I decided I wanted to build a rink, and I did okay. This website was instrumental and I would've really screwed up if it wasn't for some of the articles. It's a small rink for now, only 20x40 -- but I think it's a good start. It was more of a trial run to see if I could do this and make it work. I will probably level my yard and do a 40x40 rink next year.

You hit the front page of my Reddit with this!

Wow, I just saw that. Your posts have been very helpful! I've probably read every post in this forum trying to plan for unexpected things.

I've been doing this for almost 15 years - this might be the 15th year, not sure - and I'm still learning new things each years and something unexpected always seems to arise.

Kevmac is the cog that keeps this train running. Thank you Kev!

Rink looks great. Only advice I'd have in future years is to not cut the liner so close to the ice level - let it drape up over the tops of the boards (keep it there with spring clamps, pipe insulation, or rink-specific bumper caps). Never use staples. If it gets warm in Jan or Feb and your supports budge a bit (ie, move outward), that could suck your liner down below the ice/water line and cause problems. I say this because I've done it...and now I keep at least a few inches of liner draped over the outside of the boards (and make sure I brace enough that nothing moves).

Nice job with the 20x40. Are those 1x6 pine boards running down at the base of the OSB? That seems like a great way to get more stiffness without springing for thicker/better boards. Looks like it's working!

Joe-

I completely agree. This was actually the width of my liner and it's as far as it would go. I didn't get a liner that was big enough and that's been a serious regret. Next year I'll make sure I have at least 2 ft extra on each edge. Live and learn I guess. (thanks for providing this website, it has been great)

FCHA-

They're actually 1x4 pine, I cut them into a V notch with my 10in miter saw while my son was sleeping one afternoon, I had been thinking about doing it and it actually worked out pretty well. I wasn't sure if I could get them to go into the ground but it wasn't too bad.