Building an outdoor hockey rink in your backyard is one of the most rewarding winter projects you can take on. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about building, maintaining, and upgrading my outdoor rink. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process—covering everything from measuring and setting up the boards to installing LED lights and keeping the ice in top condition.
If you're thinking about building a backyard rink, this post will give you a solid overview of the process, along with some tips I’ve picked up from six years of experience. Let’s get started!
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Step 1: Measuring and Squaring Your Rink
The first step in building a backyard hockey rink is choosing the right location and ensuring it is level. In my case, I had a six-foot slope to deal with, so I spent the first two years leveling the area with dirt work.
Once you’ve picked a spot, follow these steps:
- Mark your starting point – Drive a stake into the ground to establish your first corner.
- Measure the length and width – Use a measuring tape to mark the dimensions of your rink. Mine is 88 feet long by 44 feet wide.
- Square it up – Use the Pythagorean theorem to measure the diagonal distance and ensure your rink is a perfect rectangle.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Rink Size
When it comes to rink size, bigger isn’t always better. While I’ve had larger rinks in the past (such as 120′ x 60′), this year, I scaled down to make maintenance more manageable.
Smaller rinks are easier to flood, maintain, and clear after snowstorms. Whether your rink is large or small, it will bring endless fun, memories, and outdoor exercise for the whole family.
Step 3: Installing the Rink Boards and Brackets
For boards, I use 4-foot tall NiceRink boards, which are made of heavy-duty plastic and can be easily stored in the offseason.
How to Install the Boards
- Run a string line – This helps keep the boards straight.
- Spray paint guidelines – Mark where the boards will be placed.
- Install the corner boards first – Attach them securely using brackets and rebar stakes.
- Assemble the remaining boards – Lock them together with built-in pegs and stake them into place.
If you have friends or family around, assembling the boards can be a fun team effort!
Step 4: Installing Under-Ice LED Lights (Optional but Awesome!)
One of the coolest upgrades I’ve added to my rink is under-ice LED lighting. It makes nighttime skating even more fun and gives the rink a professional look.
Here’s how I install them:
- Lay rope lights about 6 inches from the boards.
- Secure them with heavy-duty yard staples.
- Use red and blue LED lights to create real hockey rink lines.
- Add a center circle and even an ice pickleball court for extra fun.
Even if they’re not perfectly straight, once the ice freezes, they look amazing.
Step 5: Installing the Rink Liner (Avoiding Wind Issues!)
Your rink liner is one of the most important parts of the build, as it holds the water in place.
Tips for Installing the Liner:
- Install it in the morning before the wind picks up.
- Roll it out carefully, making sure it covers the boards completely.
- Weigh it down with water in the corners to prevent it from blowing away.
- Smooth out wrinkles early, as they’ll become permanent once the water freezes.
Step 6: Filling the Rink with Water
Once the liner is in place, it's time to fill it!
What You Need to Know About Rink Flooding:
- Fill from the center out to distribute water evenly.
- Expect to use a few thousand gallons depending on rink size.
- Let the water sit and freeze in layers for the best ice quality.
- Monitor the weather—ideally, you want consistent below-freezing temperatures.
After 48 hours of filling, my rink was ready to freeze!
Step 7: First Freeze and Ice Thickness Check
Before skating, make sure the ice is thick enough!
- 1-2 inches – Too thin to skate.
- 3 inches – Safe for kids.
- 4+ inches – Ideal for hockey and adult skating.
I usually wait until I have at least 3-4 inches of solid ice before stepping on the rink.
Step 8: Maintaining the Ice – Snow Removal & Resurfacing
Outdoor rinks require regular maintenance to keep the ice smooth and skateable.
Basic Rink Maintenance Routine:
- Remove snow immediately – Snow insulates the ice and slows freezing.
- Use a snowblower or power broom – A power broom helps clear light snow and smooths the surface.
- Use an ice resurfacer – A homemade resurfacer (a pipe with small holes and a towel) works great for creating smooth ice. I use a resurfacer from NiceRink which makes quick work of it. There are a couple of different sizes available, depending on the size of your rink.
Step 9: Dealing with Big Snowstorms
Living in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, I get heavy snow and strong winds that cause major drifts. If your rink gets buried with compacted snow, here’s what helps:
- Use a compact tractor or skid steer for deep and compact snow.
- A snowblower works for smaller drifts.
- Avoid using heavy equipment unless necessary—tires can bond snow to the ice, making removal tougher.
Step 10: First Skate & Enjoying the Rink!
Once the ice is ready, it’s time for the first skate of the season! Watching my two-year-old son learn to skate has been the highlight of the year.
We also set up string lights around the rink, making it feel like a real outdoor arena at night.
Final Thoughts – Is a Backyard Rink Worth It?
Building an outdoor rink takes time and effort, but the memories, fun, and outdoor exercise make it 100% worth it. Whether you're hosting pickup hockey games, family skates, or just enjoying the fresh air, a backyard rink is a fantastic way to make the most of winter.
If you want to build your own outdoor rink, check out NiceRink builder for a breakdown of size and pricing for your yard.
Have you built a backyard rink before? Let me know in the comments! If you’re thinking about building one, I highly recommend giving it a shot—you won’t regret it.
For more DIY hockey rink tips, be sure to watch my full YouTube video and subscribe for future updates!
Want More Backyard Rink Tips, Tools and Supplies?
Watch the Full Build on YouTube – DIY Pete : How to build an outdoor hockey rink
Follow the Build on Instagram – @ProjectODR
Build your own Backyard Rink– Boards, lights, and more – NiceRink
Check Out My Other DIY Hockey Projects – DIYPete.com
Lastly, if you are looking for more rink essentials, I have put together all my favorite rink essentials in one spot. You can shop them here on my Amazon Storefront
Cheers!