happy family ice skating on an artificial ice skating rink

When you were a child, you may have dreamed of having an ice skating rink in your backyard. With advancements in high-quality synthetic ice, this dream can now become a reality. However, you may question how much does a synthetic ice skating rink cost? 

KwikRink Synthetic Ice can help you build a customized rink in your home or public setting. We offer a range of options to fit your budget. Rinks are designed based on your needs, including space and athlete activity. 

We hope to put you at ease and answer your questions about how much a synthetic ice skating rink costs. If your questions aren’t answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom quote on the rink of your dreams!

woman contemplating how much does a synthetic ice skating rink cost

The Cost Dilemma

Perhaps your children have been begging for a rink of their own on which to practice. The holidays or maybe a birthday is approaching, and you would love to give them a gift that offers endless entertainment. An artificial ice rink could provide the athlete with the ultimate skating experience, sky-rocketing their sport to the next level. 

When you consider the cost of a home ice rink, don’t forget to factor in out-of-pocket expenses that you now spend to support your child’s activity. You may note that installing a synthetic ice rink may off-set some of these expenses. 

Some expenses you may not have considered include:

  • Cost driving to and from the rink (gas, public transportation costs, vehicle maintenance, parking costs, etc.)
  • The price of ice time at arenas
  • Expenses for care for your other children while you’re away at the rink
  • Money spent on fast-food meals because you are short on time

Not to mention, there is the sacrifice of time when your child only has access to practice outside the home:

  • Countless hours at the rink while the child practices
  • Time spent in the car driving to and from the rink
  • The effort spent arranging rides and carpools

Many families who decide to install a synthetic ice surface in their home find a reduction in stress levels and more time spent with family, and the cost of the home rink pays for itself with time. 

Comparison to Outdoor Rinks

Perhaps there is a real ice surface near you for your child to practice ice skating. You may be hesitant to purchase a synthetic ice skating rink due to cost, plus they have access to skating outdoors. 

Did you know there are benefits to synthetic ice panels compared to real ice? Artificial ice rinks have come a long way since the first one opened in 1844

Many hockey players boast increased speed and precise maneuvering when they practice on synthetic ice panels. Players see the benefit of increased stamina and endurance after regular practice on synthetic ice panels. 

Figure skaters appreciate the precision in turns and loops when practicing on synthetic services. There is less risk of the blade catching on the ice, which can impact accuracy when practicing figure skating techniques. 

Of course, synthetic ice rinks are not seasonal compared to pond and community outdoor rinks. Your athlete can practice year-round. The benefit offers improved skill as the athlete has more time to practice, with easy accessibility. 

Your athlete can scrimmage, work on drills, or practice their routine anytime during the year, right at home!

children and parents ice skating

How Much a Synthetic Ice Skating Rink Costs

How much a synthetic ice skating rink costs is truly up to you. Rinks are custom made and vary based on the number of tiles and if accessories such as dasher boards are added. 

Many find a small number of tiles are okay for athletes who use the rink to practice skating techniques and skills. A standard Olympic size rink is certainly not necessary for your home use! However, you may need a larger surface with more tiles if you have a speed skater or plan to use it for scrimmage ice hockey games. 

It is important to purchase quality synthetic ice tiles. These quality tiles will save you money over-time. Purchasing cheap synthetic ice tiles will not give your desired results in terms of quality surface. 

Benefits of a quality surface also include:

  • Increased use as it offers an ideal experience
  • Easy to install
  • Panels that fit together seamlessly
  • Smooth skating surface
  • Less friction
  • Longevity of product

If you are looking to reduce how much a synthetic ice skating rink costs, consider where you would like it installed. Many residential rink owners find a smaller space in the basement or the garage. You can even use a deck for a synthetic ice surface.

Of course, if you have space and a bit more in your budget, you may opt for a larger backyard rink. If you like, you can add accessories or reduce costs by opting out. You can always add accessories to your synthetic ice rink at a later time.

woman ice skating outdoors on a home ice skating rink

Another wonderful option for synthetic skating rinks is you can add to the size over time. You can start small and then build if the skater’s needs change or you find you have more in your budget. You can move the panels to different home locations if you want to go larger or smaller. 

It is also important to note that KwikRink Synthetic Ice rinks demand no water or electricity to maintain. The panels are made of durable plastic, which is very easy to maintain. You do not have to worry about extra out of pocket utility expenses to support your home ice rink. 

Understand that synthetic ice rinks are a long term investment. Many families appreciate the convenience, entertainment, and eventual savings in cost and time by having a rink at home. It is a dream for athletes to be able to practice and skate anytime that they want. 

Synthetic Ice Rink Will Help You With Synthetic Ice Skating Rink Cost

We offer quotes and transparency to help you build a rink that meets your needs. Our ice panels come in different thickness options and various sizes, customized to your space and budget. 

Why KwikRink Synthetic Ice? We offer residential rink installment to help your athlete stay in shape and improve their skills. Aspiring and professional athletes across five continents use our synthetic panels. Our panels provide 90% glide of real ice, with no Zamboni required!

