How to Build a DIY Ice Rink in 9 Steps

Written By Wendy Ann Mitchell (Patch Staff)

Any parents out there pining for the “Parent of the Year” award will surely win when they dazzle and amaze their kids with a cool backyard ice skating rink (pun intended).

One dad from Bethel, Conn. did just that. Rob Wallace, co-owner of Daily Fare, wanted to give his son another place to practice ice hockey, so he built this amazing backyard skating rink (see photo #2).

“That’s the bustling New England hamlet of Bethel,” he said about the photo. “It’s our private Rockefeller Center.”

His wife Robin said, “Rob may beat Mike Brady for Dad of the Year.”

Wallace said he used the following supplies to create his DIY ice rink.

Supplies needed:

• 4,000 gallons of water
• 25 lengths of rebar
• 10 railroad ties
• 12 sandbags
• 150 square feet of plywood
• 50 feet of 3” PVC pipe
• 75 C9 bulbs
• A 50x32 tarp
• A few happy kids

Here’s a “How To” from Boston.com:

1. Measure the slope of your yard
2. Build any necessary reinforcements to make up for the slope
3. Frame out the border of your rink with PVC pipe or lumber
4. Build your braces and measure out/place your braces or rebar
5. Place and secure your plywood boards
6. Install your liner
7. Fill with water, in stages (preferably on a day slightly above freezing)
8. Staple liner to boards when 100% full
9. Maintain your rink, keeping it clear of snow and adding water each night

Safety Tips from SafeKids.org

• Every skater should wear a helmet . Wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads are a good idea for everyone, but especially for beginners. Mouth guards are good protection against broken teeth.
• Children should ride on smooth, dry surfaces located in a well-lit area away from traffic.
• Teach children to check skates and boards for problems before each use. If there are any cracked, loose or broken parts, the item should not be used until it is repaired.
• Teach children to minimize the impact of a fall by crouching down as they lose balance to reduce the distance to the surface.

Photo 1: Krista Peryer. Photo 2: Robin Grubard

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