Synthetic Ice Installation & Maintenance

Synthetic ice has been around for decades.

Thanks to research and technology, skatable tiles and panels can be made in customizable sizes and shapes.

Now, we no longer have to wait for winter to ice skate.

We can now take our ice skates out for fun any time of the year.

We continue to be in awe of the ingenuity of rink owners.

They develop rinks in garages, barns, spare rooms, decks, and even above pools.

Pushing those limits means building on different surfaces, without necessarily transforming the surface itself.

A common question we are asked is,“can synthetic ice go on your carpet?” 

As the popularity of synthetic ice continues to grow, more and more people are wondering if synthetic ice can go on your carpet.

Generally, you need a flat and hard surface where to place your synthetic ice.

It could be outside - like your driveway - or inside the house - such as the basement or an extra room.

However, provisions need to be made in order to install your ice over your carpet, as it may not be flat and hard enough to support the ice panels during skating. 

Why Choose Carpet?

Carpet is a great flooring option for homes.

It provides style, warmth, comfort, and can even help absorb sound.

When you install carpet, it’s a long-term investment. No one wants to rip it all up to install their ice rink.

It’s an added expense and removing your carpet is a straightforward process.

Since synthetic ice does not cause moisture damage, some rink owners would want to use a spare carpeted room or area. 

How does Carpet Impact Synthetic Ice?

Ice rinks, regardless of material, need a hard, flat surface.

Outdoor natural rinks need a hard, grassy area to fill with water around wintertime.

Refrigerated rinks that are outdoors need grass or concrete for set up.

Indoor facilities also have a concrete foundation.

The same goes for synthetic ice.

Here’s why the sub-surface needs to be flat and firm: 

• Flat surfaces provide power when skating. The skater applies force when skating to move, accelerate, and stop. If the surface provides less resistance, you’ll lose speed and have difficulty stopping quickly. 
• Synthetic ice tiles and panels connect like puzzle pieces. If you place them directly on the carpet, the vibration of the air pocket between the tile and carpet can cause the panels to bounce and dislodge, leading to possible injury. 
• Figure skaters need hard surfaces for a safe landing after jumps. A surface that cannot absorb the energy of the skater, they are more likely to fall and suffer ankle or foot injuries. 
• Over time, there is a higher chance of damaging your synthetic ice, reducing its shelf life (as much as 10 years).

If you want to get the best return on your investment, make sure you provide a flat, firm base for your synthetic ice panels.

Where can You Set up Your Home Ice Rink?

Rinks can be used for a variety of purposes - from hosting a backyard hockey game, and training, to ice skating with friends.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a location for your home ice rink.

First, you'll need a level surface that is large enough to accommodate the rink. 

Next, you'll also need to make sure the surface is smooth so avoid uneven ice.

There should also be no nearby objects that can pose a hazard to your skaters or damage the ice.

Finally, make sure the location is in a well-lit area so that you can see clearly when you're skating.

With these factors in mind, backyards, driveways, basements, hardwood floors, garages, and decks are great options.

Time to Set it Up.

First, measure your chosen space to determine the size of synthetic ice panels that you'll need to buy. 

The next step is acquiring your ice panels.

For instance, we offer the PolyGlide Starter Kit, which is specifically designed to help you quickly set up an ice rink at your home.

The Kit has four individual panels, measuring 1/4" x 24" x 48" each.

The ice panels are made of premium-grade, specially formulated polymer plastic, with a patented proprietary slip agent.

These panels are portable and durable, perfect for skaters of any age.

You’ll simply connect your tiles on your surface and you’re ready to skate. 

Moving forward, if your space - especially carpet, driveway or basement, has uneven flooring, you'll need a "flattening plywood" that will serve as an underlay or "substrate".

Note: 3/4" or 23/32" OSB (Orient Strand Board) works quite well, many of which have a tongue & groove interlocking feature.

