If you play hockey, you know all about the importance of having a place to practice. Having a place to skate and play is something that all hockey players look forward to. However, not every hockey player has the chance to properly build a rink in their backyard. That is why we have compiled this detailed guide on how to build a basement hockey rink, with cost estimates and everything.
Table of Contents
Things To Keep In Mind
There are several things that you need to keep in mind if you decide to build a hockey rink in your basement. Here are some of them:
- Financing – You will need at least 10% of the total cost of the project in cash up front to ensure that you can make the final payment
- Time – It takes at least 3-4 months to build the rink (including demolition and excavation), and you might want to add another 2 weeks for the finishing touches
- Materials – You will need to source and purchase all the necessary materials to build the rink, including steel, wood, concrete, etc.
- Size – No matter if you play with adults or children, size matters when it comes to hockey rinks. The bigger the better. If you have the space, go for it. However, if you are on a tight budget, you might have to look for a smaller option.
- Usage – Unless you are planning on hosting open-to-the-public hockey games, the size of the rink will determine the number of hours that you can use it
- Maintenance – You will need to get the basics of skating and hockey repaired at least once a month; otherwise, the ice will start to break down and become difficult to use
- Safety – A proper hockey rink does not mean that you should cut corners when it comes to safety. Hiring a professional safety personnel is a must, especially if you have young children and/or if there are other people (adults or children) around the place
- Other features – There are several other features that you might want to include in your rink, such as a water fountain, seating, and lighting.
The Process
Now, let’s get into the details of how to build a basement hockey rink. First, you will need to do some research into the size and shape of your yard and the surrounding area. If you are playing in an intermediate or larger sized rink, you will need to do a little bit of excavating to create a proper foundation for the building.
Once you have determined the dimensions of your yard, you can proceed to the next step, which is to mark the location of the rink on your property.
You will then need to determine what materials you have at your disposal and begin gathering the necessary tools and equipment to build the rink. Here is a list of what you will need:
- A hammer
- Power drill
- Compass
- Level
- Miter saw
- Tape measure
- Drywall screws
- Nail gun
- Rope
- Screwdriver
- Carpenter’s level
- Pole
- Hoop
- Dollar store trash can
- Totes of sand
- Cement board
- Gutter screen
- Steel wool pad
- Cement
- Brick
- Shovel
- Dryer sheets
- Caulk
- Deck of vinyl or wood
- Ladder
- Cement mixer
- Goggles/Protective eyewear
- Work gloves
- Rope
- Hacksaw
- Jigsaw
- Jumper cables
- Rake
- Bucket
- Ladder
- Horse collar
Once you have all of the necessary material and equipment, you can begin to build. It is recommended that you work in small stages to ensure that you don’t run out of materials too quickly. Remember, this is your hobby and you want to have fun with it. However, the materials and equipment listed above will not only help you build the rink, but will also help you maintain it.
The next step is to secure a location for the rink. Ideally, you will want to chose a corner of your yard that is neither too far nor too near from the street. There are several other considerations as well, such as whether you will need a permit to build the rink, but we will discuss that later.
The Location
Once you have determined the spot for the rink, you can begin to mark the dimensions of the rink on your property. To do this, set up a surveyor’s triangle with your yardage measurements. You will then need to get three separate measurements: one for the width, one for the length, and one for the height.
For the width, you will need to stand alongside one of the short ends of the rink and measure across the yard to the opposite end. For the length, you will need to stand alongside one of the long ends of the rink and measure across the yard to the opposite end. Finally, for the height, you will need to stand on the middle of the rink and measure across the yard to the opposite end.
It is recommended that you consult with your local building department to determine whether you need a building permit to build the rink. In some cases, you might not need one at all. A permit is usually required for commercial ventures, such as businesses or banks. However, if you are building it for your personal enjoyment, you might not need to get a permit. It depends on the city and county where you live.
If you decide that you need a permit, you can then look for one on the online building permits database. You will then need to register and pay for the permit online or by phone. Most municipalities charge a $25 application fee in addition to the $40 permit fee.
The Foundation
If you decide to build a hockey rink in your basement, you will need to ensure that the location that you have chosen is strong and stable. The spot should be level and free of major hazards. You should also ensure that it is near a proper bathroom, as you will need to wash off after each use.
To start with, you will need to clear away all debris and junk from the location. Next, you will need to dig a trench or channel around the perimeter, at least 3 inches deep and 5.5 inches wide. The trench will serve as your foundation for the rink and will help keep the area stable and level. Next, you will need to pour a layer of gravel or crushed stone over the trench. Finally, you will need to lay down a layer of compacted soil on top of the gravel layer. This will improve the soil’s drainage and allow you to grow plants or flowers in the area.
The Wall
After the perimeter wall, you can begin to build the actual walls of the rink, starting with the back wall. To build the back wall, you will need to secure two lengths of 2x4s to create a rigid back wall. You will then need to construct a roof on top of the wall using 2×4s and 2×6s. Roofing material will depend on what type of game you are playing. For example, if you are playing baseball, you will need a flat roof; if you are playing hockey, you will need a steep roof.
The main goal of the back wall is to provide support for the rest of the rink walls. To this end, the back wall should be at least 8 feet high and should be parallel to the footwall (the wall that is nearest to the street). Once you have the back wall completed, you can begin to build the other walls.
The Stairs and Treadmill
To get to the arena, you will need to build stairs that lead to the playing surface. The stairs should be at least 4′ wide and should be made of wood or concrete. Additionally, they should be stable and safe to climb. To make them safe and easy to use, you can install a treadmill at the top of the stairs.