How to Build a Ice Rink in Your Backyard

If you live in a cold climate, building a backyard ice rink in winter is a simple and inexpensive way to get ice time. Whether you want to practice your hockey skills, rehearse figure skating routines, or just have fun in your backyard, an ice rink in your backyard provides it all. With a few simple steps you can be skating right from your own back door.

Things You'll Need

  • PVC pipe
  • PVC joints
  • Tarps
  • Waterproof adhesive suitable for plastic
  • Tape measure
  • Hose or other water supply
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Instructions

  1. Building a Backyard Ice Rink

    • 1

      Measure the location for your rink. Choose an open and relatively flat part of your backyard that is free of large rocks or other obstructions. Avoid obstructions that rise more than 2 inches from the ground, as these may prevent you from building a flat rink surface. Measure the length and width of your planned space and jot down the numbers for reference while at the hardware store.

    • 2

      Purchase your rink-building supplies. You'll need PVC pipe that is two inches or more in diameter. You'll need two lengths of PVC pipe that match the length of your planned rink and two lengths that match its width. You'll also need PVC pipe joints that fit your pipe, to create the rink's corners. Finally, you'll need a water-tight tarp that has no holes and is large enough to cover your entire rink surface with an additional six inches on each side. Consider buying a spare tarp in case you accidentally tear the first one.

    • 3

      Unfold the tarp and lay it out in your backyard in your planned rink location. Try to line up the center of the tarp with the center of your planned ice rink. This will ensure that the extra tarp is even on all sides, giving the PVC something to sit on.

    • 4

      Assemble your PVC pipe and joints to create the edge of the rink. Place the PVC pipe on the tarp, leaving approximately the same amount of tarp sticking out on each side of the PVC pipe. The PVC pipe thus forms the edges of the rink.

    • 5

      Roll the edges of the tarp over the PVC pipe and glue the tarp to the pipe using a waterproof adhesive suitable for plastics. The PVC pipe should be inside the tarp. You may need to cut the edges of the tarp to prevent the tarp overlapping on itself. This creates a barrier that will hold the water in place as it freezes.

    • 6

      Fill the rink with water using a hose or another water supply. The water should be approximately one and a half to two inches deep. Let the water stand through at least two days in which the temperature is consistently below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.