If you love skating or hockey, but don’t have the space or money for a professional rink, you can create your own at-home ice rink with some basic materials and a little know-how. This DIY ice rink can be built in a matter of hours, and will give you a place to skate all winter long.
There are a few different ways that you can make a DIY ice rink. One way is to freeze a large sheet of plastic in your backyard. Another way is to buy a large tarp and fill it with water. Place the tarp in your backyard and let the water freeze. You can also use a liner to create a rink.
How do you make a simple ice rink?
This project is simple and can be completed in a few hours. Follow these steps to create your own backyard ice rink.
Basically you just need about four to six inches of water above wherever that level line is so if you have a level line that’s four inches above the ground you need six inches of water so that the water is level with that line.
How do you make a smooth ice rink at home
Once you’re done skating, remove any snow or chunks of ice that might have come loose. You don’t want to leave these behind for the next person!
If you are making a traditional backyard ice rink, you do not need a plastic liner or tarp. In order to make ice, you simply pack snow, flood the snow surface with water, and allow it to freeze. You can make this traditional backyard ice rink with or without boards.
How thick should ice be for a backyard rink?
You will need a tarp or similar material to cover the area before filling the space with water. Fill it all up at once so the water can level out – freezing in layers can create an uneven surface. The following floods should be with hot water if available. Once you have two to three inches of ice your rink will be ready!
A – A minimum of 2” (two inches) thick for the ice to stay solid and hold the weight of a 300lb person is required. For the municipal rinks, we recommend at least 3” (three inches).
Can you make an ice rink on grass?
It is important to apply several light sprinklings of water to freeze before flooding the rink. This ice layer prevents water from soaking through the snow and reaching the grass. A sheet of plastic or tarp can also be used as a liner to prevent water from soaking through to the grass.
If you’re thinking of making your own backyard ice rink, here’s what you need to know. You won’t need a tarp or plastic liner, just wait for consistent below freezing temperatures, tamp down the snow with your feet until you create your desired rink shape and size, then flood the surface with water and wait for it to freeze. The key is to make sure the temperature stays consistenly below freezing so the ice has a chance to properly form.
How do I keep my backyard ice rink from melting
It is very important to clean your backyard ice rink after every skate. This will prevent bits of ice and snow from melting in the sun and freezing in an uneven layer. Simply use a snow shovel to remove the ice and snow after use.
The rule of thumb among backyard rinkers is to have 3 or more days with highs below freezing (See freeze chart below). This will usually create a good base for your rink. Of course, more days below freezing will make for an even better rink.
Why do they put hot water on ice rinks?
Ice rinks typically use very hot water to clean the surface of the ice and remove micro air bubbles in the water. These tiny bubbles create fragile, brittle ice that is easily broken. By using hot water, the ice is less likely to break and will be smoother and more enjoyable to skate on.
It’s important to flood your rink regularly to get the best results. I usually try to flood my rink at least twice a week. I always plan my flooding around weather conditions and temperatures that are appropriate for rink flooding. This usually produces the best results.
Can I use a tarp for ice rink
A white tarp can be a good choice for an outdoor or backyard ice skating rink as it is durable and impact resistant. If you think the tarp will still be in use into the springtime, then a clear poly tarp makes a good choice.
Flooding is the process of adding water to the rink in order to create a new layer of ice. It is important to start at the furthest point away from the water supply and to apply light fogs or spray over the entire surface until wet. Never direct the force of the water downward at the ice; instead, always spray up and outward. Do not apply more water until the first coat is completely frozen.
What can you use for rink boards?
It is ultimately up to the rink designer to choose between cost, effort, aesthetics and their overall vision for the rink when it comes to options for rink boards. Some viable options for rink boards include “2-by” lumber, plywood, commercial plastic boards, and PVC tubing frames.
It takes about 90 minutes for each inch of water to freeze. This is a useful bit of information to know when trying to determine how long it will take for something to freezeSolid water will take less time to freeze than liquid water and the larger the body of water, the longer it will take to freeze.
Warp Up
To make a DIY ice rink, you will need to purchase a large tarp, some 2x4s, and some sandbags. first, clear an area in your yard that is at least 20 feet by 30 feet. Next, lay the tarp out flat and place the 2x4s around the perimeter of the tarp. Make sure that the 2x4s are touching the ground all the way around. Next, fill the inside of the rink with water, using a garden hose. Then, put the sandbags around the outside of the 2x4s. This will help to keep the rink in place. Finally, put your ice skates on and enjoy!
If you live in a cold climate and love ice skating, you can turn your backyard into an ice rink with a little bit of effort. First, you need to clear a level spot in your yard and mark the boundaries of the rink. Then, you need to build a frame for the rink using 2x4s or PVC pipes. Once the frame is built, line the inside of the rink with a thick layer of plastic. Finally, fill the rink with water and let it freeze. You can then enjoy skating in your own backyard!