YardRink vs. NiceRink | An Honest Comparison

TL;DR 

• NiceRink stands out for its component customization and sizing options, allowing you to choose from basic to commercial-grade materials. 

• YardRink stands out for its NHL-licensed design that delivers the best overall hockey performance and value due to its curved panels and tarp being on the outside. 

• Both brands offer quality rinks and have overwhelmingly positive sentiment with their customers. 

NiceRink has been in the backyard ice rink game longer than any other company and has a decades-long track record of customer satisfaction.

YardRink is the fastest-growing backyard rink brand in North America, with NHL-licensed rink systems endorsed by hockey GOAT Wayne Gretzky. 

Who comes out on top in terms of key factors like setup, playability and durability? 

Our rink experts objectively compared each brand across nine categories. The results are below.

Quick Caveats Before You Read the Results

A few things to keep in mind about this comparison as you read:

1. Both NiceRink and YardRink make solid products and have stellar reputations. Each brand offers unique advantages and disadvantages, which we will cover extensively in this post. 

2. Yes, we’re comparing ourselves to a competitor. However, we will not be shy about calling out the areas where NiceRink is a better fit. We aim to provide the most balanced analysis possible so you can base your decisions on factual information. 

3. Before building a rink, ensure you live in an area where the weather is cold enough to reliably maintain a rink. Our general rule of thumb is that your area must have at least three consecutive days where the high temperature is below freezing. Check out Will My Backyard Work for an Ice Rink? for more information. 

Full Comparison: Summary Table

If you want a snapshot of the results, see the comparison table below. We highly recommend reading the full comparison for all the details. 

YardRink vs. NiceRink: The Full Comparison

The following categories will be analyzed for each brand in this article. We’ll choose a winner (or a tie) in each category.

• Setup and takedown

• Performance and playability

• Durability

• Customization and sizing options

• Price and value

• Accessories and add-ons

• Maintenance 

• Storage 

• Design/aesthetics

Note: This analysis will cover NiceRink’s standard rink kits, and not their Rink-in-a-Box kits. The Rink-in-a-Box kits contain some essential elements of a rink (brackets and liner) but DO NOT contain panels/boards or other accessories. They are more of a fit for families that prefer to go the DIY route when building a rink. 

1. Setup and Take Down

The setup process for a rink kit is one of the most important factors to consider before buying.

Proper assembly is essential to ensuring a smooth and safe skating experience. 

Rink kits are almost always more straightforward to assemble than DIY rinks, but some are easier to set up than others. 

The assembly complexity is pertinent because if multiple strenuous steps are involved, it can take valuable hours away from your weekend (and your ice-making time too). 

Here are the pros and cons of YardRink and NiceRink’s setup/take down processes: 

YardRink

Pros:

• The assembly process can be completed in a few straightforward steps, with no measuring, brackets, kick plates or confusing accessories required. We’ve seen our smaller rinks assembled in about an hour. 

• You can set the rink up on any level surface. We recommend no more than 10 inches of slope.

• The tarp is designed to fit seamlessly on the outside of the rink. To set it up, you’ll lay the tarp down first (it has markings to designate where to place the panels). The panels are connected with one bolt each, which takes about five seconds to complete.

• All necessary parts are included with the rink. The parts include the tarp, panels, hex bolts, a hex bolt driver, cable ties, puck retention nets and stakes. 

• Disassembling the rink is simple. You’ll drain the rink, remove the stakes and empty/stack the panels before storing it until next season.  

Here’s a one-minute demonstration of how to set up a YardRink: 

Cons:

• Attaching the tarp to the panels via cable ties is a simple process, but it’s also tedious. There are numerous cable ties to attach. For example, on a starter-sized YardRink, you’ll be attaching around 200 cable ties. 

• You will need to hammer stakes into the ground to anchor the panels. The stakes are fiberglass-coated and built with a sharp point and cross-shaped profile to make it as simple as possible. They can also be hammered into frozen ground (see instructions here). However, it can be a tiresome effort for some. 

NiceRink

Pros:

• Aside from their Rink-in-a-Box, all parts are included with purchase. Depending on which package or components you choose from NiceRink, they include the brackets, boards, liner, bumper caps and kickplates. 

• NiceRink kits can be configured to work on most surfaces. Like YardRink, no more than 10 inches of slope is recommended.

• The brackets should be fairly easy to step into the ground, assuming you’re not on frozen ground. If installing on frozen ground, it requires removing the built-in stakes from the bottom of the brackets and using steel stakes driven through the bracket stake holes instead, according to this document from their CEO. 

• No extra bracing is required with yard slopes of under 10 inches since the brackets anchor into the grass and wrap around the boards.

