Why Your Backyard Rink Failed Last Year (And How to Fix It This Season)
There is nothing quite like the sound of skates carving into fresh ice on a crisp evening. For many families in Kemptville and surrounding areas, an outdoor rink isn’t just a luxury—it’s a Canadian winter tradition that turns a snow-covered backyard into a hub of activity and connection.
However, a great rink is more than just a frozen puddle. It requires planning, the right materials, and a solid understanding of your property’s layout. At Your Local Handyman Service, we love helping families make the most of their homes, inside and out.
Why Some Rinks Don’t Make it to March
If you tried a DIY rink last year and ended up with a backyard full of slush or "shell ice," you aren’t alone. Many rinks fail not for lack of effort, but because of a few common technical oversights:
The "Invisible" Slope: A yard that looks flat to the naked eye can have a massive drop-off. If your frame isn't built to account for this, the water pressure will eventually blow out your boards or leave one end of the rink too shallow to skate on.
The Wrong Liner: Using a standard blue utility tarp is a recipe for disaster. These tarps absorb heat from the sun and become brittle in Eastern Ontario’s deep freezes, leading to leaks that are impossible to find once the water is in.
Poor Timing: Filling the rink during a "false freeze" (a couple of cold days followed by a warmup) prevents the ice from bonding to the ground and the boards properly.
Trapped Air (Shell Ice): If snow falls into the water before it’s fully frozen, it creates a crunchy, hollow top layer that collapses under the weight of a skate.
Here’s How to Fix It:
1. Choosing the Right Rink System
Not all rinks are created equal. Depending on your yard and your goals, there are two primary ways to approach the build:
Traditional Wood-Frame Rinks: This is the gold standard for durability. Using pressure-treated lumber or heavy-duty stakes, a perimeter is built to hold the weight of the water. These rinks are best for uneven ground because the boards can be built higher on one side to keep the water level.
Poly-Bracket Systems: These use specialized plastic brackets instead of wooden stakes. They are often preferred by homeowners who want a cleaner look and a system that is easier to store once the spring thaw hits.
2. The Science of the Liner
The most critical component of any rink is the liner. To get that crystal-clear, arena-quality ice, you need a white, UV-resistant poly-liner.
Why White? Darker colours absorb sunlight, which can cause the ice to melt prematurely on sunny March days. A white liner reflects the sun, keeping the ice solid for longer.
Thickness Matters: A 6-mil or 10-mil liner is essential to prevent punctures from stray skates or sticks.
3. Site Selection & "The Pitch"
The biggest mistake homeowners make is underestimating the slope of their yard. A lawn that looks "flat" can actually have a 6-inch drop over 30 feet.
Water Weight: Water is incredibly heavy. If one end of your rink is much deeper than the other, the pressure on those boards is immense.
Drainage: You must consider where that water will go once the skating season is over. You want a site that drains away from your home’s foundation and your neighbour’s property to avoid basement dampness during the thaw.
4. Maintenance & Safety
Owning a rink comes with a commitment to "ice-craft."
The Flood: To keep ice smooth, you need to apply thin layers of water (flooding) late at night when the temperature is lowest.
Snow Removal: Snow acts as an insulator. If you leave snow on the ice, it prevents the cold air from reaching the surface, which can lead to "shell ice" (air pockets that collapse when stepped on).
Why an Outdoor Rink? The Benefits Go Beyond Fun!
Beyond the obvious joy, a backyard rink offers a wealth of advantages:
Convenience: No more bundling up for a long drive to the arena or crowded public skates. Your rink is always open!
Physical Activity: A fantastic way to keep active during the colder months, burning calories and improving balance for all ages.
Family Bonding: Creates a central hub for family fun, fostering shared experiences and creating priceless memories..
Skill Development: Perfect for young hockey players or figure skaters to practise their moves as often as they want.
Community Connection: A private rink can become a neighbourhood gathering spot (with your permission, of course!).
How Your Local Handyman Service Makes Winter Easy
Building a professional-grade outdoor rink is a heavy, time-consuming project that requires precision levelling and sturdy carpentry. We have the expertise to get your rink up and running quickly so that your family can start enjoying your ODR (Outdoor Rink\0 a.s.a.p.
At Your Local Handyman Service, we take the hard work out of winter. We offer comprehensive support for local homeowners, including:
Professional Site Assessment: We measure your yard’s slope to determine the exact board height needed for a level surface.
Precision Frame Construction: We build custom, heavy-duty frames designed to withstand the pressure of thousands of litres of water.
Expert Liner Installation: We ensure a perfect, leak-free fit to protect your lawn and your water bill.
End-of-Season Disassembly: When the weather turns, the last thing you want to deal with is a soggy, heavy mess. We provide full disassembly services, carefully taking down the boards, disposing of or drying the liner, and taking care of the clean up so your grass can bounce back quickly for spring.
Ready to bring the arena to your backyard this year? Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on sharpening your skates. Contact Your Local Handyman Service today for a free consultation on your backyard rink project!
(613) 851-8828 | info@YourLocalHandymanService.com | www.YourLocalHandymanService.com
Proudly serving Brockville, Kemptville, Ottawa, ON and surrounding areas.