I have rink envy, I won't deny it.
Every other day Kris Draper (@kdraper33), Darcy Tucker (@16DarcyTucker) or Gary Roberts (@GaryRobertsHPT) post pictures of their far more modern day, backyard rinks.
The chilling units used by the fortunate few puts Mother Nature on the bench and extends the season beyond what any of us "old school" builders can dream of.
However, the reality at Casa Dreger is based on limits...mostly space and money, so for an 8th straight year our budget friendly build is well underway.
As the photos accompanying this blog show, for a 3rd consecutive season, we're going with an elevated subfloor which maximizes the length (fence to pool) to 40 feet. The subfloor, underpinned with support and anchored to the end 2 x 12's with 4 inch, heavy-duty screws, is also bolstered by 2x8 and 2x4 cross-bracing underneath to ensure the load of the ice is properly managed.
Click Here For Photo Gallery
Although the pictures only show 2 sections of the subfloor, eventually, I will install 6 across the west end of the rink and will probably have to add a 2nd row to get to the level point of the yard.
Once the subfloor has been secured, we're ready for the tarp.
I use a standard tarp as its really only there to cover the wood, grass and patio, providing a smoother surface for the liner which also helps limit the potential for tearing.
If you tear or put a hole in your liner...you're done.
In my next blog, I'll attach the next round of photos showing the full subfloor, followed by placement of the tarp and liner.
In the meantime, please send your backyard rink pictures to dregerreport@tsn.ca and we will include them in our photo gallery on TSN.ca.
Here's to colder weather, at least in eastern Canada!