YardRink vs. EZ ICE | An Objective Comparison

TL;DR

• YardRink delivers the best overall hockey performance and value, with taller 18" boards, pro-grade design, durable construction and included puck retention nets.
  

• EZ ICE stands out for easy setup and customization, offering tool-free assembly, multiple preset sizes, and flexible upgrade options.
  

• For serious hockey families, YardRink is the better long-term investment, while EZ ICE is ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics, convenience, and storage.

Thinking about building a backyard rink, but not sure which brand to trust? 

You’re not alone. 

YardRink and EZ ICE are two of the most popular options for families who want a backyard ice rink — but they’re built quite differently.

Both promise easy setup and hours of fun, yet each has its own strengths in terms of setup,  price, durability, and hockey play.

In this post, we’ll take an objective look at YardRink vs. EZ ICE — comparing the two brands in the following categories:

• Setup and Take Down

• Performance and Playability

• Durability

• Customization and Sizing Options

• Price and Value

• Accessories/Add-ons

• Maintenance

• Storage

• Design and Aesthetics 

YardRink vs. EZ ICE: Full Comparison

We will provide key insights for YardRink and EZ ICE in each category before choosing a winner.

Here’s a quick comparison table summarizing the results: 

1. Setup and Take Down

Let’s start where you naturally start with a rink – the setup and take-down process.

YardRink

Pros:

• The rink assembly process is simple, with no measuring, brackets, kick plates or confusing accessories required; it can be completed in just a few straightforward steps and typically takes about an hour for a smaller rink. 

• The YardRink Tarp is custom-made for the rink.  The setup includes laying the tarp down first, and the tarp has markings to show where the panels are placed.  Panels are connected with one bolt each, which takes about 5 seconds.  

• Rinks can be set up on any level surface with no more than 10 inches of slope. 

• Rink comes with all necessary parts (detailed in the picture below). 

• The take-down process is easy, requiring only four steps (draining the rink, removing stakes and emptying/stacking panels before storing). 
  

Cons:

• While simple to do, using cable ties to attach the tarp to the panels can be somewhat tedious. 

• Assembly requires hammering stakes into the ground. The coated fiberglass stakes are built with a sharp point and cross-shaped profile to be easily driven into the ground, but this can still be a laborious process for some.

EZ ICE

Pros:

• Uses a strap- and bracket-based system with no tools or measuring to snap the panels together. 

• Rinks can be assembled on most surfaces with no more than 9 inches of slope. Assembly (not including placing/securing the liner) can be completed within an hour in six steps.

• The take-down process should be relatively simple, but the manufacturer does not publicly provide information about the steps involved.  

Cons:

• Features like curved panels, netting, taller panels, and foam bumpers are sold separately, significantly increasing the overall cost and setup time.

• Ships with fewer heavy stabilizing parts (stakes, filled walls), so if you’re in heavy snow or windy conditions, you will need additional reinforcement (like barrels and buckets of water), unlike the YardRink system.

The Winner?  

This category is a tie.  

YardRink and EZ ICE are both designed for easy assembly with few/no tools or special skills. 

YardRink’s setup process is intuitive – each rink ships with a simple one-page laminated instruction sheet with clear illustrations. 

The tarp, once placed on the ground, guides the user on where to place the panels. The tarp is then attached to the panels with cable ties, a simple but tedious step.   

EZ ICE assembly requires very few steps and no tools.  However, adding components like curved panels, bumper caps, taller panels, and support structures can add significant time.

Both rinks are much easier to assemble than most DIY rink setups and can be set up on most surfaces in roughly the same amount of time. 

2. Performance and Playability Features   

Let’s now compare performance and playability features for YardRink and EZ ICE.

YardRink

Pros:

• NHL-licensed design (endorsed by Wayne Gretzky) features smoothly curved panels with large-radius corners and a professional-grade aesthetic.

• Its custom three-layer, rip-stop tarp (designed to last for multiple years) attaches to the outside of the panels — a unique feature that keeps it safely away from pucks and skates, and allows rink ice to run all the way up to the boards for smoother puck play - there is no tarp to get in the way.

• The 18-inch-tall, water-filled panels (two inches taller than EZ ICE) freeze solid to deliver the most realistic rebound and durability, remaining lightweight when empty but exceptionally sturdy once frozen.

• Delivers the most authentic board play for practicing puck retrievals, board passes, and rimming the puck behind the net on a smooth, seamless ice-to-wall surface.

• Every YardRink includes two puck retention nets — the only brand to offer them standard – to protect your property and keep the pucks in play.