Contact us today to discuss the cost of getting a synthetic ice skating rink in your home!

young man in ice skates having fun falling down on a synthetic skating rink

Synthetic skating rinks have been all the rage with winter enthusiasts around the world in recent years. They offer relief from paying for time on the ice, or going when time is available at a traditional rink. Contact KwikRink Synthetic Ice today for a free consultation for your synthetic rink. 

Our rinks allow you a chance to hone your skills and share quality time with your family on your terms — not to mention health benefits like a great cardio workout provided from skating.

We know that not everyone thinks of synthetic ice as being as exciting as we do. However, we hope to show why a rink is an absolute must-have for any ice skating or winter enthusiast. 

If you would like to learn more about synthetic ice rinks and customize your very own, contact KwikRink Synthetic Ice today!

No Need to Cool Down

Winter sports can be quite restrictive with the time allotted for the season. This is especially true if you live in a warmer climate. There is definitely an offseason in that case. 

Unless you have access to the ice during the offseason, skaters can lose fundamental skills like skating or footwork. Having a rink in your home can prevent that skill loss, and may even help improve skills during the offseason.

young girl sitting on a synthetic ice skating rink

Synthetic ice does not have to be temperature regulated. Our synthetic ice panels can be placed in any climate because they do not require electricity or water. No increased electricity or water use is also great for the environment!

You can live in Florida and be practicing jumps or playing hockey with your family in August. Who wouldn’t want to say that in August they played hockey in Florida? 

If you have spent time in a traditional ice rink in an offseason, you know the pinch it puts on your wallet…not to mention the competition for time on the ice, which can be very inconvenient. 

Playtime

It is as easy to install your very own rink as it is to get a consultation with us; both are just a click away.

Each rink comes in panels that snap together to create a seamless skating surface. This makes for easy installation and relocation if needed. If you have a flat surface, then we will gladly bring you a rink.

We have seen families have great fun in their basements, garages, barns, and yards, to name a few places.

Make it known that our product is not just for families or athletes. Synthetic ice rinks are a great addition for anyone that loves to skate and may be short on time. 

Not only can KwikRink Synthetic Ice panels be relocated, but they can be reconfigured too. Rinks are the ultimate winter playground for a family who loves to play on the ice. The possibilities are truly endless.

Because of this, each of our client’s synthetic ice rinks is genuinely unique to that client. 

To get an idea of what a rink would look like for you, visit our configuration tool on our website. We will take the information entered and get back to you promptly with a quote and more information.

young couple enjoying a holiday ice skating rink

Going Worldwide

We should take the time to mention that although we are located in the United States, we proudly deliver internationally. It really does not matter where you live; we are happy to serve you.

In fact, we have delivered synthetic ice rinks in five continents around the world. The Toronto Maple Leafs have installed a KwikRink Synthetic Ice rink in their facility for their use. 

If you have ever wanted to practice as they do in the NHL, a synthetic rink can be a huge item on your wishlist. Just imagine always having home-ice advantage!

Although a residential rink is not the NHL, the playtime spent on one can be invaluable. Especially for the children in your family. 

An essay from the Harvard Graduate School of Education mentions numerous benefits of play for kids. Obviously, exercise is always good, but emotionally it helps children grow too, which is a huge win.

Kids are not the only winners here. For those who want to have fun while having a great cardio session, skating is a great option. That is a definite win for the big kids or adults out there who love skating.

In a way, you can be investing in your own health both mentally and physically.

winter ice skating rink outdoors for your wishlist

In it For the Long Run

We take pride in making a product built to last for fifteen-plus years, which means a lot of memories, fun, practicing, and growing skills. It is also a decade of not checking a rink schedule, paying hourly fees, or waiting for the Zamboni to run.

Our panels may not be strong enough for a Zamboni, but they will withstand years of use.

In fact, our ice is durable enough to withstand figure skaters, hockey players, and that weekend race with dad. Each panel of synthetic ice is available in two sizes so you can choose the one best for you: four-by-eight feet panels a half-inch thick or four-by-four feet panels that are 3/8 inch thick. These panels can handle hours of skating, jumps, and hockey stops. In fact, you can park a car on our panels! (Just put a tarp down first to catch any oil or debris.)

KwikRink Synthetic Ice has been in the synthetic ice industry since the early 1990s and we are constantly evolving our product. Our industry-leading technology is a testament to our passion for a rink that would be on our own wishlist (if we didn’t already have one!).

Customers are encouraged to really make rinks their own with custom markings — goalie creases or faceoff dots, for instance. A wide variety of accessories are also offered to make your experience as personalized as possible. 

Dasher boards, shooting tarps, as well as netting and plexiglass, are a few of the accessories offered. Practice, play, and train in your own way and on your own time. That alone can place having a residential rink pretty high on a winter enthusiast’s wishlist.

Purchasing a synthetic ice rink can be a big commitment — a commitment to your health, your family’s fun, and many years of quality memories.

Contact KwikRink Synthetic Ice today for a free consultation. We would love to help you mark this item off your list.

group of teenage friends having fun on an artificial ice skating rink

So you have decided to buy an artificial ice skating rink. Maybe you have a future hockey player in the house or perhaps are a city planner, and you’ve got the green light for a new park rink. Whatever the reason, it is time to decide where you will build for the best skating experience. 

