5 Synthetic Ice Installation Tips to Consider
Quick Answer: What are the most important synthetic ice installation tips?
The five most important tips for a successful PolyGlide Ice rink installation are:
- Prepare a flat, clean sub-floor; allow for expansion and contraction around the perimeter
- Use quality-grade base materials
- Protect the surface from extreme weather and debris
- Clean the panels regularly.
Following these steps ensures your rink performs well and lasts for years.
PolyGlide Ice panels are no different from any other quality flooring product with one important exception: you can ice skate on them after installation.
Just like ceramic tile, hardwood flooring, or laminate, a successful installation starts with one thing: a firm, flat sub-floor.
Get that right, and your panels will lay flat with virtually seamless connections.
A little pre-installation planning makes all the difference between a rink you're proud of and one that gives you headaches from day one.
Be sure to thoroughly clean your sub-surface area before installing your panels.
Concrete Note:
If you plan on installing on concrete, check for flatness first with a straight edge.
Concrete is not a manufactured surface, and any sudden dip or deviation can cause panels to lift or create an uneven skating experience.
If your concrete has any issues, an easy fix is to apply our seam tape under the problem area, or lay down a substrate.
Two solid options: a 3/4" plywood base or DriCore plywood underlayment to even out any slope before you start.
Always test first by installing a few panels to check for flatness before committing to the full layout.
If you're installing a larger outdoor surface exposed to the elements, a platform deck drilled with weep holes will prevent water and moisture from getting trapped underneath, which helps prevent buckling or raised edges at the connections.
Install Your Home Ice Rink Right the First Time With PolyGlide Ice
At PolyGlide Ice, we want every rink project to be a success from the first panel to the last.
Here are the five most important installation tips to consider before you get started.
1. Surface Solutions
PolyGlide Ice panels can be installed virtually anywhere, at any time, and because of the ongoing cost of refrigerated natural ice, a home rink is one of the smartest investments a skater or hockey family can make.
Here are a few quick outdoor sub-floor solutions that will give you a solid base for your installation:
Shed Deck (Wood)
If you plan to install on grass or a slightly uneven surface, you'll need to build a sub-floor first to make sure the base is flat enough to support your rink.
A simple way to do this is by constructing a "shed deck" using exterior grade plywood on top of pressure-treated stringers.
Pressure-treated sheeting or similar flat materials provide an excellent base for your rink surface and hold up well against the elements.
Temporary Flooring (Plastic)
FastDeck and similar snap-together temporary event surfaces are another strong option.
These polymer panels snap together without tools or trained labor and can be quickly disassembled when the season is over.
For a temporary or seasonal rink, plastic interlocking flooring is a fast, cost-effective base that requires no permanent construction.
Staging (Metal)
Metal staging is the right choice in situations where extra support is needed, such as installing a rink over a pool or open space.
Aluminum or steel frame staging is clearly the most costly of the three options, but it makes sense for extended installations or commercial applications where a permanent structure is needed.
2. Expansion and Contraction Provisions
Just like flooring laminates, PolyGlide Ice panels must be treated as a "floating floor" that can expand and contract with temperature changes.
To allow for this, a slight gap must be maintained around the perimeter or outer edge of your rink.
Mechanical fasteners must never be used to secure panels in place, as this prevents natural expansion and contraction and will stress the surface over time.
Making these provisions is especially important for outdoor rinks in cold climate areas with large temperature swings between night and day.
Dasher Boards
If you plan to install a Dasher Board System, do not install it on top of your surface, as this can restrict expansion.
Over the lifetime of the rink, this method can create stress fractures and should always be avoided.
There are many ways to create an expansion gap below the perimeter kickplate that is virtually invisible once the rink is complete.
Taking the time to pre-plan your perimeter setup will pay off in the long run and help avoid unnecessary issues down the road.
3. Preventive Maintenance
As with any outdoor backyard product, preventive maintenance plays an important role in the longevity and performance of your rink.
Depending on where you live, seasonal care may be required for outdoor rinks.
Extreme Weather
One of the biggest enemies of a PolyGlide Ice rink is real ice buildup.
During extreme cold weather, freezing of the surface from ice accumulation must be prevented.
