Get ready to transform your backyard into a winter wonderland! If you’ve ever dreamed of ice skating or playing hockey just outside your door, you’re in for a treat. We’re exploring the world of backyard ice rink kits, from the best kits to handy tips for a successful setup. Whether you’re an ice pro or a beginner, join us as we guide you through creating the perfect backyard skating rink. Discover expert insights and focus on the essential things you need to make your winter space extraordinary. Lace up your skates and let’s start the journey to your very own backyard ice haven!
Our Top Picks:
EZ ICE
EZ ICE introduces a hassle-free assembly process, allowing you to set up your rink in just minutes. The kiddie-friendly features make it an excellent choice for families, ensuring a quick and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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NICE RINK
Nice Rink stands out with its high-quality boards, providing a durable and professional-looking rink for your backyard. The investment in Nice Rink boards ensures a robust and lasting structure for countless seasons of icy enjoyment.
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Ice N’ Go
Ice N’ Go impresses with affordability without compromising quality. This kit is the go-to option for those on a budget, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy the pleasures of a backyard ice rink without breaking the bank.
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Backyard Ice Rink Kits: What’s Do You Need To Consider?
1. Size and Space Requirements
Consider the available space in your backyard and choose a skating rink kit that fits within those dimensions. Larger kits may require more room for installation and use.
2. Ease of Setup
Evaluate the ease of setup and installation. Look for backyard skating rink kits that are user-friendly and come with clear instructions. EZ Rink is known for being the easiest to set up and install.
3. Cost and Affordability
Compare the cost of different backyard skating rink kits. Ice N Go, for example, is recognized as one of the most affordable options. However, ensure that the affordability aligns with your budget and quality expectations.
4. Customization Accessories
Look for kits that offer customization accessories. One-size-fits-all kits might not meet specific preferences, so finding vendors that provide customization options can enhance your skating experience.
5. Durability and Material Quality
Consider the durability of the kit and the quality of materials used. Kits like Iron Sleek are known for their robust construction. Ensuring durability is crucial for long-lasting enjoyment of your backyard skating rink.
1. EZ ICE
The EZ Ice Backyard hockey rink kit offers a convenient and user-friendly solution for creating an ice skating rink in your backyard. The kit is designed to be easy to install, allowing users to set up a backyard ice rink without the need for professional assistance.
- Large Custom Size Option
- 60 Minute Setup
- No Tools Required
- Expandable System
- Proprietary Strap System
EZ ICE Cons
- Ground Needs To Be Level
EZ Ice Size and Space Requirements
- 8 sizes available
- Custom size option up to 100ft by 200ft
EZ Ice Ease of Setup
- True to its name, EZ Ice is designed for easy assembly using proprietary strap system
- Taking as little as 60 minutes to set up
- Assembled without the need for any tools on a flat surface, ensuring a hassle-free installation process
EZ Ice Cost and Affordability
- Custom sizes of 10ft by 10ft starting at $1480
EZ Ice Customization Accessories
- Select from either Classic Height, Double Height, Arena Height or Arena Height + Nets
- Board heights are individually selectable for left, mid, and right side of arena
- Additional accessories include rounded corners and foam bumpers
Durability and Material Quality
- Designed and manufactured in the USA
- Engineered using the highest quality of materials to be tougher than the harshest winters
2. NiceRink
If you’re in the market for a backyard skating rink kit, NiceRink offers a compelling option. As you consider building your own rink, it’s essential to assess various factors to ensure you make the right choice. Optional under-ice-LED’s make the Nice Rink a great option if you plan on using your rink at night.
NiceRink Pros
- Install on uneven / slope
- Heavy duty brackets
- Slapshot resistant boards
- Liner starting at $100 (DIY rink)
- Extensive accessories available
NiceRink Cons
- Online rink builder less intuitive
NiceRink Size and Space Requirements
- 6 Rink-In-A-Box starter kit sizes
- Custom size options rounded to an equivalent of 4 feet
NiceRink Ease of Setup
- Clear instructions, coupled with quality materials, contribute to a straightforward setup
- The Rink Builder tool on their website assists you in planning and visualizing the installation process.
