How To Build A Hockey Rink: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you love playing hockey, there’s nothing quite like having your own rink in your backyard. With a little effort and the right tools, you can build a hockey rink that will provide hours of fun and exercise for you and your family.

Building a hockey rink is a big project, but it’s not as difficult as you might think. With our step-by-step guide, you’ll have a rink that’s ready for skating in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, our guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

From choosing the right location to preparing the surface and installing the boards and netting, we’ve got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on building your very own hockey rink today!

Keep reading to find out all the steps you need to take to build a perfect hockey rink in your backyard.

Choose The Right Location

Before starting to build a hockey rink, the first step is to choose the right location. The surface should be flat, with no bumps or uneven areas, and large enough to accommodate a regulation-sized rink. You also want to avoid areas that are prone to flooding, as excess water can damage the surface of the rink. It’s also important to consider the climate in your area, as outdoor rinks require consistent cold temperatures to maintain the ice.

Accessibility is another factor to consider when choosing a location. You want a spot that is easily accessible from your home and the street. This will ensure that it’s convenient to use the rink frequently and easy to transport materials to and from the site.

Sun Exposure is also something to take into account when picking a location. You want to avoid areas that get too much direct sunlight as it can cause the ice to melt quickly. You can place your rink in a spot with partial shade or use a cover to protect it from the sun’s rays.

Privacy is also something to consider when choosing the location of your hockey rink. If you have neighbors who might object to the noise, it’s best to choose a spot that’s far away from their homes. Alternatively, you can build a fence or sound barrier to reduce the noise level.

Landscaping is also something to keep in mind when picking a location for your hockey rink. Avoid areas with a lot of trees or shrubs that could drop leaves or branches onto the rink. These can be difficult to remove and can damage the surface of the ice.

Choosing the right location is a crucial step in building a successful hockey rink. By considering factors like accessibility, sun exposure, privacy, and landscaping, you can ensure that your rink will be a safe and enjoyable place to play. Keep reading to learn more about the next steps in building your rink.

Find a Flat Surface with Good Drainage

1. Survey the area: Before you begin building your hockey rink, survey the location you have in mind to ensure that the area is flat and free from any obstructions or hazards that could pose a risk to players.

2. Check the drainage: Look for an area that has good drainage to prevent water from pooling on the surface. You don’t want your rink to turn into a skating pool!

3. Avoid shaded areas: Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight to help melt any snow and ice that accumulates on the rink. Avoid areas shaded by trees or buildings.

4. Consider the wind: Take into account prevailing winds in your area and choose a location that is sheltered from them. Wind can impact the quality of the ice surface and make it harder for players to skate.

5. Prepare the surface: Once you’ve found a suitable location, remove any vegetation or debris from the area and level the ground to create a smooth, even surface.

Choosing the right location for your hockey rink is critical to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all players. Take the time to survey the area, check the drainage, consider sunlight and wind exposure, and prepare the surface to create the best possible playing conditions. With a little bit of effort and careful planning, you can build a hockey rink that will provide hours of outdoor fun for years to come.

Gather The Necessary Tools And Materials

Before starting the construction of your hockey rink, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. Some of the tools you’ll need include a level, measuring tape, stakes, string, and a shovel. For the materials, you’ll need wooden boards, brackets, screws, netting, and a liner.

You can find most of these materials at your local hardware store. For the wooden boards, it’s recommended to use treated lumber to prevent rotting. You’ll also want to choose a liner that is thick enough to withstand the wear and tear of skating.

When it comes to netting, make sure you choose a material that is strong enough to stop pucks but also allows for good visibility. You can also purchase boards that come with pre-installed netting, which can save you time and effort.

Tools

When building your hockey rink, you’ll need a variety of tools to get the job done. Some essential tools you’ll need include a level, measuring tape, circular saw, drill, and a shovel.

Protective gear is also important when working with power tools. Safety glasses, work gloves, and ear protection are recommended.

Before you start building, make sure you have all the necessary tools and safety gear to complete the job.

Materials

When building a hockey rink, the materials you use will play a critical role in the overall quality of your rink. Here are some of the materials you will need:

• Boards: You will need boards to create the perimeter of the rink. These can be made from wood, plastic, or other materials.
• Liner: A liner is essential to creating a flat surface for your rink. It can be made from plastic, tarp, or other materials.
• Ice resurfacer: To maintain the quality of the ice, you will need an ice resurfacer. This can be a commercial or homemade machine.
• Water source: You will need a water source to fill the rink. This can be a hose, but if you live in a colder climate, you might need a hot water source.
• Netting: If you plan to play hockey, you will need netting to keep the puck in play.
• Lights: If you plan to use your rink at night, you will need lights to illuminate the area.

Be sure to choose high-quality materials to ensure the longevity of your rink. Using subpar materials can result in a less than ideal playing surface and a shorter lifespan for your rink.

Optional Extras

If you have the budget and desire for additional features on your hockey rink, there are several options to consider.

Lighting: Outdoor lighting can allow you to use your rink at night and provide a professional feel. There are several options available, including portable lights and permanent installations.

Boards: Installing boards around the perimeter of your rink can create a more authentic hockey experience and help keep the puck in play. You can purchase pre-made boards or build your own using materials such as PVC or wood.

Heating: If you live in a colder climate, heating your rink can be a valuable addition. In-floor heating systems or portable heaters can keep the ice from melting and allow you to use the rink even in sub-zero temperatures.

Remember that while these extras can enhance your hockey rink, they are not necessary for a successful build. Choose the options that fit your needs and budget.

Prepare The Surface

Clear the area: Before preparing the surface, remove any debris or vegetation from the area. This will ensure that the surface is level and free of any obstacles that may cause problems during the installation process.

