The Best Backyard Ice Rink Kits

Imagine the joy and excitement of having your very own backyard ice rink during the chilly winter season. It’s the perfect opportunity to create endless memories with family and friends, while enjoying the exhilaration of skating and improving your skills. Building an ice rink may sound like a daunting task, but fear not! With a backyard ice rink kit, the process becomes remarkably straightforward. These kits provide everything you need, from equipment to comprehensive instructions, making it a breeze to transform your backyard into a magical ice-skating haven. Get ready for a winter filled with laughter, exercise, and unforgettable moments.

The Advantages of a Backyard Ice Rink

Having a backyard ice rink offers an unparalleled level of convenience that I absolutely adore. Gone are the days of driving to the crowded local ice rink; now, I simply step outside my back door and within seconds, I’m gliding gracefully on the ice. Not only does this save me valuable time, but it also saves me money. No more expensive ice time or pricey skating classes! Instead, I relish in the freedom of honing my skating skills in the fresh outdoor air, all while enjoying the company of friends and family right in my own backyard. It’s an experience like no other.

Why Use a Backyard Ice Rink Kit?

Creating an ice rink in my backyard seemed like an impossible dream, especially without a natural body of water. Digging out a lake or constructing a rink from scratch would be time-consuming and costly. Flooding my yard was out of the question. However, thanks to the ingenious backyard ice rink kits available, my dream became a reality. These kits provide all the essential components and detailed instructions to effortlessly construct a rink. Moreover, with a wide range of sizes and prices, I could easily select a kit that perfectly suited both my yard and budget. It’s an accessible solution that turned my backyard into a winter wonderland.

The Best Backyard Ice Rink Kits

Discover the ultimate collection of backyard ice rinks tailored to suit every yard size and skater’s preference. Whether you aspire to host exhilarating hockey matches on a grand scale, desire a compact rink for a smaller property, or even prefer the versatility of a synthetic ice rink, we have curated a selection of the finest options. Embrace the joy of skating right in your own backyard with these top-rated backyard ice rinks designed to cater to a variety of needs and preferences.

NiceRink 20 x 40 Rink in a Box 

• Dimensions: 20 x 40 feet
• Warranty: 30 days

With a legacy dating back to the early 90s, NiceRink has been a trusted partner for families venturing into the realm of DIY backyard ice rinks. Their comprehensive selection of equipment covers all aspects of ice rink construction, ensuring tailor-made solutions for every unique space. The 20 x 40 Rink in a Box serves as their flagship DIY starter kit, specifically designed for average-sized backyards. This all-inclusive package comprises premium-grade components, meticulously chosen to facilitate the swift and successful establishment of your very own home ice rink.

Thanks to the ingenious inclusion of 34 adaptable brackets, the NiceRink Rink in a Box eradicates the need for land leveling concerns. Uneven ground poses no obstacle as these brackets seamlessly adjust to accommodate any surface irregularities. Additionally, the kit provides essential items such as a heavy-duty ice rink liner, patch tape, underwater glue, and even a hockey puck. The sole omission is the sideboards, which can be conveniently acquired separately from NiceRink or obtained through alternative means.

To ensure a seamless installation experience, the Rink in a Box is accompanied by an instructional DVD that meticulously guides you through the entire rink building process. This invaluable resource elucidates the purpose and usage of each individual piece, empowering you to construct your ice rink with confidence. Furthermore, NiceRink offers a rich repertoire of instructional videos on their website, serving as an indispensable aid should any uncertainties arise or if you seek additional guidance throughout the construction journey.

Pros:

• Will fit in most average-sized backyards
• Suitable for uneven ground
• Comes with an installation DVD
• Website contains multiple DIY videos

Cons:

• Does not include sideboards

Iron Sleek Backyard Skating Rink

• Dimensions: 20 x 46 feet
• Warranty: N/A

Iron Sleek stands as a distinguished company entirely dedicated to the art of crafting backyard ice rinks, employing their expertise to create specially engineered products suitable for rinks of all sizes. Whether you aspire to fashion a modest rink within a small backyard or an expansive one in a public park, Iron Sleek offers the necessary tools and know-how to accomplish the task at hand. Among their offerings, the highly sought-after 20 x 46 Skating Rink Kit emerges as a favorite, perfectly tailored to fit most average-sized backyards while withstanding the relentless force of powerful slapshots.

Ideal for novice rink builders, the 20 x 46 kit presents a comprehensive package, encompassing all essential elements to commence your rink construction journey. Within the confines of a single box, you will discover side supporting brackets, corner bracers, a 25’ x 50’ ice rink liner, patch tape, and screws. The sole omission from the kit is the sideboards, allowing you the flexibility to either procure Iron Sleek’s poly-steel boards or procure your preferred lumber independently.