Photo courtesy of Dave K., YardRink owner. See their family’s story here. 

Cons:

• YardRink doesn’t offer boards higher than 18 inches.

• Although the tarp is outside of the panels, you still need to be careful not to puncture it with a skate. Many users place a mat or carpet over a designated ‘entry area’ to prevent nicks in the tarp.

EZ ICE

Pros:

• The boards are made from a high-density, durable plastic that provides a solid feel for puck play.

• You have the option to upgrade to taller boards (Double Height is 32 inches and Arena Height is 48 inches) for more authentic play.

• Rounded corner boards are available (as an upgrade).

Photo courtesy of EZ ICE.

Cons:

• The standard board height is 16″ tall (unless upgraded), which is lower than some heavy-duty models and may reduce the “board-play” rebound/feel compared to taller systems.

• The standard corner boards are not rounded, so an upgrade is required for smooth corner play.

• Durability and/or structural issues have been reported in the two main Facebook groups for backyard hockey enthusiasts, Backyard Ice Rinks and Backyard Ice Hockey Rinks, particularly when used on sloped terrain. Wall blowouts have been reported.

• The liner typically needs to be replaced every year.

• EZ ICE rinks do not come with puck retention nets. If you want netting, you must invest in Arena Height boards and Nets (which can cost thousands of extra dollars). 

The Winner?

YardRink.

Proven performance and real hockey play are YardRink’s greatest strengths.

The smoothly curved (filled and frozen) panels, tarp on the outside, and 18-inch panels all contribute to a realistic hockey experience designed to grow your skills on the ice.

EZ ICE rinks could be a fit for younger skaters or beginner hockey players, but they don’t deliver the performance features built for real hockey play unless upgraded. 

3. Durability

Next, we will cover the durability of YardRink and EZ ICE’s backyard ice rinks.

YardRink

Pros:

• The 18-inch-tall, water-filled panels create a solid barrier that withstands puck/stick strikes and keeps skaters contained.

• Custom three-layer rip-stop tarp wraps around the boards — reducing the risk of tears from blades or sticks.

• Stakes are made of rugged pultruded fiberglass, designed to hold firm for maximum panel stability.

• YardRink can handle up to 10” of slope in your yard.

Photo courtesy of Noemi Hartwell, YardRink owner. See their family’s story here.

Cons:

• While the tarp wraps around the outside (good for puck play), it leaves the tarp potentially exposed to cuts from skates.

EZ ICE

Pros:

• Boards are made from high-density plastic, allowing them to absorb hard slapshots without cracking.

• Liners are 6-mil, 3-layer poly with no seams, built to last through a full winter of backyard hockey.

• The strap-and-bracket system is designed to hold up to heavy loads of ice and water. EZ ICE Rinks allow for 9” of slope between the lowest and highest part of your yard.

Cons:

• Some users have reported durability or structural issues, including blowouts, particularly when used on sloped terrain. According to an Admin and Group Expert in the Facebook Group, Backyard Ice Rinks, EZ ICE “lacks [the] bracing to handle water when your yard isn’t perfectly level.”

• The standard board height (16″) is lower than some alternatives, which may make the barrier less robust. It also restricts the amount of slope your yard can handle. While taller board upgrades are offered, they can become less stable in strong winds without extra support. EZ ICE offers Stability Kits that use weighted water buckets or large water drums to help secure taller boards and netting:

Photo courtesy of EZ ICE.

• The external bracket system that supports the panels sits outside the rink, which can create a tripping hazard when entering or exiting the ice.

The Winner?

YardRink.

Durability-wise, both YardRink and EZ ICE make quality rinks. You can’t go wrong with either brand here.

However, YardRink has the edge over EZ ICE, especially given the reported EZ ICE blowouts and their unconventional/complicated bucket and barrel system for tall wall support. 

4. Customization and Sizing Options 

YardRink

Pros:

• Offers five preset rink sizes—from 15′ × 27′ up to 32′ × 65′—to fit a wide variety of backyard spaces.

• Offers almost 300 custom sizing options, allowing you to tailor the rink precisely to your yard’s dimensions.
  

• Includes options to upgrade the size of your rink as your children grow and their skating skills improve.
  

Cons: 

• Custom rink sizes may take longer to ship and could come with additional costs depending on the configuration and materials.

• Limited additional customization options and accessories.

EZ ICE

Pros:

• Includes 8 preset rink sizes—ranging from Kiddie Rinks (15’ x 30’) up to full NHL dimensions (85’ x 200’) —and lets you pick from 6 different rink styles.

Photo courtesy of EZ ICE.