• Disassembly shouldn’t be too complicated based on the documentation we read. You slit or drain the liner, pull the boards, roll the liner and store all components. 

Cons:

• More manual work is required before any boards go in. NiceRink recommends squaring the rink with stakes, string, line-marking paint, a tape measure and the Pythagorean theorem (as shown in the video below)  before you get to building the rink. YardRink’s tarp has markings showing where panels go.

• The brackets are placed one at a time. Similar to the YardRink cable ties, this is a tedious component of NiceRink’s assembly process. It requires lining up each bracket with a string, centering it on the board and stepping it into the ground. 

• The company recommends 2-3 people to lay out the liner, which also requires tucking it in and trimming it. 

• More components are required than YardRink for the best rink experience. This includes bumper caps and kick plates, which add extra steps and time to the installation process.

The Winner? 

YardRink.

Both brands offer rink kits that make the assembly experience much easier than building everything from scratch like you would on a DIY rink. 

They also each contain somewhat tedious steps in their installations (YardRink - cable ties, NiceRink - brackets). 

YardRink is the winner because it requires fewer components to assemble and fewer manual steps before putting the boards in.

2. Performance and Playability

According to a survey we conducted among YardRink customers, the main reason why families buy a rink is to “improve my children’s hockey skills,” along with “to have a convenient place for my children to spend energy after school/weekends.” 

An outdoor rink is certainly an excellent place to accomplish both. When it comes to hockey skill development, though, rink kits are not created equal. 

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both brands regarding performance and playability. 

YardRink

Pros:

• The rink design is licensed by the NHL, featuring smoothly curved panels with large-radius corners and a professional aesthetic. It’s endorsed by Wayne Gretzky: 

• The custom three-layer, rip-stop tarp, which customarily goes on the inside of other rinks, attaches to the outside of the YardRink panels (the only brand to offer this). This keeps it safely away from pucks and skates, and allows the ice to run all the way up to the boards for puck play just like an arena rink. 

A close-up view of the YardRink tarp sitting outside of the panels, away from pucks and skates.

• The rinks come with 18-inch-tall, water-filled panels that freeze solid to produce a realistic rebound. The panels remain lightweight when empty, but sturdy once frozen.

• Board play is optimized for enhancing key skills like puck retrievals, board passes, and rimming the puck behind the net on a smooth and seamless ice-to-wall surface. Around 80% of hockey is played within three feet of the boards, and a YardRink is designed to advance development in this critical area.

• Every YardRink purchase includes two puck retention nets. These are separate purchases for the other major rink brands, including NiceRink, which charges $100 per net. 

Cons:

• You can’t buy boards higher than 18 inches on a YardRink. 

• The tarp on the outside of the panels can be punctured by skates as you enter/exit the rink. Many YardRink customers place a mat or carpet over a designated “entry area” to help prevent nicks in the tarp. 

NiceRink

Pros:

• The kits come with standard 18-inch panels, the same as YardRink. 

• NiceRink’s optional tall plastic boards go up to 48 inches, which is significantly higher than YardRink’s. This can help keep the pucks contained without netting. 

NiceRink’s tall boards, courtesy of NiceRink.

• NiceRink’s boards have a swivel action at the corners that allows you to create radius-type corners without needing additional curved boards. 

• The bracket system is reported to be sturdy and generally performs well under regular use. 

Cons:

• You have to pay for extra components to get the best performance possible. This includes taller boards/nets, bumper caps and kick plates, which can add thousands of dollars to the total purchase price (we’ll show an example in the Price & Value section).

• The liner sits inside the boards, which means it’s constantly in the way of pucks and skates.

• While you can create radius-type corners with NiceRink’s boards, they are not naturally curved like YardRink’s panels. NiceRink's corners are made from angled straight panels. 

The Winner? 

YardRink.

Both brands perform well. NiceRink’s option for taller boards may be intriguing for families, and is something YardRink doesn’t offer at this time.

The major difference between the two is that YardRink comes with everything you need in one kit without having to buy any upgrades. 

It’s also licensed by the NHL for a reason. The naturally curved panels and tarp-on-the-outside are features that optimize real hockey play at home, and no other brand but YardRink offers this.

3. Durability

Next, let’s compare each brand on rink durability. 

Having a durable rink is crucial for safety, longevity and performance. Not only throughout the current season, but for future seasons as well. 

Rinks are a multi-year investment, so a rink that requires fewer replacement parts season after season is a major advantage.

YardRink

Pros:

• The fillable, UV-resistant HDPE panels, which are 18 inches tall, create a sturdy barrier that withstands puck/stick strikes while keeping skaters contained within the rink. 

