Backyard Ice Rinks in Wisconsin: Can You DIY?

Backyard ice rinks can be a fun way to get both exercise and hockey practice during the winter without having to pay for ice time at the local rink. It is entirely possible to DIY an ice rink in your Wisconsin backyard, but not without a fair amount of effort and maintenance. 

C&C Courts, your Wisconsin builder of backyard ice rinks, details how to DIY an ice rink to liven up your next winter.

Planning and Prep

The first things you need to do include planning and preparing for the build. Select a flat surface in your backyard with proximity to a water source. If the area is not flat, your ice rink will slope and be uneven. Also if you can, choose a spot that does not get a lot of sun exposure, as even the winter sun can cause ice to melt. 

Next, determine the size of the ice rink you wish to build. Most homes do not have room for a full-size rink, so a half-size or smaller-scale rink can work just as well. After choosing the perfect spot and size for your rink, mark out the rink dimensions using stakes. 

Gather Materials

Let’s take a look at these materials and what they’re used for. 

• Plastic liner: The plastic liner is used to hold water. Make sure it is heavy-duty enough to handle the project. 

• Boards: You will need plywood or plastic boards for the rink’s perimeter. 

• Bracing: For the bracing, you will need stakes or brackets to support the boards. 

• Flooding equipment: If you have access to a water source, all you need is a hose and nozzle to fill the rink with water. 

• Optional materials: If needed, you can get a submersible pump for flooding and resurfacing (like a DIY Zamboni). 

Build the Rink

Begin by building the perimeter with boards and brackets or stakes, making sure they fit together tightly to prevent water leakage. Reinforce the boards with additional stakes or bracing to help withstand the weight of the water.

After securing the boards, you can lay down the liner. Spread the liner across the entire rink area, ensuring it overlaps the boards by at least one foot. Secure the liner with a staple gun or clips, making sure it is taut and wrinkle-free. 

Lastly, begin filling the rink with water. Start with a base layer of about 1-2 inches and let it freeze completely before adding more water. It’s important to only fill a few inches at a time and allow it to freeze before adding more water. Gradually repeat this process until you reach the desired ice thickness. 

Regular Maintenance

There are a few maintenance tasks you need to complete to keep your rink in good condition. You’ll need to use a shovel or snowblower to clear snow off the rink. If the surface gets too choppy, you can resurface the rink by adding a thin layer of water with a hose or DIY resurfacer. 

If you find any cracks or holes in the ice, patch them with snow and water, smoothing it out with a shovel.

Additionally, you will need to monitor the temperature to ensure the ice stays solid. Avoid using the rink when it is too warm outside. 

Skip the Work and Request a Quote from C&C Courts

Not everyone has the time to DIY a backyard ice rink, so let the professionals at C&C Courts handle it. We have over 30 years of experience building a wide variety of sports courts for residential and commercial properties. Instead of making hundreds of trips back and forth from the hardware store and extending your build over several days or weeks, C&C Courts can build your ice rink quickly and efficiently. 

In addition to designing and building the rink, we can add exterior fencing, outdoor lighting fixtures, and a wide range of accessories, and provide exclusive warranties to protect your ice rink investment. Stay more active in the winter and practice your hockey skills with a professionally-built ice rink in your backyard!

Call us today at 414-377-5294 or request service online!