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Best Backyard Ice Rinks – OBP’s Hand-picked Favorites

Best Backyard Ice Rinks

Thinking about bringing the fun of ice skating to your home? You’re not alone. Many families are now turning their backyards into winter wonderlands with top-notch backyard ice rinks.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through the best backyard ice rinks available on the market, what to consider before setting one up and maintenance tips to keep it in peak condition all season long.

Ready for some frosty fun at home? 

Top Backyard Ice Rinks on the Market - Quick Recommendations

Take a quick look at our product list for some recommendations, or keep scrolling down to find more detailed reviews.

  1. Unlimited at-home ice time for hockey practice and improvement: Skate Anytime – Backyard Ice Rink
  2. Perfect for creating a backyard ice hockey rink experience: Ice N’Go Backyard Ice Hockey Rink Kit
  3. Year-round outdoor skating fun without wood or extra charges!: Iron Sleek Skating Rink Kit

1. Skate Anytime - Backyard Ice Rink

Specifications:

  • Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: ‎31 x 16 x 9 inches
  • Color: ‎Multicolor
  • Manufacturer: ‎Unisport
  • Style: ‎Premier Rink (60 Panels) 180 Sq Ft
  • Size: ‎Skateable Synthetic Ice For Hockey Training

The Skate Anytime – Synthetic Ice for Hockey allows hockey lovers to practice and hone their skills anytime and anywhere. This versatile setup works on any hard surface, whether inside or outside, offering unlimited ice time in your backyard, driveway, garage or basement. 

Its European-designed injected molded panels are battle-tested for hockey providing a superior fit and smooth glide without needing any additional glide solution. This feature not only makes it handy but also ensures a realistic icy field experience that aids with effective training.

What sets this product apart from other artificial ice tiles is the gentleness on skates compared to competitors’ products. It’s super lightweight which makes it effortless to assemble and disassemble right out of the box; you can even store it away after use until next time! 

The value proposition offered by this expandable synthetic ice rink is noteworthy as you pay once but gain edge work, puck touches, hockey stops repeatedly.

I picked the Skate Anytime – Backyard Ice Rink as OBP’s top choice due to its impeccable design features catering specifically for Hockey players looking for quality home-practice space. 

It is an easy-setup process allowing for immediate usage coupled with high durability backed by a five-year manufacturer warranty. This product provides outstanding value that would support skill development over an extended period of time.

2. Ice N'Go Backyard Ice Hockey Rink Kit

Specifications

  • Size: ‎12′ X 20′

The Ice N’Go Backyard Ice Hockey Rink Kit is a Canadian-made, high-quality rink kit that levels the playing field for serious hockey players and enthusiastic DIYers. 

The innovative ‘bladder style’ concept aids in protecting the liner from pucks, skates, or shovels—ensuring your ice surface stays sleek and safe throughout the season. Moreover, it also allows you to easily check if water beneath the ice surface is entirely frozen—an important detail for maintaining optimal skating conditions.

This product deservedly takes OBP’s No. 2 spot due to its features tailored specifically for convenience and durability. Its portable design ensures effortless installation on any surface and easy storage with stackable brackets for multiple seasons use—a great advantage over other models. 

The fact that it accommodates slopes with rigid board height makes a robust structure that doubles up as a seat space when needed! 

With this kit, you can significantly reduce construction time and wood costs by around 50%, compared to traditional methods of building sideboard brackets—an example of how user-friendly the Ice N’Go Pro Rink Kit really is!

3. Iron Sleek Skating Rink Kit

Specifications:

  • Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 50 x 80 inches
  • Item Weight: 95 pounds
  • Manufacturer: Iron Sleek

The Iron Sleek Skating Rink Kit earns a well-deserved third spot on our list for its comprehensive and user-friendly features. This kit consists of Iron Sleek Brackets, 4 Iron Sleek Corners, a Liner, and all the necessary hardware to construct a backyard ice rink. 

It’s an invaluable resource for those looking to relish winter fun without leaving their property. One feature that sets this product apart is the fact that wood is not included in the set. While initially seeming like an oversight, this actually affords you with flexibility in choosing your preferred type or grade of lumber.

This skating rink kit measures 20′ x 46′, creating ample space for families and friends to enjoy outdoor skating activities together. Crafted with quality materials made in the USA, it proves durable against harsh winter elements while ensuring longevity across years of use.

However, potential buyers should be aware of some assembly required which might be tricky if one lacks handyman skills.

For Canadian customers specifically looking into purchasing this product – rejoice because orders are fulfilled from their Canadian affiliate! It means there will be no additional import or duty charges tacked onto your purchase price (although shipping and sales taxes apply). 

The Iron Sleek Skating Rink Kit transforms yards into wonderful winter wonderlands effortlessly- making memories right at home has never been easier!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Backyard Ice Rink

When choosing a backyard ice rink, it is important to consider factors such as size and space requirements, maintenance and upkeep, and climate considerations. 

Size and Space Requirements

Assessing the space in your backyard is crucial to setting up a well-functioning ice rink. You need to consider both the horizontal space for the rink size and vertical space for players safety.

Custom Ice provides an effective solution with their custom-fit options, allowing you to create a rink that best suits your individual needs and yard dimensions. Outdoor hockey rinks do have different size standards, but it’s essential to choose one that will provide ample space for players and fans alike.

Think about where in your backyard has the most appropriate conditions for building a backyard hockey rink; this includes things like shade, sunlight exposure, wind direction, and proximity to power outlets or water sources.

Also note that having a slight slope of around 6-8 degrees can be advantageous when constructing your ice rink as it aids in water drainage during warmer weather or snow melts.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Regular ice rink maintenance is a vital factor to consider when choosing a backyard ice rink. Ice must stay smooth and safe for skaters; luckily, there are ways to accomplish this without breaking the bank.

Synthetic ice provides an affordable alternative with only one-time installation cost compared to refrigerated ice’s substantial upfront charges and ongoing fees. However, it’s essential to make sure you’re ready for regular upkeep tasks like smoothing out any bumps or ridges that can occur over time.

For those hot days, implementing a cooling system might be worth considering to prevent your backyard oasis from melting away.

Climate Considerations

Skating outdoors is a cherished winter pastime but climate plays a crucial role in maintaining an ice rink. Synthetic ice rinks offer an appealing alternative for warmer climates where freezing temperatures and blizzards are rare.

Even Canadian and European cities, traditionally known for cold winters, are feeling the heat with increasing difficulties to sustain outdoor ice skating due to changing weather patterns.

Some have even converted their once-icy venues into roller rinks as temperature rises. For those still longing for the authentic touch of real ice under their skates, products like Iron Sleek Refrigerated Rinks come into play – designed specifically to freeze in varying winter conditions.

The Bottomline

Transform your backyard into a winter wonderland with the right ice rink. The Skate Anytime – Backyard Ice Rink offers vibrant colors and an authentic skating experience. 

Or, if hockey is your game of choice, consider the easy-to-install Ice N’Go Backyard Ice Rink Kit.

Don’t let cold weather stop you from staying active – get out there and have some frosty fun today!

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