Level the ground: Use a rake, shovel, and level to even out the ground where the rink will be placed. This will ensure that the surface is flat and smooth, making it easier to lay down the boards.

Add a barrier: Place a barrier around the perimeter of the rink to prevent pucks from flying out of the rink and to keep snow from accumulating around the boards. This can be done using plywood or other materials.

Create a base layer: Spread a layer of sand or gravel over the surface of the rink area. This will provide a firm foundation for the boards and make it easier to level the surface.

Clean the Area and Remove Debris

Before you start preparing the surface for your hockey rink, you need to make sure the area is clean and free of debris. Clear away any leaves, sticks, rocks, and other debris that could create bumps or unevenness in your rink’s surface.

If there is grass in the area, you may want to mow it down to create a smooth surface. If the ground is uneven, you may need to level it out with a shovel or a rake. It is important to have a smooth and level surface to ensure that the ice freezes evenly.

Once the area is cleared of debris and level, you should use a hose to wash away any remaining dirt and debris. This will help to remove any remaining dust or dirt that could cause bumps in the ice when it freezes.

After cleaning the area, you should let it dry completely before moving on to the next step of the rink-building process. This will ensure that the ice freezes evenly and creates a smooth and even surface for skating and playing hockey.

Add a Layer of Gravel or Crushed Stone

Benefits: A layer of gravel or crushed stone provides drainage and prevents the soil from becoming compacted, which can lead to drainage issues and the formation of puddles.

Steps:

• Measure the area: Measure the length and width of the area and calculate the total square footage to determine the amount of gravel or crushed stone needed.
• Prepare the area: Clear the area of any debris, such as rocks or weeds, and level the surface.
• Add the layer: Spread the gravel or crushed stone evenly over the surface, using a rake or shovel to distribute it as needed.
• Compact the layer: Use a tamper or plate compactor to compact the layer of gravel or crushed stone, ensuring that it is firmly in place.
• Check the level: Use a level to ensure that the layer is even and sloped away from any nearby structures to promote drainage.
• Add more if needed: If the layer is too thin, add more gravel or crushed stone until the desired thickness is reached.

Materials: Gravel or crushed stone, rake or shovel, tamper or plate compactor, level.

Install The Boards And Netting

Measure the Area: Measure the area where you want to install the boards and netting.

Install the Boards: Install the boards on either side of the area. Use the hammer to nail the boards in place. Make sure the boards are level and securely fastened.

Install the Netting: Unroll the netting and attach it to the top of the boards with zip ties. Secure the bottom of the netting to the ground using stakes or sandbags.

Attach the Corner Pieces: Attach the corner pieces to the boards using screws and a power drill. Make sure they are secure and level.

Secure the Netting: Use zip ties to secure the netting to the boards and corner pieces. Trim any excess netting.

Assemble the Boards

Step 1: Lay out the boards and the hardware on a flat surface. Double-check that you have all the necessary components before you begin assembling.

Step 2: Insert the metal braces into the pre-drilled holes on the back of each board. Secure the braces with the provided screws and a screwdriver. Repeat the process for all the boards.

Step 3: Stand two boards up on their ends and slide the metal hinge into the pre-drilled holes on each board. Make sure the hinge is flush with the top of the boards. Repeat for the other two boards.

Step 4: Take the two pairs of boards and attach them to each other with the metal hinges. Make sure the boards are flush and even before tightening the screws with a screwdriver.

Step 5: Stand the assembled boards up and check that they are level. If necessary, adjust the height by removing or adding gravel or crushed stone beneath the boards.

Maintain Your Hockey Rink

Regularly Remove Snow and Ice

To keep your rink in good condition, remove snow and ice regularly. Use a snowblower, shovel or ice scraper to clear the ice surface. If the ice becomes too thick, you may need to melt it with hot water.

Resurface the Ice

Resurfacing the ice is important to ensure a smooth and even surface. Use a hose to add a thin layer of water to the rink surface. Make sure the water is not too warm, as this can create uneven spots on the ice.

Check for and Repair Cracks

As the temperature changes, cracks can form in the ice. Inspect the ice regularly for cracks and use a patching compound to fill any gaps. This will prevent water from seeping into the cracks and refreezing, which can create uneven patches on the ice.

Keep the Boards and Netting in Good Condition

The boards and netting are essential components of your rink. Regularly inspect them for any damage and repair or replace as needed. If the boards become warped or damaged, they may need to be replaced entirely.

Store Equipment Properly

When the season is over, make sure to store your equipment properly. Remove the boards and netting and store them in a dry place. Drain the water from the rink and let it dry completely before storing your tools and equipment. This will help prolong the life of your rink and equipment.

Remove Snow and Ice Regularly

Winter Maintenance: One of the essential tasks for maintaining your hockey rink is clearing snow and ice regularly. Use a snow blower or shovel to remove the snow from the surface of the rink. You can also use a de-icer to melt the ice on the rink.

Proper Drainage: Ensure the rink is correctly sloped and has proper drainage to allow for water run-off. Excess water can lead to the formation of ice and make the rink unsafe for use.

Protect the Surface: Avoid using metal shovels or ice chippers to remove the ice. Instead, use a plastic shovel or a broom to prevent damage to the surface of the rink.

Check Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast regularly to prepare for upcoming snowstorms or freezing rain. Be proactive and remove snow and ice before it becomes too thick or challenging to remove.

Secure The Boards: Ensure that the boards are secure and anchored to the ground. Heavy snow or ice accumulation can cause the boards to shift or topple over, posing a safety hazard to anyone using the rink.

Frequently Asked Questions