Backyard rink liner size
The liner covers the floor of the rink, runs up the inside of the boards, over the top, and hangs down the outside far enough to fasten. So each direction needs the rink size plus two board heights plus two overhangs.
liner length = rink length + 2 × (board height + overhang)
liner width = rink width + 2 × (board height + overhang)
Example: a 20 by 40 ft rink with 2x12 boards (11.25 in) and 12 in of overhang needs a liner of at least 24 by 44 ft.
Liner size chart
With 12 in of overhang past the top of the boards (the calculator's default, adjustable there), rounded up to the next whole foot. Board heights are actual lumber sizes.
| Rink (ft) | 2x8 (7.25 in) | 2x10 (9.25 in) | 2x12 (11.25 in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 × 40 | 24 × 44 | 24 × 44 | 24 × 44 |
| 24 × 48 | 28 × 52 | 28 × 52 | 28 × 52 |
| 30 × 60 | 34 × 64 | 34 × 64 | 34 × 64 |
| 40 × 80 | 44 × 84 | 44 × 84 | 44 × 84 |
On a sloped yard, use the tallest board in the frame. The calculator takes your corner measurements and works the liner size out for you.
How much overhang?
Enough to fold over the top rail and clip or staple on the outside, plus some slack. A liner that is pulled tight before the water goes in gets stretched when the water presses it into the corners at the base of the boards. The extra costs little and can be trimmed after the first freeze.
Sources count it differently, so expect to see different numbers. Pwice, a rink kit maker, says: "For a 20×40 frame, get a 24×44 foot liner to allow 2-foot overhang on all sides." That is 2 ft of extra liner per side in total, boards included. With this page's formula, a 2x12 board and 12 in of overhang past its top also gives 24 × 44 ft, so the two agree for that case. Shorter boards or a looser fit leave more liner past the rail, and other guides add more. The overhang is a field in the calculator, so set it to whatever your supplier or plan says.
Liners are sold in fixed sizes, so you usually end up with a bit more than the chart. Pick the next size up.
Seams, color and timing
- One piece if you can. A seam is the most likely place for a leak. If two sheets have to meet, overlap them generously with the upper sheet on the uphill side, so water runs over the joint instead of into it.
- White or clear. Rink liners are usually white or clear poly. White reflects more sun. EZ Ice, one rink kit maker, says its liners are 6 mil white poly.
- Lay it after the first frost. EZ Ice suggests waiting until after the first frost to put the liner down, so the grass underneath is protected.
- Pick a calm day. A big sheet catches wind. Unroll it in the morning and weigh it down until the first water holds it in place.
Next: how much water it takes and how to flood it.