ll give you room for some more car storage, if you have a lot of vehicles. A garage is also the perfect place for a pool table, so if you have one, you may as well use it.
If you don’t have a garage or another place that is easily accessible and offer sufficient room for the activity, then you can build the rink inside your house. We recommend this option if you’re looking for an indoor/outdoor space, so you can enjoy the fresh air while your children play. This will also prevent them from getting sick from the cold winter air, so it’s up to you whether you want to allow them to be around ice or not.
The downside to building the rink inside your house is that it will take up a lot of floor space. If you’re also into doing other activities – such as basketball or volleyball – then you’ll need to find a space for them as well. For smaller house, this could be problematic. We recommend building smaller rinks for smaller families, because it would be difficult to find enough floor space for all your activities. It’s better to enjoy one space where all your friends and family can meet and enjoy themselves.
What Size Rink Should You Build?
The next thing you need to decide is the size of your rink. There are two options here. You can either build a small one – not much bigger than a regular basketball court – or a large one. If you have a lot of space, then it may be a good idea to build the largest one possible.
The size of your rink will be determined by how much space you have, and how much room you need. A small rink could be perfect for a city apartment, while a large one could be used for a large suburban or rural home. If you have a pool in your backyard, then you may want to consider building a pool deck around it. This would be perfect for summertime enjoyment. Just make sure that there is sufficient space around the pool for proper sun bathing.
How Many Skating Rinks Should You Have?
The final decision you need to make is how many skating rinks you want to have. It’s a common misconception that you need a full hockey rink to have ice skating. After all, you don’t always have to have people skating on the ice to have ice skating. You can get figure skaters’ costumes and accessories to recreate the beauty of ice skating on a hot summer day, with or without the actual skating.
You may want to have one, or maybe two, hockey rinks in your backyard. If you live in a very cold climate, then having a second rink may be unnecessary, but it’s still nice to have one. It will add an extra layer of enjoyment to your winter holiday. You may also want to consider building a sand pit for the kids to have fun in the summertime.
If you do decide to build more than one rink, then the next step is to decide where you’re going to put them. If you have an area with a lot of room, then you may want to build one in the front and one at the back. This will help with the flow of traffic, as well as the enjoyment of the activity. If you have a smaller space, then you can build them side-by-side for better viewing and more space for the kids to play. Just make sure that all the rinks are at least four feet deep, so they can be used regardless of the water level in your pool.
Step Two: Choose A Location For The Rink
The next step is to choose a location for your rink. As discussed above, you have two options here. You can either build it on dirt or concrete, depending on the nature of your space. If you have a large yard, then you may want to consider building on concrete. It’ll be easier to maintain and more stable as the years go by. If you live in an area where it doesn’t snow or hail very often, then you can build on dirt. Either way, make sure that the area is easily accessible by car and has sufficient room for the activity.
Step Three: Measure The Area You Have
Once you’ve chosen a location for your rink, it’s time to measure the area you have. Start by marking out the four corners of the space, then measure the area in between. You’re going to have to remove any obstacles that are in the way. It may be helpful to take a tape measure and stretch it across the space, so you can see exactly how much room you have. You can use an excavator or a hand trowel to get the dirt out of the way. Make sure to wear gloves so you don’t have to wash your hands frequently during the process.
Step Four: Build The Wall
Once you’ve marked out the area you have and begun removing the dirt, it’s time to start building the wall. The best place for a wall is near the doorways, because it will prevent people from inadvertently stepping outside on to the rink during inclement weather conditions. You may also want to build a back wall so that the skating area is closed off from the rest of your yard. This will help with privacy and prevent dogs from entering while you’re skating.
Step Five: Add The Equipment
The next step is to add the equipment to your rink. You need skates and hockey equipment (stick, gloves, and jersey) for playing hockey. You also need pucks for the actual game. If you’re going to be renting skates, then be sure to inquire about the cost beforehand. You can purchase a pair of your own for $20 to $30 a week, plus insurance, if you want to play at a higher level. You may also want to invest in a pair of ice-blasting machines to ensure the ice is shaved every day before your game.