• Upgrade kits are available if you need to expand your rink’s footprint or adjust features (corners, bumpers, nets) without replacing everything.

• You can choose corner style, board height and bumpers as part of the customization options.

Cons:

• Brackets extend roughly 15 inches beyond the perimeter, which means you need to add roughly 2.5 feet to each side of the rink while planning for assembly.

• If upgrading your kit, you may run into compatibility issues with components, as EZ ICE has changed certain components over the years.
  

The Winner?

EZ ICE.

Both YardRink and EZ ICE offer almost any size you could want in a backyard rink, but EZ ICE offers more preset sizes.  And if you don’t want to go the custom route, they sell various rink styles.

One thing you have to watch out for with EZ ICE is the high price of the upgrade options. 

If you own an older EZ ICE rink, note that some components have been updated over time, which can make upgrades a bit more complex.

5. Price and Value 

Let’s next compare prices and long-term value offered by YardRink and EZ ICE. 

YardRink

Pros:

• Compared to other rink brands, YardRink is reasonably priced ($1,810 - $7,235) in line with its professional-grade design and performance features.

• On an approximate price/sq ft. basis, YardRink provides the best value for your money.

• YardRink’s Junior Rink ($999) is by far the best bargain you will find for a preset beginner rink. 

• Upgrade and expansion options allow you to add size over time, extending the rink’s lifespan and long-term value.

Cons:

• YardRink charges a shipping cost (typically around $400-600 for a mid-size rink).

• Larger custom sizes may have additional costs and longer lead times.

EZ ICE

Pros:

• EZ ICE offers modular upgrade kits that let you expand the rink size, add nets, or increase the board height without buying a completely new rink.

• EZ ICE includes shipping with its purchase price.

Cons:

• Rinks are more expensive ($1,480 - $51,610) than YardRink, especially the larger models with double (32”) or arena (48”) height panels or nets.

• While good for beginners, EZ ICE’s base design does not meet the long-term performance value of a YardRink. You have to upgrade to get to standard hockey components (like 18-inch panels) and rounded corner boards, which come with additional costs.

The Winner?

YardRink.

EZ ICE sells some of the more expensive rinks in the industry and doesn’t quite meet the value that YardRink offers for serious hockey play.

While they are a solid introductory option for beginner skaters, those with long-term hockey goals would likely benefit more (both skill-wise and financially) by opting for YardRink’s ready-made, hockey-optimized design. 

YardRink vs. EZ ICE: Other Rink Considerations

You’ve seen analysis on five crucial categories for choosing a rink, but there are a few others worth considering.

Let’s choose a winner and briefly cover those before wrapping up:

• Accessories and Add-ons – EZ ICE. EZ ICE offers over 50 backyard rink accessories, giving them the edge in this category. 

• Maintenance – YardRink. You can shovel and snowplow up to the boards, and add extra skating days by using their proven ESD method. 

• Storage – EZ ICE. Their boards stack flat for convenient, space-saving storage when not in use.

• Design/Aesthetics – Tie. Both brands offer sleek and attractive rinks.

Customer Reviews and Real Feedback 

If you would like other perspectives beyond this article, here are some resources we pulled for reviews on each brand.

YardRink Reviews

• User Stories

• YardRink inquiries from users in the Backyard Ice Rinks Facebook Group

• YardRink inquiries from users in the Backyard Ice hockey Rinks Group

• Coach Jeremy’s YardRink video:

EZ ICE Reviews

• User reviews on Pure Hockey

• EZ ICE inquiries from users in the Backyard Ice Rinks Facebook Group

• EZ ICE inquiries from users in the Backyard Ice hockey Rinks Group

• Coach Jeremy’s EZ ICE video:

YardRink vs. EZ ICE: Which Rink Should You Choose?

YardRink and EZ ICE both have their advantages and disadvantages that must be considered.

To summarize:

• YardRink wins in the performance/playability, durability, price/value and maintenance categories.

• EZ ICE wins in the customization/sizing, accessories/add-ons and storage categories. 

• The brands tied in the setup/take-down and design/aesthetics categories. 

Both brands are reputable manufacturers of backyard ice rinks. 

At the end of the day, it comes down to what your goals are with a rink.

By reading this analysis, you should be well set up to make an informed decision on which brand meets those goals. 

If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out; we are more than happy to assist with any concerns you may have.

You can also check out our other informative content that directly answers key buying questions to consider before purchasing:

• How Much Does a Backyard Ice Rink Cost? (Honest Analysis)

• What Is a Good Size for a Backyard Ice Rink? (How to Choose)

Have fun on the ice!