The backyard ice rink has a long history....almost as long as people have been lacing-up!

Ice skating is one of the oldest sports known and one of the first in the London Olympics in 1908.

Since then, the sport has evolved to different disciplines including short speed skating and long speed skating.

Ice skating also added team sports to the mix with hockey, curling, and other amazing sports.

However, that meant avid skaters did not have access to skating facilities in the offseason.

The creation of indoor rinks allowed ice skating year-round, but there was still one underserved group:

the synthetic ice skating rink. 

What is an Synthetic Ice Skating Rink?

Artificial ice skating rinks are made of a strong, interlocking polymer sheet.

The panels come infused with a self-lubricating compound that reduces friction and creates a fantastic skating experience. Some panels are non-infused and need occasional treatment with a gliding compound.

The panels. could be cut into almost any shape, with rectangular panels the most popular.

The panels connect like puzzle pieces and cover a large surface area.

The area is cordoned off using plywood, or special boards, then a topper to make the rink look polished.

One popular public rink is the Rockefeller Center, with several rinks popping up in malls, fairs, and amusement parks around the world. 

Moving to the backyard

As synthetic panels became more affordable and accessible, hundreds of people across the country started creating their own artificial ice skating rinks.

With all that space in the backyard, why not a backyard ice rink?

It’s a great training tool for advanced ice skaters, figure skaters, and hockey players.

Newcomers can have a fun space to learn skating and playing their favorite ice sport.

However, there are some key steps everyone should take to build and maintain their backyard artificial ice skating rink.

Choose your space

Based on the size space you have available, you may have some options as to where you’ll place your backyard ice rink.

That will also determine theoverall size.

Make sure to avoid excess water or areas that could potentially damage your skating space.

Choose Your Tools.

The panels easily fit into each other, so you will need just a few tools to create the perfect rink.

Helpful tools include a measuring tape, a level, and a soft mallet.

If the rink will be self-contained, you will need boards for the enclosure.

Depending on the size of the rink, you may need to recruit some help.

Keep a level head

It’s important to start out with a level surface area in the back yard.

Artificial ice panels usually need hard surface but most backyards are grass-filled.

An uneven surface can create a poor skating experience. Furthermore, uneven surfaces affect the longterm durability of your panels.

Find the most even ground in the backyard.

If your backyard space has no grass or soil, that’s perfect.

In the event the ground is made of dirt and uneven, try filling the uneven spaces with soil.

That would help when it’s time to lay down the subfloor. 

Measure twice, cut once

Mark the area you’re going to use with some string after measuring with tape.

That way you can calculate how many artificial panels you will need for the rink.

Rink builders can waste time and money by ordering too many or few artificial panels.

Feel free to contact the company to help estimate the panels you’ll need.

You can actually save time and money by purchasing 1-2 large panels instead of smaller panels. 

Time For a Subfloor

With the panels in your possession, it’s time to decide on the subflooring.

Do you need a sub-flooring? Well, it depends. If the yard is grass, sub-flooring is crucial.

Even a paved surface may have uneven parts.

An underlay such as ¾” plywood panels can help create a smooth skating experience.

Measure the area and install the subfloor or deck before installing the artificial ice panels.

Connecting your artificial ice panels

Artificial panels come with interlocking edges for a smooth installation.

Make sure the panels connect smoothly and fit well on top of the sub-flooring panel.

Make sure to check the panels to make sure they are level. Use a level tool if necessary.

Based on the size of the panels, you will need help to move them and fit them into place.

Adding the boards

To finish the rink, you may want to install some barriers. Ice skating may not need these boards.

Ice hockey, however, can get a bit physical.

Also, a hockey puck can travel at rapid speeds and damage the surrounding property.

A dasher board is the lower part of the rink enclosure.

Rink owners can opt for flexible plywood. In some cases, you can also use a similar polyethylene material to the ice panels.  

Install the dasher board using brackets to fasten them to the boards.

The boards cannot be fastened to the artificial ice panels.

Those brackets can damage the panels in the long run.

However, you can attach the dasher boards to the ground or subflooring.

Install the panels around the space, leaving an open part for easy entry and exit. 

Maintenence

A backyard ice rink can be fun for ice skating and hockey for your family.

Synthetic panels are durable and usually lasts for several years.

However, properly maintaining your rink makes sure this happens.

There are some simple steps to take to make sure your rink stays fresh and even improves with quality over time.

Cleaning your artificial ice rink

A common question we get is “can I use my regular skates on artificial panels?”

Yes, you can!

Metal skates work well and will not damage your rink.

Hard stops and turns, however, will create shavings, which is normal.

Grooves in the panel actually improve the skating experience.

You can clear the shavings with a soft broom.

Over time, the rink will accumulate dust and dirt.

Skating will leave grooves in the panels which can get scuffed.

More importantly, dirt can increase friction, which can create a poor skating experience.

Based on how often you and your family use the rink, clean the panels once weekly.

Spray or spread a simple surface cleaner over the rink.

Then use a clean mop to remove the dirt.

Both infused and non-infused surfaces need to be cleaned based on the frequency of use. 

Dealing with the weather

If the rink is in the backyard, it will have to deal with different types of weather during the year.

When installing the panels and dasher board, make sure there is space at the edges.

Artificial panels, like laminate flooring, can expand with rising temperatures.

Those hot summer days will be great for skating, however, be aware of other changes in weather.

While some water on the rink is harmless, excess rain can reduce the life of the panels.

During the months with excess rain, you will need to cover the rink when it’s not in use.

Use a large tarp or other water-resistant covering. 

The same goes for winter months if you live in an area that’s prone to snow.

A frozen, artificial ice rink sounds like more fun. But ice can damage the artificial panels.

As counterintuitive as it sounds, make sure to cover the rink during the winter. 

Resurface your rink for best results

Over time, you may feel like your skating experience is diminishing, even with excellent care.

Like a car you’ve had for years, your infused and non-infused surfaces can use an occasional tune-up.

Make sure to get a synthetic ice conditioner.

The liquid is made of the same compound that gives the panels its skating ability. T

o apply, mix some of the synthetic conditioner with some water and add to a spray bottle.

Then mist it over the panel. You’ll have a skating experience that’s comparable to your neighborhood ice rink.

Conclusion

Artificial ice skating panels have evolved over the years.

Now they emulate the skating experience, are easy to install, and lasts for years.

It’s no wonder that skating enthusiasts are choosing to create their own skate spaces in the backyard. 

Use your imagination when skating.

Play ice hockey with your kids and friends, pick up a new sport, shoot some video for YouTube, or practice your figure skating moves.

At the same time, it’s important you maintain the rink. 

Make sure to remove dirt with a simple cleaner occasionally.

Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip the panels and cause excess friction.

Make sure to protect the rink with a cover during harsh weather conditions. Treat your rink with a fresh coat of conditioner every now and then. 

If you need help with building and maintaining your artificial ice rink, don’t hesitate to contact us.

We can guide you with the right type, size of panels, and tools to build and maintain your space.

Most of all, we love helping our customers with their DIY rink projects!