Back Yard Ice Rinks

[Twist and Shout]

i think there are a couple of ways....some just use the a snow pack to create the "framing" while others go the whole 9 yards...

Can that really be done? I guess I'd have to wait for it to snow then before I do anything ... Or could I make a frame and then use a snow pack around it? (so the ice has a frame) Finding this kind of info has been a challenge so if anyone has any links or suggestions, it would help a lot. Trying to put together something that can be used frequently with a minimal budget.

 

[IDuck]

dup...post

 

[IDuck]

Can that really be done? I guess I'd have to wait for it to snow then before I do anything ... Or could I make a frame and then use a snow pack around it? (so the ice has a frame) Finding this kind of info has been a challenge so if anyone has any links or suggestions, it would help a lot. Trying to put together something that can be used frequently with a minimal budget.

from what i have gathered, it can be done and is somewhat quick and very inexpensive...i wish i could give you better advice but i can speak from personal experience because i havent had to build my own....i will be messing around this year with like 4' X 4' squares incase i ever want to build my own but,.. if it was me i would build the frame then lay the tarp/poly because all i need is cold and dont have to rely on snow...now if i had a foot of snow outside i would just pack it then go from there, maybe add some framing/boards later on....from what i have gathered the snow pack route isnt the "best" way but it is cheap and doesnt take very long...again i wish i could give you a better response but i have never had to make my own so i dont want to mislead you when i really dont know for myself....good luck and let us know what you do and how it works, either way it will be awesome if you get some ice time right out side your door

 

[Rubber Biscuit]

Right now, mine is a roller hockey rink, and when we get our first decent snow fall I'll turn it to ice. I'll get a picture up tomorrow.

 

[IDuck]

Right now, mine is a roller hockey rink, and when we get our first decent snow fall I'll turn it to ice. I'll get a picture up tomorrow.

nice...looking forward to it

 

[tomcho]

This is my first year building a rink and I did a ton of research into the "right" way of doing it. If you want to go with commerical options there are basically two big players.

1. Nicerink
http://www.nicerink.com/

This appears to be the most popular option from various pictures I've seen on the web. I didn't go with them for a few reasons. One they are more expensive than option 2, and I think the approach that the second option takes makes more sense.

2. IceNgo
https://www.icengo.com/sections/26/ice_ngo_pro.html

I went with the pro 21'x41' kit, at $299 it was about $40 cheaper than a comparable kit from Nicerink. Structurally I like that their brackets 13" high, that they build the top of the frame with 2x4s and that the liner actuallly sits inside the boards. I think this will lead to a stronger rink and more likely that I can reuse the liner year after year.

The bad news so far is their customer service is basically non existant. I ordered my kit on 12/1. It's now over 2 weeks later and I still don't have all the pieces. It was 5 days after my order that I finally got any kind of confirmation, which came in the form of a tracking number. Delivery from that point took another 5 days. When it finally came I was pretty upset to see all they shipped was the liner; no brackets, spikes, instructions, etc.

I contacted them and they responded that they will contact UPS and get back to me. I knew this was BS as the tracking info I was given only showed a single package with a weight much to light to be everything I ordered. It was clear they screwed up and only shipped a liner. After a few more emails explaining what I knew happened, they finally replied back with just another tracking number. No mention of their mistake. It's currently in Buffalo and honestly I have little faith it's actually the rest of what I ordered. It might be language barrier, as I believe they primarily speak French, but their level of service has been some of the worst I've ever had with an online purchase.

So at this point I have all my lumber cut and rink rake built, I'm just waiting on the rest of the rink kit. The good news is it's been unseasonably warm in Chicago so far so I wouldn't have ice at this point anyways.

Here are some pictures of the planning/area/frame components as well as the rink rake. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Lumber waiting for assembly

2x4 framing out rink layout

Ripping 4x8 sheets of plywood into 12" wide strips

How it will look with boards

Rink rake

 

[TheTotalPackage]

It's always been a Canadiana dream of mine to put a backyard rink. Unfortunately, I don't have the biggest backyard. I'm thinking I can put in a 30' x 15' rink, possibly 35-40' x 20' if I figure out the proper positioning (I have an awkward shaped lot).

