What size backyard rink to build
There is no standard size. Most backyard rinks land between 20 by 40 ft and 60 by 100 ft, and the yard usually decides. Below are the common sizes, who each one suits, and what each one needs in water, liner and lumber. The numbers come from the same code as the calculator, for a level yard.
Common sizes and what they need
Water is the first fill at 3 in deep, with hose time at 5 US gallons a minute. The liner assumes 2x10 boards (9.25 in) and 12 in of overhang past the top, rounded up to the next foot. Board counts are 8 ft lengths along the full perimeter, rounded up, before any corner posts or stakes.
| Rink (ft) | Suits | Water, 3 in | Liner (ft) | 8 ft boards | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 40 400 sq ft |
Narrow yards, stickhandling and shooting practice | 748 gal 2 h 30 min |
14 × 44 | 13 | Open 10 by 40 ft |
| 20 × 40 800 sq ft |
Younger skaters, small yards, casual skating | 1,496 gal 4 h 59 min |
24 × 44 | 15 | Open 20 by 40 ft |
| 25 × 50 1,250 sq ft |
Family skating and 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 games | 2,338 gal 7 h 48 min |
29 × 54 | 19 | Open 25 by 50 ft |
| 30 × 60 1,800 sq ft |
Several hockey kids, small-area games | 3,366 gal 11 h 13 min |
34 × 64 | 23 | Open 30 by 60 ft |
| 40 × 80 3,200 sq ft |
Hockey-focused families, 3-on-3 | 5,984 gal 19 h 57 min |
44 × 84 | 30 | Open 40 by 80 ft |
| 60 × 100 6,000 sq ft |
Near-regulation feel | 11,221 gal 37 h 24 min |
64 × 104 | 40 | Open 60 by 100 ft |
The "Suits" column follows what the sellers below say. They sell rink kits, so read it as a starting point. The calculator links open with a level yard; enter your corner measurements there for a slope.
By what you want to do
Small kids and younger skaters. EZ Ice says "Younger skaters can absolutely thrive on a smaller rink" and lists 20 by 40 ft for younger skaters and small yards. A smaller rink also means less water, a smaller liner and a quicker fill.
Family skating. EZ Ice calls 25 by 50 ft the family favorite, with room for skate nights and 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 games. Pwice gives 20 by 40 ft as the minimum for family recreation.
Hockey and shooting. EZ Ice puts 30 by 60 ft at small-area games and passing, and 40 by 80 ft at 3-on-3 and full-stride work. Pwice suggests 40 by 80 ft or larger for drills and shooting. For stickhandling and shooting in a narrow yard it names 10 by 40 ft.
By yard size. Neither seller gives yard dimensions per rink size. EZ Ice suggests going for the biggest size the yard comfortably fits, with 2 ft of clearance on each side. So measure the yard, take off 4 ft in each direction, and pick the largest size in the table that fits inside what is left.
For scale: a full NHL rink
A regulation NHL rink is 200 by 85 ft, or 17,000 sq ft. Even at 3 in of water that is 31,792 gallons, and 105 h 58 min of hose time at 5 gallons a minute. The 40 by 80 ft row above is under a fifth of that area.
Before you pick
- Slope sets the cost. A wider rink spans more ground, so the same slope needs taller boards and more water. Measure first with the slope guide, then check board height.
- Hose time grows with area. The water guide has more sizes and depths.
- Other board heights. The liner size chart shows 2x8 and 2x12 boards.
- Other lumber lengths. Divide the perimeter by your board length instead of 8 ft.