Did you know there are many factors to consider before deciding where to build your synthetic ice rink?

  • Will it be used for hockey, figure skating, or another ice sport? 
  • Are you using the rink indoors or outdoors?
  • Is the rink for residential use or commercial use? 
  • What is the surrounding environment? Do you have space and neighbors to consider? 

If you choose KwikRink Synthetic Ice for your synthetic rink, you are at an advantage. They are leaders in natural, artificial rinks for both competitive athletes and recreational skaters. Experts at KwikRink are happy to guide you through determining where to build your rink. 

KwikRink Synthetic Ice will answer your questions effectively in regards to synthetic ice products. Reach out to them for an estimate on a customized artificial ice surface, and find out why our product is a cut above the competition. 

Continue reading for some highly useful tips on creating the perfect artificial ice skating rink. 

beautiful outdoor artificial ice skating rink in a town street or square

Determine the Needs of Your Artificial Ice Skating Rink

You certainly know if you are going to be using the rink for recreational or commercial use. You may want to consider necessary synthetic ice panels depending upon the purpose of your rink. The panel choice will vary based on the skating sport and location. 

If your rink is for commercial use, you are at an advantage by choosing a durable product: the heavier the molecular weight, the more durable the synthetic ice surface. If you are building a community rink, you will have various skaters, including hockey and figure, so high-density polymers are a solid choice. You can feel confident in a product that is both dense and durable for a community artificial ice skating rink.

For residential rinks, there are other factors to consider. Very high density polymers are best for figure skating. 

Very high density polymers are worth the investment because toe picks can create deep marks and scratches in medium or high-density comparisons. If you want an option that is guaranteed to last long and serve the needs of your figure skater, then opt for very high density polymers.

Hockey players also benefit from this extra dense skating surface. With high-density synthetic ice tiles, there will be fewer shavings, more durability, and less maintenance.

High-density synthetic panels can be an appropriate choice for home rinks too. 

cool outdoor artificial ice skating rink on grass

Decide Where You are Going to Build Your Artificial Ice Skating Rink

You need a flat surface for your rink project. You can install ice if there is a little slope, if necessary. Compensate for the slope with taller framing boards on the lower side. 

If you need to, you can level the slope when the weather is nice. Clearing and leveling the area within a few inches of the slope is effective. 

Ideal areas to build a residential rink include:

  • Surface where there is solid, firm dirt
  • Firm decks
  • Gym floors
  • Concrete garages
  • Cleared pole barns
  • Attics
  • Basements
  • Grassy, flat backyards

As you can see, there are many surface options on which you can build a residential artificial ice skating rink. The benefit over real ice is you can construct the artificial rink either indoors or outdoors! 

If you are building a commercial ice skating rink or rink for a training facility, consider additional factors. Where are you going to develop your commercial rink?

Commercial rinks can be found in many unique settings, including:

  • Malls
  • Cruise ships
  • Party centers
  • Movie theatres
  • The Las Vegas strip

Of course, you do not need to have a casino to build artificial ice rinks. Many superb commercial rinks are local:

  • Training centers and training facilities
  • Public parks
  • Ice gardens
  • City lakes
  • Downtown city parks
  • County parks
  • Most outdoor areas that would be appropriate for natural ice

The benefit of artificial commercial ice rinks is they are adaptable to any environment. You can have a rink in a county park in Arizona or a frozen pond in a Minneapolis suburb. So long as you have space and meet zoning regulations, you can build a profitable and entertaining artificial ice rink for many in the community to enjoy. 

ice skating rink outdoors near homes

What Else Do I Need to Consider Before Building an Artificial Ice Skating Rink?

Climate is a factor to consider. If you live further south in a warmer climate, artificial ice is likely your only option. You can get away with natural, thick, durable ice a few months of the year in the north.

Of course, budget is a significant factor to figure before building an artificial ice skating rink. Consider the size, age, and sport of your skaters. That may help you decide how much space you need for your rink. 

You are going to want to evaluate the total dimensions of your rink. Incorporate space for all materials needed for the rink, panels, and boards. 

It is not a bad idea to start small and grow the size if your skater continues to show interest. Growing with time is also ideal for community rinks as you can expand the size of the rink if traffic increases. Starting small will help keep start-up costs to a minimum. 

If money is a factor, consider fundraising costs to build your rink. Hockey players and figure skaters alike are dedicated to their sport. Many families would be thrilled to contribute to the effort, especially if their name is placed as thanks somewhere on the rink.

How Can KwikRink Synthetic Ice Help Me Build an Artificial Ice Skating Rink?

KwikRink Synthetic Ice is an industry leader in residential, commercial, and rental artificial ice rinks. It does not matter if you are building in the backyard or at an NHL training center. KwikRink Synthetic Ice has the experience and synthetic products that will meet the needs of your athletes. 

If you would like to learn more about artificial ice rink options, reach out to us for additional information. We are pleased to be a worldwide go-to choice for synthetic ice and can help build that miracle ice rink for your skaters.