Has anyone put in a smaller rink? Is it worth it? I suppose even if it was 15' x 7' it's all good as you and your kids get to enjoy it.

 

[customradius]

This is my first year building a rink and I did a ton of research into the "right" way of doing it. If you want to go with commerical options there are basically two big players.

1. Nicerink
http://www.nicerink.com/

This appears to be the most popular option from various pictures I've seen on the web. I didn't go with them for a few reasons. One they are more expensive than option 2, and I think the approach that the second option takes makes more sense.

2. IceNgo
https://www.icengo.com/sections/26/ice_ngo_pro.html

I went with the pro 21'x41' kit, at $299 it was about $40 cheaper than a comparable kit from Nicerink. Structurally I like that their brackets 13" high, that they build the top of the frame with 2x4s and that the liner actuallly sits inside the boards. I think this will lead to a stronger rink and more likely that I can reuse the liner year after year.

The bad news so far is their customer service is basically non existant. I ordered my kit on 12/1. It's now over 2 weeks later and I still don't have all the pieces. It was 5 days after my order that I finally got any kind of confirmation, which came in the form of a tracking number. Delivery from that point took another 5 days. When it finally came I was pretty upset to see all they shipped was the liner; no brackets, spikes, instructions, etc.

I contacted them and they responded that they will contact UPS and get back to me. I knew this was BS as the tracking info I was given only showed a single package with a weight much to light to be everything I ordered. It was clear they screwed up and only shipped a liner. After a few more emails explaining what I knew happened, they finally replied back with just another tracking number. No mention of their mistake. It's currently in Buffalo and honestly I have little faith it's actually the rest of what I ordered. It might be language barrier, as I believe they primarily speak French, but their level of service has been some of the worst I've ever had with an online purchase.

So at this point I have all my lumber cut and rink rake built, I'm just waiting on the rest of the rink kit. The good news is it's been unseasonably warm in Chicago so far so I wouldn't have ice at this point anyways.

Here are some pictures of the planning/area/frame components as well as the rink rake. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

I have put in a backyard rink for the past 7 years. Each year I try to refine it and find out what works...what doesn't......and so on. If you are going to have your ply on the outside of the liner may I suggest that you paint the sheets white. Trust me on this one. Even a 20 deg sunny day will cause the edges to melt as the wood will collect sun/heat. The white face will help reflect it.

 

[IDuck]

This is my first year building a rink and I did a ton of research into the "right" way of doing it. If you want to go with commerical options there are basically two big players.

1. Nicerink
http://www.nicerink.com/

This appears to be the most popular option from various pictures I've seen on the web. I didn't go with them for a few reasons. One they are more expensive than option 2, and I think the approach that the second option takes makes more sense.

2. IceNgo
https://www.icengo.com/sections/26/ice_ngo_pro.html

I went with the pro 21'x41' kit, at $299 it was about $40 cheaper than a comparable kit from Nicerink. Structurally I like that their brackets 13" high, that they build the top of the frame with 2x4s and that the liner actuallly sits inside the boards. I think this will lead to a stronger rink and more likely that I can reuse the liner year after year.

The bad news so far is their customer service is basically non existant. I ordered my kit on 12/1. It's now over 2 weeks later and I still don't have all the pieces. It was 5 days after my order that I finally got any kind of confirmation, which came in the form of a tracking number. Delivery from that point took another 5 days. When it finally came I was pretty upset to see all they shipped was the liner; no brackets, spikes, instructions, etc.

I contacted them and they responded that they will contact UPS and get back to me. I knew this was BS as the tracking info I was given only showed a single package with a weight much to light to be everything I ordered. It was clear they screwed up and only shipped a liner. After a few more emails explaining what I knew happened, they finally replied back with just another tracking number. No mention of their mistake. It's currently in Buffalo and honestly I have little faith it's actually the rest of what I ordered. It might be language barrier, as I believe they primarily speak French, but their level of service has been some of the worst I've ever had with an online purchase.

So at this point I have all my lumber cut and rink rake built, I'm just waiting on the rest of the rink kit. The good news is it's been unseasonably warm in Chicago so far so I wouldn't have ice at this point anyways.

