How to Make a Hockey Goal Using PVC Pipe

There’s nothing wrong with using garbage cans for goals, but if you’re ready to step it up, you might consider making your own goal out of PVC.  The project isn’t too time consuming, especially considering most store bought goals require assembly. If you’re willing to put in the time you can save some serious cash. You should be able to do this project for around $25.The final product measures about 44″ x 26″, about half the size of regulation.

What you’ll need:

  • 200″ of ¾ PVC pipe (often sold in 10ft lengths so you can just buy two )
  • Pipe fittings/connectors (quantities listed below)
  • Hacksaw
  • A large bag of 8″ cable ties
  • Netting
  • Optional: sand and epoxy
  • A free Saturday morning

portable pvc hockey goalGrab your hacksaw and saw all your PVC piping to the appropriate length. As the old carpentry saying goes, “measure twice, cut once”.  I’ve found the easiest way to assemble the pieces is by creating two U shapes. The diagram is color coded to help you visualize what I mean. Once the two U shapes are connected, insert the crossbar.  Note: you might find the crossbar needs to be cut down just a little. My crossbar is probably closer to 30.5″. Finally attach the mesh net using your zip ties. As far as netting goes, you have a lot of options.  The goal in the picture uses cheap fishing netting purchased from eBay. I would only recommend this if you plan to play with a ball. A puck would be to heavy for this wimpy net.

If you want to add a little weight to your goal, fill it with sand and seal the tubes to the connectors using epoxy.

03/05/2010Update: For a larger goal that is 54″ x 44″ x 24″ use 1½” PVC and refer to the conversion chart below.

Old length New Length
31 46
24 39
21 21.5
18 19

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14 Comments

  1. gary said on November 9, 2011

    Your messurements for the updated goal do not work!!! I will update after I buy new PVC pipe from LOWES. I guess I should have seen this coming.

    • Keegan said on January 21, 2012

      I just re-measured and got the same dimensions. I’ve built two of the larger goals using these measurements. Here’s a tip that might help: You don’t have to shove the pipe all the way into the elbows, at least at first. Instead, put the pipe in gently, then adjust once you have the entire goal assembled. Glue it in place once you have it how you want it.

    • andrew said on January 23, 2012

      thanks

    • paul said on February 22, 2013

      i calculated the way to maximize your 10ft pvc pipes..you end up with a 60x45x30 box shaped net which is good so you can hit the top corner and not have the ball pop out.
      The size is in between the 54 and 72..perhaps good for basement hockey…..
      you buy 4 10ft pieces and 8 elbow pieces
      you have no left overs.

      cross bar 60″ = A
      posts 45″ = B
      depth bars 30 = C

      The cuts
      AA (cut in half)
      BBC cut at 48,48,34
      BBC
      ACC cut at 60,34,34

      My problem is where to get standard nylon netting? a hockey repacementnet is $20 and the pipes are $32…so there isn’t much ssavings

    • James said on June 2, 2016

      You spelled measurements wrong:-)

    • Dickydabs said on December 28, 2018

      Holly f*** man . Dont be a c*** a measure your own s*** lol instead of blaming someone for what likely wasnt an intentional mistake

  2. andrew said on January 20, 2012

    Did anyone update those dimensions for the larger goal? I’d like to build one of the 54×44″ goals but want to know the dimensions first. Thanks!

  3. Bob said on April 7, 2012

    Cool

  4. Robbie said on May 15, 2012

    how can i make a full size
    if anybody finds out can you tell me?

  5. Joe said on May 15, 2012

    where can i buy netting for the bigger goal

    • Keegan said on May 17, 2012

      Mylec makes one. Product no is 817. You should be able to find it at Hockey Giant or Inline Warehouse. It would probably be cheaper to purchase generic netting in bulk if you are making more than one goal.

  6. Kevin B said on December 29, 2012

    your dimensions are wacky… Pythagorean theorem says the pipe labled 31 in the smaller measurement should actually be 30, and the one labeled 46 in the larger net instructions should be 43.4 inches.
    Unless your elbow joints are bigger on the corners than your T-joints in the middle??

    • Keegan said on December 30, 2012

      Did you try building the goal? If the “hypotenuse” is too long, you can always trim it. If your crossbar and goal posts are the same length as the posts across from them, you have nothing to worry about. The long frame post is the only oddball.

      Let me know how it works out for you.

  7. E train said on October 27, 2014

    Why aren’t any of you guys making a regulation goal. It only requires $7.00 more in pipe. Should be 6ft inside post to post and 4ft. Bottom of cross bar to floor.

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