First Rink - Getting there!

[FCHAdad]

Well, with 1 boy in Mites now and the other in Intro to Hockey, and a "nice flat yard" to work with, I figured why not do a backyard rink this year? Staked out the yard in August & measured slope (thanks to this website). I figured I had about 6" of slope and could get away with 12" boards. For a liner, I ordered the 25x45 replacement liner for NiceRink's 20x40 rink-in-a-box for just $80!

Come November and I both doubted my slope-measuring skills and was thinking to possible future expansions - "Better make it 18" boards". I sprung for 5 sheets of 23/32" PT plywood from HD, which ran me about $200 - had them rip each sheet in thirds. Then 7 dozen 2"x2"x24" PT stakes, 4 galvanized corner brackets (the kind used for decking), a box of 1-5/8" deck screws, and I ripped some scrap 1/2" PT plywood into 10"x6" pieces to join boards together.

The Thanksgiving snowstorm almost did me in, but my resolve grew as it melted these past few days. In truth, it turned out that I was battling with a frost line in places today, so if I had waited any longer it would've been really tough. Overall, today was A LOT of work, especially when you only have a noncommittal 7-year-old for a helper, but I had all the boards up and at least tacked into place by nightfall. Just a dozen more stakes to pound and screw in, and then waiting for the arctic blast! Can't wait to get that liner in & filled!

Here's the 75% done picture. FYI - fire pit is just off to the left ;)

[Joe]

Looks great - almost exactly like my first rink and is essentially the "Build a Rink for $250" plans on the site. Nice work and good luck!

[FCHAdad]