- Adjusting the board height with NiceRink® brackets makes building a rink on uneven ground simpler. The boards can be as low as 12 inches and, without extra support, reach a maximum suggested height of 24 inches. This feature enables a 10-inch pitch, resulting in 14 inches of ice when using only NiceRink® brackets.
NiceRink Cost and Affordability
- Liner starting at $100 (for DIY rink)
- Rink in a box kits from $370 – $960
- “Build Your Rink” starting at $1766
NiceRink Customization Accessories
- Wide range of accessories including but not limited to:
- Ice paint
- KickPlates
- Walkway Matting
- Under-ice-lighting
NiceRink Durability and Material Quality
- Industry’s strongest liners (lab tested up to 50% stronger)
3. Ice N Go
If you’re looking to transform your backyard into a winter wonderland, Ice N’ Go offers an excellent solution with their Backyard Ice Rink Kits. Offering two styles, the Ice N’ Go is a great option for those on a budget and aren’t afraid of a little DIY. Let’s delve into the key considerations when comparing these kits.
ICE N’ GO Pros
- Tube frame or bracketed
- Portable design
- Ice resurfacer included
- Easy storage
- Accommodates slopes
ICE N’ GO Cons
- Time building sideboards
- Wood & fasteners not included
- Rectangular layout only
Ice N’ Go Size and Space Requirements
- EZ Rink 2.0 Kit
- 2″ Tube frame design available in 20 different sizes ranging from 12′ x 19′ – 38′ x 83′
- Pro Rink Kit
- Sideboard bracket concept available in 19 different sizes ranging from 12′ x 16′ – 36′ x 96′
Ice N’ Go Ease of Setup
Ice N’Go prioritizes a user-friendly experience. The Canadian-made kits are designed for both novice and experienced rink builders, ensuring a straightforward assembly process. Enjoy the convenience of assembling the tubes and creating your backyard ice rink with ease.
- EZ Rink 2.0 Kit: assemble in four easy steps
- Pro Rink Kit: Additional materials required for assembly
Ice N’ Go Cost and Affordability
Ice N’ Go’s backyard ice rink kits provide an affordable solution for creating a recreational ice space at home. The kits offer a cost-effective way to enjoy winter activities without a hefty price tag. Prices range from $489 – $2016
Ice N’ Go Customization Accessories
- Ice Groomer is included with the purchase of a kit, but it’s also available to purchase on its own
- Replacement tubes, frame supports and sideboard brackets are also available
Ice N’ Go Durability and Material Quality
Ice N’Go prioritizes durability with their kits. The materials used are designed to withstand the winter elements, ensuring a robust foundation for your backyard ice rink.The emphasis on quality materials contributes to the durability and longevity of the rink.
4. Iron Sleek
Perhaps one of the most robust options on the list, Iron Sleek is set apart by its steel brackets that build a tough rink to handle the element. The steel brackets also allow you to assemble the rink later in the season with frosted ground. Out of all the kits available, we would recommend a custom drop in rink because it includes everything needed including the boards and resurfacer.
Iron Sleek Pros
- Steel brackets
- Install in frozen ground
- Accommodates slopes
- Variety of rink styles
- Expandable System
Iron Sleek Cons
- Lumber sold separately
- Short rounded corners
- Less intuitive online rink builder
Iron Sleek Size and Space Requirements
- DIY Ice Rink Kits: 20′ x 20′ – 90′ x 200′
- Poly Steel Rink Kits: Minimum 16′ x 16′
- Hockey Rink Kits: 48′ x 72′ – 92′ x 200′
- Refrigerated Rinks: 24′ x 50′ – 44′ x 80′
- Drop-In Rink Kits: Minimum 10′ x 10′
Iron Sleek Ease of Setup
- Drop-In rink builds in less than an hour
- 2 foot boards are lightweight yet solid and are easy to handle during installation
- Steel brackets easily drop into the boards steel pockets and are secured into the ground with 8″ steel spikes
- Supports up to a 12″ slope
Iron Sleek Cost and Affordability
- Drop-in-rink prices range from $1180 to $16,840 but prices can go up to $$99,000 for a refrigerated rink.