Here are some pictures of the planning/area/frame components as well as the rink rake. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

I have put in a backyard rink for the past 7 years. Each year I try to refine it and find out what works...what doesn't......and so on. If you are going to have your ply on the outside of the liner may I suggest that you paint the sheets white. Trust me on this one. Even a 20 deg sunny day will cause the edges to melt as the wood will collect sun/heat. The white face will help reflect it.

this is the kind of stuff you new guys need....

 

[BogsDiamond]

Can that really be done? I guess I'd have to wait for it to snow then before I do anything ... Or could I make a frame and then use a snow pack around it? (so the ice has a frame) Finding this kind of info has been a challenge so if anyone has any links or suggestions, it would help a lot. Trying to put together something that can be used frequently with a minimal budget.

Unless you live in a very cold area where snow will stick around for a long time, using boards and wooden (or steal) stakes is what you'll need to do.

This is my 5th year making a rink and I've learned quite a bit (from a LOT of errors, lol).
My yard is very uneven and has a good 16" slope. I used to prop up the boards with long wooden stakes. But then the plastic would 'bow' underneath the raised boards causing pressure on the plastic.

This year, I bought more wood, and stacked it high. The wood goes right to the ground now.

By doing that, you don't need as many stakes to support the weight. Especially if you screw the boards together at the corners (where the water runs towards).

Hopefully you have a level field to work with. If you do, that's half the battle.

For the plastic, I get 3mm from a local greenhouse supply store. You can get 6mm too and that could last you more than one season if you take care of it.

I usually like to fill in the water before I staple down the plastic. That way, if the plastic starts to pull, I can give it more slack so that it doesn't tear.

I use an industrial stapler to pin the plastic down. But first, I take old juice jugs (or big plastic pop bottles) and cut out small 4" strips.
I then place the strips on top of the plastic, and then staple thru them.
This makes it more secure and prevents tearing as well.

I'm going to post some photo's of my rink soon. I still need a couple more flood lights, but I'm excited for it to freeze over. So are my two young sons.

 

[tomcho]

Well 17 days after initially ordering the brackets came in, not surprisingly there were no instructions, liner repair kit, or leveling template. I sent another request asking for overnight shipping of the remaining items and an electronic copy of the instructions...still no reply. If I had to start over again, I'd go with Nice rink. If anyone is thinking of doing this I highly recommend Nice Rink or ordering from IcenGo in July.

So even without instructions I begin the assembly process today, it's pretty straight forward so I didn't need them but it's extremely annoying to be 17 days and 2 shipments out and still not have everything I paid for.

Box with brackets and nothing else

Per a recommendation in this thread I painted the sideboards white and 2x4s yellow since I was painting anyways.

Next step, hammer in the brackets and assembly the frame I had precut.

Liner laid into the frame and rear side boards mounted. Hopefully if all goes well tomorrow, I can finish the boards and finally start filling.

 

[nightfighter]

Well 17 days after initially ordering the brackets came in, not surprisingly there were no instructions, liner repair kit, or leveling template. I sent another request asking for overnight shipping of the remaining items and an electronic copy of the instructions...still no reply. If I had to start over again, I'd go with Nice rink. If anyone is thinking of doing this I highly recommend Nice Rink or ordering from IcenGo in July.

So even without instructions I begin the assembly process today, it's pretty straight forward so I didn't need them but it's extremely annoying to be 17 days and 2 shipments out and still not have everything I paid for.

Box with brackets and nothing else

Per a recommendation in this thread I painted the sideboards white and 2x4s yellow since I was painting anyways.

Next step, hammer in the brackets and assembly the frame I had precut.

Liner laid into the frame and rear side boards mounted. Hopefully if all goes well tomorrow, I can finish the boards and finally start filling.

That looks awesome!

 

[tomcho]

A few updated pictures. The hose is in as I type this filling the rink. My slope is about what I measured, there is 5" of water on the low side and the high is just now getting wet. With 4 inches of ice this will leave 5 inches of boards on the low side and 9 on the high.

The 10-day forecast looks really bad around Chicago, not a single day with highs lower than 35*. I could have a shallow/leafy pool for the next few weeks.