Should the prospect of embarking on your inaugural ice rink endeavor appear daunting, rest assured that Iron Sleek grants you access to a 24-hour rink consultant with the purchase of each skating rink kit. This invaluable resource stands ready to address any queries pertaining to the construction process, providing expert guidance and valuable tips. Alternatively, for those inclined towards visual learning, Iron Sleek’s website hosts a DIY Rink video, serving as an illuminating tutorial to accompany your construction journey.

Pros:

• Will fit in most average-sized backyards
• Heavy-duty materials 
• Includes a 24-hour rink consultant
• Poly-steel sideboards available (sold separately)

Cons:

• Does not come with sideboards

Gazebo Penguin Simple Rink

• Dimensions: 10 x 20 feet
• Warranty: 1 year

Looking for a hassle-free ice rink setup without the complexities of bracket systems, liners, and sideboards? The Gazebo Penguin Simple Rink offers unparalleled ease by requiring just water and freezing time. While it may not accommodate grand hockey games or bustling neighborhood skate sessions due to its smaller size, it proves an excellent choice for laid-back family fun.

To create your Simple Rink, simply open the plastic bag and lay it on a level surface. Proceed to fill it completely with water using a hose. In a matter of days, freezing temperatures will transform the water into solid ice. Once frozen, just cut open the plastic and your skating rink is ready for enjoyment. Any ripples or ridges that appear can be effortlessly smoothed by spraying water onto the surface.

Despite its affordability, this backyard ice rink exhibits unexpected durability. The flexible plastic bag effortlessly withstands the pressure of water and ice expansion without risk of bursting. While stabilizing the sides of the rink may present a minor challenge after removing the bag, many individuals successfully address this by packing snow around the perimeter. Achieving a smooth surface is as simple as adding a layer of water to attain the desired finish.

Pros:

• Easy to set up (just add water)
• Affordable
• Great for small backyards
• Easy maintenance

Cons:

• Only good for one winter season or until the first thaw

Reddi-Rink Backyard Ice Skating Rink

• Dimensions: 10 x 20 feet
• Warranty: N/A

Introducing the innovative Reddi-Rink, a convenient ‘just add water’ solution for your backyard skating desires. This user-friendly kit features a neatly folded giant plastic bag packaged in a compact box, ensuring effortless shipping. Creating your skating rink is as simple as filling the bag with water and patiently awaiting its transformation into solid ice. While not overly expansive, this rink comfortably accommodates multiple skaters simultaneously.

To ensure a level ice surface, it is crucial to have a flat ground underneath. Should your backyard terrain be uneven, fret not. By plowing snow into grooves and depressions and compacting it down, you can easily create a smooth and even foundation. Simply lay the bag on the prepared surface and fill it with approximately three to four inches of water. Once fully frozen, a straightforward peel of the top layer of plastic unveils your pristine ice rink.

A notable advantage of this home ice rink kit is its compatibility with your lawn. With no need for brackets or braces to be driven into the ground, the rink leaves no lasting marks or depressions—especially when the ground is frozen during the filling process. When warmer temperatures arrive, the rink will naturally melt away, allowing for easy disposal of the remaining plastic.

Pros:

• Easy to set up (just add water)
• Compact for easy shipping
• Great for small backyards
• Won’t cause damage to your lawn

Cons:

• Only good for one winter season or until the first thaw

Sniper’s Edge Synthetic Backyard Ice Rink

• Dimensions: 2′ by 4′ panels (30 square feet per box)
• Warranty: 90 days

Experience the ultimate ice skating sensation with Sniper’s Edge synthetic ice, revolutionizing the way you enjoy ice skating without relying on freezing temperatures. Crafted with precision, these premium-grade polymer tiles from Sniper’s Edge provide a remarkably realistic skating surface. Simply snap the durable panels together over any flat space in your backyard, garage, or basement to create a seamless ice skating rink that can be enjoyed year-round.

Harnessing cutting-edge technology, Sniper’s Edge tiles are self-lubricating, delivering an authentic ice-like feel as skaters effortlessly glide across their surface with any type of ice skates. Designed to withstand the sharp blades, these tiles maintain their integrity, ensuring durability and longevity. Their double-sided feature allows for extended use by simply reversing them.

Despite their slim two-inch thickness, these tiles are remarkably resilient. Suitable for various terrains, including asphalt, sand, and grass, they can even withstand the weight of a car without breaking. Engineered to endure freezing temperatures and coated with UV protection, these tiles can be left outdoors in all seasons, ensuring lasting performance and enjoyment.