Iron Sleek Customization Accessories
Iron Sleek understands the importance of personalization. While the kits provide the essentials, additional customization accessories are available to enhance your ice rink experience. Some common accessories that they have available are:
- Door units for the boards
- Dasher kick board for professional look and feel
- Backstop netting
Iron Sleek Durability and Material Quality
The steel brackets in this backyard ice rink kit make this one of the most durable kits on our list. When plastic is the norm, steel is a step above the rest. The boards are solid poly versus hollow plastic and provides some of the best puck bounces.
5. RinkMaster
If you’re in the market for a budget backyard skating experience, RinkMaster offers a complete rink kit at a competitive price.
RinkMaster Pros
- Everything needed in the box
- Telescoping tube frame
- Full kits starting at $269.99
RinkMaster Cons
- Difficult dealing with slope
- Boards not compatible with kit
RinkMaster Size and Space Requirements
- Rink Kits ranging in sizes from 15’x20′ – 25’x40′.
- The telescoping tubes are a great feature for those looking for a smaller rink size because you can make your rink smaller than the kit size.
RinkMaster Ease of Setup
- RinkMaster emphasizes an easy setup process for DIY enthusiasts. Polypropylene tubes are lightweight and easy to use.
- Although it’s possible to install this rink kit on a ground that’s not level, it will require some extra work on your part.
RinkMaster Cost and Affordability
- Perhaps the most affordable rink in a box option, RinkMaster is a great budget friendly option to get out on the ice in your own backyard this winter.
- Prices range from $269 for the 15’x20′ to $499 for the 25’x40′
RinkMaster Customization Accessories
While the basic kits provide essential components, RinkMaster allows room for personalization. Explore additional accessories to enhance your skating setup based on your preferences:
RinkMaster Durability and Material Quality
- No-break polypropylene
- 6 mil bright white rink liner
6. Rink Wizard
Looking to create your own backyard ice rink? Consider Rink Wizard’s Ice Rink Kit, a solution designed for a seamless skating experience. Let’s break down the essential factors for consideration:
Rink Wizard Pros
- Customize to any shape
- 3 year warranty
- Slapshot / bullet proof glass
- No liner
- Stores flat
Rink Wizard Cons
- Low board height
- Freeze ice in multiple stages
- Minimal accessories available
Size and Space Requirements
- Rink Wizard offers versatility with kit sizes, ranging from 8×20 – 40×40 depending on how many kits you purchase and join together
- Completely custom shaped rinks including circles or even hearts
Ease of Setup
- Enjoy a hassle-free installation process with Rink Wizard’s Ice Rink Kit. The kit is designed for easy setup
- All parts needed for setup are provided in the kit.
- Assembling the rink can be done in 3 basic steps:
- Layout rink shape
- Attach ground spiked to boards
- Bush / hammer spikes into the ground
Cost and Affordability
- Starting at $1499, a single kit supports a rink size of up to 216 square feet
- If you want to expand your kit, you must purchase a second or third kit for an additional $1499 each
Customization Accessories
- Rink customizations are not available through Rink Wizard
- Accessories available through the Rink Wizard website include:
- Hose reel
- Magic resurfacer
- Snow Pusher
Durability and Material Quality
- Durable boarder made of bulletproof glass material
- 3 Year warranty
EXPLORE RINK WIZARD HERE
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, there are 2 basic field of camps when it comes to backyard ice rink kits:
1) Those who want a professional out of the box kit. Made for families looking to play a backyard hockey game without the time to take on a DIY project and build a rink. Our suggestions for this category include EZ Rink, NiceRink, and Iron Sleek
2) The next camp includes Those who want a complete kit with boards out of the box but are ok to compromise on a professional experience and instead settle for a quick setup. Our suggestions for this category includes Rink Wizard
3) The final camp includes kits without boards and those that may require some extra DIY time. For this, we would suggest the following: Rink Master, Ice N’ Go
Choosing the perfect backyard ice rink kit can turn your winter into a magical experience. We wish you and your family a season full memories made in the backyard rink.