 

[IDuck]

thats sucks about the temps...rink looks like its going to get some good use once she's up and running...good luck

 

[Shaun]

The weather in Massachusetts has been terrible for my rink. The ice is nearly completely melted after a few warm days in a row. I had a decent sheet of ice for a couple of days but not thick enough to skate on. Here is a pic

its 50ft long and 35ft wide

 

[customradius]

The weather in Massachusetts has been terrible for my rink. The ice is nearly completely melted after a few warm days in a row. I had a decent sheet of ice for a couple of days but not thick enough to skate on. Here is a pic

its 50ft long and 35ft wide

Same thing here in central NY. I've been skimming all leaves and debris out of the rink......I mean pool. need a couple 20 deg days/nights again

 

[SLang]

What a cool thread......sad that here in Huntington Beach, CA all I can do is watch and wish.....

 

[madmutter]

It's always been a Canadiana dream of mine to put a backyard rink. Unfortunately, I don't have the biggest backyard. I'm thinking I can put in a 30' x 15' rink, possibly 35-40' x 20' if I figure out the proper positioning (I have an awkward shaped lot).

Has anyone put in a smaller rink? Is it worth it? I suppose even if it was 15' x 7' it's all good as you and your kids get to enjoy it.

My backyard is small and sloped so the best I can do is 20x24. I put the rink in the year my kids were 3 and 6 and after 2 months they could both skate too well for the rink to be enough fun that they weren't asking to go somewhere bigger every time they wanted to skate. That said the amount they improved in the 2 months of heavy use was probably as much as they would have in that entire winter if not longer.

 

[Stickmata]

I have such a love/hate relationship with these threads and all the sites dedicated to back yard rinks. They are the coolest thing in the world and I hate all of you who have them. I'm so jealous.

We had a rink one season on LI back in the early 70s but the dogs kept ripping the liner when it got warm. I've been dying just to go pond hockey skating again like I did as a kid. My 12 year old heard about these back yard rinks and asked me when we could go skating on one. I told him we need to plan a trip up to Canada next winter just to go pond skating for a week.

 

[IDuck]

hope this weekend brings a good freeze to those building

 

[tomcho]

I'm sad to report my latest purchase for my rink was a pool skimmer and a telescoping handle. It's currently a 5" deep pool and 4 of the next 7 days are forcasted to be in the 40s. I can only hope this early season warmth means an extended cold through March.

 

[BogsDiamond]

I'm sad to report my latest purchase for my rink was a pool skimmer and a telescoping handle. It's currently a 5" deep pool and 4 of the next 7 days are forcasted to be in the 40s. I can only hope this early season warmth means an extended cold through March.

I feel your pain. I live in Southwestern Ontario and we've had nothing but 40F days lately.
I've got ice, but it's not very strong and it's melting by the day.

I'm now hoping February is a good month, because forecasts show that January might be a write-off.

It really stinks because I was able to expand the size of the rink this year (roughly 50x30).
Both of my boys are old enough now to really appreciate it and they're dying to get out on it.
Not only that, but we've had almost no snow.
So if we had ice, I wouldn't have to shovel and we could use our patio for bonfires for entertaining and hot chocolate.

Stupid global warming!

 

[shawn1331]

Mines a pond. Saves alot of trouble that or we drive into Bomanville/Courtice to play shinny.

 

[DarrenBanks56]

The weather in Massachusetts has been terrible for my rink. The ice is nearly completely melted after a few warm days in a row. I had a decent sheet of ice for a couple of days but not thick enough to skate on. Here is a pic

its 50ft long and 35ft wide

quick question as your rink it just about identical to mine.
What do you do about the liner thats above the ice along the plywood??
Im just worried that any shot that hits that liner is going to rip it.
Is there anything you can do about it??

 

[ChiTownHawks]

I'm sad to report my latest purchase for my rink was a pool skimmer and a telescoping handle. It's currently a 5" deep pool and 4 of the next 7 days are forcasted to be in the 40s. I can only hope this early season warmth means an extended cold through March.

The newest forecast should be good news for you. Looks like we are finally cooling down here.

I really like to play outdoor hockey this time of year so I have been watching the forecast as well and I can't believe how warm it has been. Today in Chicago it is supposed to be 52, but then it drops to 30 tomorrow and there is only 1 day in the low 40s out of the next ten. That rink should finally freeze for you.