Pros:

• Synthetic tiles are self-lubricating to create a real ice feel
• Tiles snap together seamlessly to create a rink in just minutes
• Can be used outdoors or indoors for year-round skating
• Tough, durable material will last for years
• Coated with UV protection

Cons: 

• Assembly may require hammering with a rubber mallet

Skate Anytime Synthetic Backyard Ice Rink 

• Dimensions: 60 square feet
• Warranty: 5 years

Unlock the potential of your budding hockey prodigy with Skate Anytime’s revolutionary rink, granting them unlimited ice time throughout the year. These lightweight synthetic tiles are a breeze to assemble, allowing you to create a versatile rink indoors or outdoors, wherever space permits. The 20-panel starter kit offers an impressive 60 square feet of practice space, ideal for honing stick handling, shooting, passing, and stopping skills.

Setting up your rink is a cinch—simply locate a flat surface, connect the interlocking edges of the tiles, and secure them with a rubber mallet. Customize your rink with optional sideboards or expand its size with additional tiles. Disassembling the rink is just as effortless, facilitating convenient storage or relocation.

Crafted with 20 specially engineered materials, these robust plastic tiles provide a smooth surface and glide enhancement, simulating the feel of real ice. Embrace the freedom to use any ice skates or hockey sticks without concerns of scuffs or grooves. Engineered to withstand diverse weather conditions, these panels can remain outdoors year-round, ensuring uninterrupted training opportunities.

Pros:

• Synthetic tiles are designed with glide enhancement for a real ice feel
• Tiles snap together seamlessly to create a rink in just minutes
• Can add extra tiles to increase rink size
• Can be used outdoors or indoors for year-round skating
• Easy to dismantle

Cons:

• Expensive

What to Consider When Buying a Backyard Ice Skating Rink

When it comes to selecting a backyard ice skating rink, several factors should be considered to ensure you find the perfect fit for your home. One crucial decision is choosing between real ice and synthetic ice options.

Real Ice vs. Synthetic Ice

While nothing compares to the authenticity of gliding on real ice, it requires consistent freezing temperatures and effort to build and maintain. Synthetic ice rinks offer the advantage of year-round usage and easier setup, storage, and relocation, making them ideal for warmer climates or year-round practice.

Size

Size is another crucial aspect to consider. Opting for a larger rink provides ample space for multiple skaters, but it comes at a higher cost. Additionally, leaving sufficient clearance around the perimeter ensures safety and prevents injuries near the edges.

Level Terrain 

Most ice rink kits require level ground to create the optimal skating surface. If your backyard isn’t level, you may want to consider evening it out before the ground freezes. You can do this with a garden shovel or earth moving machinery. If there is already snow on the ground, you can even that out with a snow shovel or snowblower. Be sure to pack the snow down so that the surface is stable. The NiceRink Rink in a Box is a good kit to get if your yard isn’t entirely level because the brackets can adapt to uneven ground.

Maintenance

Maintenance varies based on the type of rink. Real ice rinks require regular upkeep, including smoothing the surface with water, removing snow, and sweeping debris. Synthetic ice rinks are simpler to maintain, requiring only hosing or wiping to keep them clean.

Lifespan

Consider the lifespan of your chosen rink. Real ice rinks are subject to the whims of temperature and will only last as long as freezing conditions persist. Some larger kits feature reusable brackets and sideboards, while bag versions offer single-season use. Synthetic ice rinks, on the other hand, can withstand years of regular use.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the ideal backyard ice skating rink that suits your climate, space, maintenance preferences, and desired lifespan.

Tips for Building a Backyard Ice Skating Rink with a Kit

• Find a suitable spot with level ground and measure the desired area for your ice rink, leaving space around the sides.
• Choose an ice rink kit size that matches your measurements.
• If using a kit with brackets and sideboards, assemble it a few days before the first freeze when the ground is still soft.
• Clear the designated area of rocks, sticks, and debris.
• Ensure your hose can reach the rink area. Consider using a long garden hose or portable hose reel for convenience.
• Carefully follow the instructions provided with your kit to avoid any issues such as leaks or flooding.
• Fill the rink fully with water and wait for it to freeze completely before using it.
• Before each use, clear the rink of debris and snow using a broom or snow shovel.
• If your liner develops a hole, use patch tape to cover it.
• Dispose of the liner or plastic bag at the end of the season as they are intended for one-time use.

Final Thoughts

Having a backyard ice rink is an amazing experience. I’ve found that using an ice rink kit is the quickest and most convenient way to build a fantastic rink. These kits provide everything you need to create a well-defined perimeter, a seamless surface, and a long-lasting rink that will keep the fun going as long as the temperatures cooperate. Whether you choose a traditional ice rink kit or opt for the durability of a synthetic ice rink, the kits featured in this guide are renowned for their exceptional quality and their ability to construct sturdy and reliable ice rinks. Get ready for endless enjoyment on your own backyard ice rink!