• Since the custom three-layer rip-stop tarp is on the outside and wraps around the boards, the risk of tears from blades or sticks while playing is reduced. It’s also designed to last for multiple years.

• The stakes are made of rugged pultruded fiberglass to ensure that the panels are adequately stabilized.  

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

Cons:

• While the tarp wrapping around the outside is good for smooth puck play, it does leave it potentially exposed to cuts from skates while entering and exiting the rink.

NiceRink

Pros:

• The brackets are made from UV-resistant poly compounds and are said to last in excess of 15 years, according to NiceRink. 

Photo sourced from AZ Pool Supplies.

• They contain multiple upgrade options to furnish the rink with more commercial-grade materials. These include the boards (4 options) and liner (3 options).

• Like YardRink, NiceRink’s standard kits can accommodate up to 10” of yard slope. 

• NiceRink has a long history of providing durable rinks. In the major backyard rink groups on Facebook, you can find multiple users who’ve had a NiceRink system for 10+ years and are still going strong. 

Cons:

• The durability of your rink is contingent on which materials or package you choose. If you opt for the Essentials Package (see screenshot below), for example, you don’t get the kick plates, tall boards or resurfacer included. Not having the kick plates, for example, could risk tears in the liner. 

• The liner may need to be replaced every year. Since it’s inside the rink, the chances of nicks from pucks/skates naturally increase. NiceRink liners cost about $178-$512, depending on size and thickness.

The Winner? 

Tie.

This is a very close category, which is why we’re calling it a tie. Both brands build quality kits that should hold up season after season.

4. Customization and Sizing Options

One of the hallmarks of the ODR (outdoor rink) world is the DIY aspect of it. 

You can still get a taste of that with rink kits (without all the time and effort). This is especially true when it comes to choosing the right size for your yard.

Some brands will offer more component customization as well. Let’s look at how NiceRink and YardRink compare in this category.

YardRink

Pros:

• YardRink offers five preferred sizes, which range from 15’ x 27’ to 32’ x 65’. The Starter, Standard (pictured below) and Medium Rinks are generally the best sellers. 

• Almost 300 custom sizes are offered, ranging from 17’ x 17’ to 50’ x 101’. 

• Upgrade options are available if you want to increase your rink’s size as your children grow.

Cons:

• If you order a custom rink, it may take longer to ship and may come with additional costs, depending on the configuration.

• At this time, YardRink customization options and accessories are limited compared to competitors. 

NiceRink

Pros:

• Offers four preset sizes (24’ x 48’ to 52’ x 104’) and a range of custom sizes (20’ x 20’ to 112’ x 260’).

• They offer the most customizable rink systems in the industry. You can choose the bracket type (spiked or spikeless), board height (standard or tall boards), liner quality (3 options) and package tier (Pond, Essentials and Gold). 

• Kick plates and bumper caps can also be upgraded from 4 to 8 ft long. 

Cons:

• While their customization options can be a plus for some families, it can make the purchase process less straightforward. There is more planning needed to get the right NiceRink for your yard than YardRink, which is an all-in-one kit.   

The Winner? 

NiceRink.

Both brands offer an array of sizes, which can be upgraded over time to meet your children’s current size and skill levels.

Customization, however, is arguably the main selling point for choosing NiceRink. 

If you’re a more DIY-driven person and want to customize each major component of your rink without building it all from scratch, NiceRink would be a good fit. 

5. Price and Value

Now we get to our fifth major category in this YardRink vs. NiceRink comparison, and it’s one of the classic decision points for families making a $1,000+ purchase. 

What’s the price, and how much value am I getting?

Rink kits generally cost between $2,000-$10,000. They can be a hefty cost upfront compared to building a DIY rink, but the long-term value (many are used for 5-10 years or more), playability and practicality often outweigh the initial price tag. 

Just like the other categories, though, not all rink kits are created equal. Let’s compare.

YardRink

Pros:

• YardRink’s price range is $1,599 - $9,122. On an approximate price/sq ft. basis, YardRink provides the best value for your money among comparable configurations of the leading rink brands. See the price comparison chart for YardRink vs. NiceRink below: 

• YardRink’s Junior Rink, which measures 15’ x 27’, costs $1,599, which is the best bargain you will find for a preset beginner rink. 

• Post-purchase upgrade options allow you to initially buy a smaller rink that fits your children’s current size/skill levels, which saves on the upfront price.  

• You likely won’t need to invest in significant replacement parts (like a new liner) every season, which saves on the total cost of ownership. 

Cons:

• There is a shipping cost for a YardRink, typically around $400-600 for a mid-size rink.

