Backyard Ice Rink - attempt one.

Okay, so this year I've decided to attempt a backyard ice rink.  My boy has started hockey and hopefully a rink this close will spur some interest.  After a quick survey of the yard, I've determined that I can land a 20' x 30' pad that is "level enough".  (Actually, it's 28' x 18', the tarp is 30' x 20', need some extra to hold in the water). Beyond that, there's just too much slope.  So, up first is the bill of materials:

• 20' x 30' white 6mil tarp: $51.99 ($39.99, $12 shipping)
• boards - six  2"x10"x10': $53.34
• boards - four  2"x10"x8': $26.68
• stakes - four 2"x4"x8: $8.92
• four corner brackets: $11.96
• one box of 100x3" green deck screws: $11.49
• subtotal: $164.38, tax: $21.37, grand total: $185.75

STEP 1: string up the box
As you can see in the image below, I have marked the four corners with stakes and run twine between the posts.  This indicates where the stakes will go.

STEP 2: insert the stakes
Here I have my box of stakes.  Rather than paying the $0.99 each for 2"x2"x4' stakes, I simply bought 2"x4"x8' and cut them down to 6 stakes per.

Next, I have lined up the boards and started pounding in some stakes - two per board.  Note: when you have misplaced you sledge hammer, the backend of an axe will suffice.

STEP 3: install the boards
Yes, that's my wife's garden I'm trampling.  She wasn't too happy, but a rink for my boy trumps the garden.   The boards are now screwed into the stakes using the 3" deck screws.  I used the green screws in hopes that they won't rust.  Two screws per stake should be enough.

STEP 4: fasten the boards to each other:
Here cut a few leftover stakes in half and screwed the adjacent boards to each other.

In the corners I used metal brackets.

STEP 5: time for coffee
 This is the finished product.  Now I'm frozen, going in to get a coffee.  And wait for my tarp to arrive.  I'll lay down the tarp once the ground is near frozen so as to not damage the grass.  Once we get some sub-zero temperatures, I'll start the flooding.