A frozen rink cannot expand when temperatures rise, which stresses the surface and can cause cracks over time if not addressed.
If the weather report calls for a heavy ice or snow storm when you won't be using the rink, cover the surface with a tarp to protect it.
Keeping the rink clean and allowing it to breathe will ensure it maintains optimal glide and performance for many years to come.
4. Exposure
If you live in a seasonal region where your rink will be exposed to falling leaves, cover the surface when it's not in use.
The same applies to areas prone to sand or dust storms at certain times of year.
A common-sense approach to preventive maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your rink in top condition throughout the season.
Tarp Options
When selecting a tarp to cover your outdoor rink, choose one that is UV-protected poly tarp.
Always opt for a light color or white tarp to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it.
Dark colored tarps attract sunlight and create a greenhouse effect underneath, raising the surface temperature and potentially expanding the panels enough to stress the connections or create conditions for mold growth.
5. Cleaning Options
Rink maintenance is really no different from caring for any quality flooring or hardwood surface... it needs to be kept clean.
The main difference is that the surface is white, so dirt becomes more apparent quickly.
Here are three basic cleaning methods to consider:
Hose Spray
When you start to see the panel connections become more visible or pronounced, it's probably time to hose it down.
Don't wait too long, as dirt builds up and makes the job harder.
After a few sessions, you'll quickly get a sense of how frequently your rink needs cleaning based on usage and traffic.
pH-Neutral Soap
For indoor rinks where water use is limited, apply a pH-neutral soap with a fine spray mist.
Wipe clean with a flat microfiber mop until dry and repeat until the surface is clean.
Power Washing
If you've neglected your outdoor rink for an extended period, power washing is a perfectly fine option to restore it quickly.
A power washer is a great way to clean the grout lines at the panel connections and make your surface look new again.
Always scrub the rink down first to loosen the dirt before you start power washing for the best results.
Conclusion
A little pre-installation planning will make your rink project a successful one.
Take the time to consider all the factors involved... sub-floor, expansion provisions, base materials, exposure, and cleaning... before you get started.
The most important thing is not to rush the installation.
Follow these simple guidelines and you'll be glad you took the extra time once you see your rink up and running.
Take a look at some of our most popular rink packages:
PolyGlide Ice — Home Ice Starter Kits
PolyGlide Ice — Pro-Glide Panels
Keep on Skating!
Jim Loughran, PolyGlide Ice
www.polyglidesyntheticice.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Synthetic Ice Installation
What kind of surface can PolyGlide Ice panels be installed on?
PolyGlide Ice panels can be installed on virtually any flat, firm surface, including concrete, plywood, OSB, sport court tiles, or a shed deck framework. The key requirement is that the base is level and solid... any dips or soft spots can cause panels to lift or create uneven skating. Always test with a few panels before laying the full rink.
How do you prevent PolyGlide Ice panels from buckling or lifting?
The most important step is leaving a perimeter expansion gap around the entire rink and never using mechanical fasteners to lock panels in place. Panels need to float freely as temperatures change. Also ensure the sub-floor is clean, flat, and free of debris before installation begins.
Do you need to leave a gap around the perimeter of the rink?
Yes, always. PolyGlide Ice panels expand and contract with temperature changes, just like a laminate floor. A small gap around the entire perimeter allows the surface to move freely without stressing the connections. Skipping this step, especially in climates with large temperature swings, can lead to stress fractures over time.
How do you clean a PolyGlide Ice surface?
For outdoor rinks, hosing down the surface regularly is the easiest option. For indoor use or lighter cleaning, apply a pH-neutral soap with a fine mist and wipe clean with a microfiber mop. If the rink has been neglected for an extended period, power washing is a safe and effective deep-clean option that works well on the panel connection lines.
Can PolyGlide Ice panels be installed outdoors year round?
Yes, with proper care. For year-round outdoor use, cover the rink with a UV-protected white or light-colored tarp during storms, heavy snowfall, or extended periods when the rink is not in use. This prevents ice buildup, debris accumulation, and temperature-related surface stress. With the right maintenance routine, a PolyGlide Ice rink can last for many years outdoors.