How to Build an Outdoor Rink (A Complete Backyard ODR Guide)
Step-by-step instructions, tips, and everything you need for your best winter yet.
Building an outdoor rink is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle in the winter. Whether you’re setting up a rink for hockey, family skating, or making memories in the backyard, the process is completely doable with the right plan, tools, and timing. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I build my O.D.R. each year—from finding the right location to flooding, maintaining ice, and everything in between.
Let’s build your best outdoor rink.
Step 1: Choose and Prepare the Right Rink Location
The first step in building a backyard rink is selecting a flat, open area. A level base freezes faster, uses less water, and keeps your liner safe. For my rink, I originally had over six feet of slope to manage, so the first two seasons involved significant dirt work and leveling.
What to look for:
An open, flat area away from large trees
Good drainage (avoid spots where water pools)
Sun exposure—shade helps your ice last longer
Space for boards, walkways, and shoveling
Prepare the area:
Mow or clear grass
Remove sticks, rocks, and debris
Check for any sharp objects that could damage the liner
Step 2: Measuring and Squaring Your Rink
Once the area is prepped, it’s time to measure and square your rink. This ensures your boards line up evenly and your liner fits correctly.
How to square your rink:
Stake your starting corner — This establishes your first point.
Measure the length and width — My current rink is 88' x 44', but use the size that fits your yard.
Use the diagonal method — Measure corner-to-corner across the rink. When both diagonal measurements match, the rink is perfectly square.
Mark your layout — Use mason’s line or string and spray paint to outline your rink edges.
Pro Tip: Bright marking paint is a huge time-saver when placing boards.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Rink Size
Bigger isn’t always better—trust me. I’ve built rinks as large as 120' x 60'. The last few years we have scaled down with young children and all the work that comes with the build. Our rink is ….. which has been a much more manageable size for our current lively hood.
Small Rinks (20x40, 30x50)
Quick to flood
Easier to maintain
Perfect for young kids
Medium Rinks (40x80, 44x88)
Ideal for hockey shooting, skating, and small games
Great for most backyards
Large Rinks (60x120+)
Amazing for full scrimmages
Require more water, maintenance, shoveling, and flooding
Whatever size you choose, remember: the best rink is the one you’ll actually enjoy maintaining all winter long.
Step 4: Installing the Boards and Brackets
I use NiceRink 4-foot boards—they’re durable, lightweight, and stack easily in the offseason. Here’s the process I follow:
How to install rink boards:
Run a string line along your spray-painted guide to keep boards straight.
Install corner boards first — This locks the shape into place.
Add brackets and rebar — These secure your boards and help handle water pressure.
Assemble the straight sections — Boards interlock with pegs and stake into the ground.
Double-check alignment — Make sure the boards follow your measured layout before moving on.
If you have friends or family around, this step goes way faster—and it’s surprisingly fun.
Step 5: Installing the Rink Liner
The liner is the heart of your rink. Treat it carefully and it will last multiple seasons.
Tips for installing your liner:
Only install 24–48 hours before freezing temperatures, to protect it from sunlight
Spread the liner gently—don’t drag it over the ground
Let it “relax” in the sun so it flattens naturally
Make sure it extends well up the boards to avoid overflow
Pro Tip: White liners keep the sun’s heat off your ice and dramatically improve freeze quality.
Step 6: Filling Your Rink
This step is all about timing.
When to fill:
Wait for consistent temperatures in the low 20s or below
Aim to fill the entire rink in one session
Start with the lowest corner and let water rise slowly
How to fill:
Use a garden hose or pump
Let water settle naturally
Avoid walking on the liner during filling
A full freeze usually takes 24–48 hours depending on temperatures. Be patient—good ice is worth the wait!
Step 7: Maintaining Your Ice All Season
Maintenance is the secret to great ice.
Daily/weekly tasks:
Shovel after every snowfall
Remove freeze ridges or bumps
Perform thin “hot water floods” to smooth the surface
Avoid skating during warm spells to prevent damage
Troubleshooting:
Soft spots: Chip away slush and apply a thin water layer
Cracks: Patch with warm water and let freeze
Cloudy ice: Caused by snow—keep it cleared consistently
A little extra work goes a long way toward perfect, glassy ice.
Step 8: Optional Upgrades (Make Your ODR Amazing)
Once the basics are done, you can add:
Under-ice LED lights
A warming shed
Backstop netting
Custom rink signs
Flooding kits or resurfacing tools
Fire pit or hot cocoa station
These finishing touches bring serious magic to winter nights.
Final Checklist for Building a Backyard Rink
Pick and prepare your location
Level the area
Measure and square your rink
Install boards and brackets
Place liner and protect it
Fill when temps drop
Maintain ice throughout the season
Your outdoor rink is ready—now enjoy the best part: skating with friends, making memories, and celebrating winter outdoors.
Ready to build your own O.D.R.?
Check out our Rink Build Checklist, browse our ODR videos, or join the Project O.D.R. community to share photos and get ideas from other rink builders.
