Imagine your athlete walking right out to the backyard every evening to practice technique and skill. How awesome would it be to host the neighborhood scrimmage every weekend because you have the best backyard ice rink? Or perhaps you have a figure skater who would love the opportunity to practice their routine every evening, without having to travel to skating rinks! 

It is now possible to build a rink at home without the hassle of flooding a space, waiting for winter, or needing to have a pond in the backyard. With KwikRink Synthetic Ice panels, you can build a customized rink to the size of your choosing. You can build inside or outside the home; the choice is yours! 

Many synthetic rink owners love outdoor ice skating, so they decide the best option is in their yard. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to build the best backyard ice rink. 

So You’re Building a Rink: What is the Ideal Spot? 

The first decision you will need to make when you build your backyard rink is where it will go. 

The most important factor is the slope of the yard. No yard is perfectly level, but if there is a significant slope, it will not be ideal for a synthetic ice rink. Generally, the slope can be no greater than 6 inches when building a home ice rink. 

If the slope is slight, there are options to make it feasible. Synthetic ice panels come in different thickness options, so you may vary based on the depth needed to level the rink. You can also add an underlay to accommodate the slope. 

Other suggestions if you are looking to build the best backyard ice rink include: 

• Build in a spot where there is adequate lighting
• Stay away from septic tanks and drain fields
• If you have a rink with water, make sure there is a nearby water source

You will also need to consider the size of your yard. If you are building outdoors for ice skating, then the bigger the rink, the better. You will need space for hosting skating parties and backyard hockey games. 

However, budget and feasibility will factor into the size of the rink. Make sure to account for material as well when creating a budget. 

What Material is Necessary to Build the Best Backyard Ice Rink? 

Synthetic outdoor rinks are the best backyard ice rinks because they do not require much material. Often with building a rink that needs to be flooded, you must purchase liners, boards, and bracing. 

Synthetic rinks may require an underlay, but it is optional depending on the yard. It is helpful for slope or on grassy areas. Some backyard hockey rink owners build small, lifted decks specifically for outdoor synthetic rinks. 

Boards are likely necessary if you have an ice hockey player in the home. Backyard hockey rinks need boards to keep pucks contained, and they help keep players where they need to be- on the ice! 

You can make boards or purchase manufactured boards if your budget allows. Manufactured boards are high-quality and will last, but, of course, come with a cost. 

You can build a quality board with plywood (3/4″ is recommended), cut to the height you want for your outdoor ice skating rink if you prefer to make your own. 

Plexiglass is also an optional ice rink product. It can be a great addition if you are hosting frequent scrimmages or seem to be losing several pucks during skills practice. If not plexiglass, then consider adding protective netting around the rink.

Additionally, some people install foam bumper caps to keep skaters from taking the full impact if they hit the boards. It is something to consider if you have more aggressive skaters using the rink. 

Most of these products are available from KwikRink Synthetic Ice when you purchase your artificial ice tiles. Just ask and we’ll be happy to help you figure out which accessories you need.

Lighting is another option for an outdoor rink. Many people find work lights from the hardwood store work well for their backyard hockey rinks. Others enjoy string lights to create a more quaint ambiance when family and friends come over to enjoy the rink.

Truly the materials needed to build your best backyard ice rink depend on your unique requirements. But once you have it made, you will want to keep it maintained! 

How Do I Maintain My Backyard Outdoor Ice Rink?

If you live where there are four seasons, you will need to plan to remove snow from your rink. Investing in a tarp can offer some protection, but chances are you will need to snow blow and shovel from time to time. If there is only a light dusting, then use a broom to clean the rink’s surface. 

Try to clear off the rink as often as possible, as it becomes much more challenging if snow and ice accumulate. To keep it from sticking to your synthetic ice rink, use a tarp and shovel often. 

As you get the hang of maintenance, you may be ready to invest in some accessories for the rink! Since it is functional, it is time to make it enjoyable!

What Are Some Creative Ideas for the Best Backyard Ice Rink?

There are several ideas for creating ambiance or adding spark to your outdoor rink. You may want to: 

• Invest in an outdoor fireplace to put near the rink. Skaters will have a place to rest their feet and warm up their hands while drinking hot chocolate.
• Add shooting tarps and goals or nets, of course, if you have a hockey player in the house.
• You can add customized markings, including goalie creases, lines, face-off dots, and customized circles. Some people even add emblems of their favorite NHL team to the ice.
• Romanticize the rink by adding artificial trees, fencing, or string lights around the outside of the rink.

Remember, you can always add accessories to your rink at a later time. The memories you create will be worth every investment you put into building the best backyard ice rink for your loved ones. 

Get a Quote from KwikRink and Be on Your Way to Building the Best Backyard Ice Rink

Our synthetic ice rinks are great for indoors but are amazing for the outdoors too! KwikRink Synthetic Ice will help you get everything set up, and we have the equipment you need to perfect your outdoor rink. 

Not only do we offer synthetic panels, fencing, and boards but even skate sharpening tools and skate racks! We also have rubber mats to keep your blades safe for areas around the ice. Whatever you need to build your best rink, we have you covered!

Contact us today to get a quote and be on your way to having the best rink in town!