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

NiceRink

Pros:

• Upfront, NiceRink’s basic kits (regular height boards; no netting; no rounded corners) can be the most affordable of the three major brands. With the Gold Package, their small preset size (24’ x 48’) is less expensive – $2,987.36 – than YardRink’s roughly equivalent-sized Medium Rink (23’ x 44’), which is $3,599. 

• The long-term value of their rink kits generally holds up well, according to multiple users on the major Facebook Groups. 

• NiceRink has a presence at over 100 North American dealers, which is a plus for families that like to support local businesses. It also might save you on shipping costs.

Cons:

• Once you add the components (taller boards/netting, bumper caps, kick plates, etc.) to the rink configuration to make them equivalent to a YardRink, the costs start to exceed YardRink. For example, the Essentials Package, which doesn’t include bumper caps, tall boards or kick plates, for their preset medium rink size is $2,568.55. Their Gold Package, with the bumper caps, tall boards at each corner, kick plates, resurfacers and lights, increases the total price to $6,128.59. 

• A liner replacement might be needed every season. As mentioned earlier, this can cost over $500 every season for their most expensive liner.

• They generally charge a shipping cost, although some dealers that sell NiceRink kits may offer free shipping over a certain price point.

The Winner?

YardRink.

From a pure “Who offers the lowest price for a basic rink without nets or rounded corners?” standpoint, NiceRink wins, especially on kits that just include the basic configuration.  

On an approximate price/sq ft. basis for comparable offerings, YardRink offers the better value for your money. That is in addition to other benefits you get with YardRink, including the NHL-licensed performance-grade features and simpler assembly. 

The key thing to remember with rinks is you’re not buying it for just one season. 

Since you can upgrade your rink size when needed, you don’t need to invest in the largest rink possible for your family at first. 

Also, be sure to price shop around for promotional offers, as the major rink manufacturers tend to run special deals during the pre-season.

Whether it’s NiceRink, YardRink or another brand, think of the investment with this question in mind:

Which rink will deliver the most reliable performance year after year that meets your family’s goals?

The upfront price matters, but it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. 

How YardRink and NiceRink Compare On Other Rink Considerations

The five categories we’ve covered so far are the most important factors to consider before purchasing a rink kit.

We’ll now cover four others that are less significant, but could help sway you toward one brand.

• Accessories and Add-ons: NiceRink. Just like they have many configuration options, NiceRink sells several accessories, including under-ice lighting (see below, courtesy of NiceRink) and resurfacers, that YardRink does not currently offer.

• Maintenance: YardRink. Due to the tarp being on the outside, you can shovel and snowblow right up to the boards on a YardRink. You can also use YardRink’s “Extra Skating Days” method to extend your skating season by weeks. NiceRink does offer a resurfacer to help with ice resurfacing, which is something YardRink does not offer at this time. 

• Storage: YardRink. Due to the likely addition of necessary components like bumper caps and kick plates, you may need to account for more storage space with NiceRink. However, NiceRink boards stack flatter than YardRink’s boards, so this category is too close to call.

• Design/Aesthetics: YardRink. Both brands offer aesthetically pleasing rinks, but the look of a NiceRink will depend on the components you select; the yellow bumper caps may take away some of the aesthetic appeal on a NiceRink. YardRink also offers NHL decals to place on your panels due to its partnership with the NHL. Each rink comes with three NHL shield logos and three NHL team logos of your choice: 

YardRink and NiceRink Reviews From Other Sources

You might be curious to see other perspectives before deciding on a YardRink or NiceRink kit. Below are some additional resources for your research, including NiceRink reviews and YardRink reviews from users. 

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:

NiceRink Reviews

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

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

YardRink vs. NiceRink: Which Rink Should You Choose?

To summarize, here is how each brand fared in this comparison:

• YardRink won in the setup/takedown, performance/playability, price/value, maintenance, and design/aesthetics categories. 

• NiceRink won in the customization/sizing and accessories/add ons categories. 

• YardRink and NiceRink tied in the durability and storage categories. 

You can’t really go wrong with either brand. 

Both offer distinct advantages that must be considered, but you’re getting a solid product no matter which kit you choose.

If you want to take the simplest route to a professional-grade rink, YardRink will likely be the better fit. 

If you want more advanced customization capabilities for your rink, NiceRink will likely be your best bet. 

Regardless, you’re going to have a lot of fun on the ice. You can see our Testimonials page for dozens of examples of families making a lifetime’s worth of memories from a season spent with a backyard rink. Even if it’s just a few days or weeks of quality ice time, it’s always worth it. 

If you’d like to see another extensive brand comparison before you decide on a kit, check out our YardRink vs. EZ ICE analysis.