Many other standard "pine" plywood sheets can be warp so those you will need to avoid.

PolyGlide "Slip Tape" also helps seal the ice panels on the floor, for added security and to keep them from sliding around.

Setting up Your Synthetic Ice Panels at Home

Is your location locked?

Materials prepped?

Got some help?

Now it’s time to build.

Here are the basic steps: 

1. Clean Up the Space.

Your ice rink needs a flat and firm surface.

Clean the surface and remove any dirt, dust, or objects.

This includes any rugs that will affect skating.

The surrounding area should also be organized and free from any items that may break or cause injury. 

2. Assemble Your Rink. 

Synthetic ice rinks come in easy-to-assemble panels that fit together like a puzzle.

Use a rubber mallet to connect the tiles smoothly.

If your chosen location is uneven, place the plywood first, then the panels, using tape to secure them to the surface.

2. Add Some Barriers. 

Some areas will have enough space to add barriers around your rink.

Barriers keep skaters contained and prevent stray pucks.

Bounce bars, dasher boards, or netting are excellent options.

3. Add Some Barriers.

 Once your rink is set up, invite some friends over and enjoy some fun skating all year long!

Need inspiration?

Check out this video of a family who transformed their living room into an ice rink.

Maintaining Ice Rink at Home

The work is not yet done, even after setting up your home ice rink.

Now, you need to know about maintaining it but don't worry because it is much easier than maintaining ice rinks made of natural ice.

With synthetic ice, you have to address three things: (1) surface shavings, (2) residue from panel conditioners, and (3) general dirt.

Cleaning Surface Shavings

Surface shavings accumulate every time your blade glides across the ice.

They may be a minuscule amount, but when you just let them gather over time, they can ruin your skating experience.

The good thing is that cleaning these shavings is pretty simple.

Using a soft brush, you must sweep off the residue after each session.

But make sure you wear shoe covers to protect your tiles while cleaning them. 

PolyGlide Ice shavings can be disposed of with your weekly recyclables!

Removing the Residue from Panel Conditioners

As part of your ice rink maintenance, we highly recommend applying a surface conditioner.

This will help provide a better skating experience on the surface.

However, when using a conditioner, you must mix it with water and apply a light application to the surface with a fine mist spray and a flat microfiber mop.

Be sure to check the surface afterward to wipe it thoroughly clean. 

Removing dirt

Naturally, bits of dirt and dust will accumulate on your rink over time.

To limit dirt build-up, clean the surface regularly with a PH-neutral cleanser such as "Simple Green."

Synthetic ice rinks are also subject to wear and tear.

As the skaters trip and fall, scuffs and scratches on the ice are bound to happen.

Examine the ice panels for these and fix them up accordingly. 

Conclusion

Setting up a synthetic ice rink in your home is an excellent option if you're looking for a fun and unique way to practice hockey, figure skating, or even stay in shape.

If your spare room has carpet - and you can’t remove it - we recommend prepping the area first with plywood to provide the flat, hard surface that you need.

Once installed correctly, you can barely tell the difference between these rinks and the real thing.

Get started with your synthetic panel skating journey today by checking out all of our rink packages and some great deals!

 

 

 

Ice skating enthusiasts always remember hitting the ice rink for the first time.

For some, it's a nearby lake that's frozen just enough for the kids to risk it all on the ice.

Others would have gone to a neighbor's backyard after their Dad spent hours with the hose filling the rink earlier in the week.

Or maybe you experienced the magic that's The Rink At Rockefeller Center.

These simple moments are the things that turn people like you into lifelong skaters.

And now, sometime later, you're thinking about building a rink of your own.

But not just any rink but a large, commercial ice rink. 

However, setting up a commercial rink is no small task.

Commerical rinks are massive, often capable of handling multiple skaters at once.

When you think about commercial rinks, the ones that might come to mind are massive NHL rinks or rinks set up for Winter Olympics.

However, commercial rinks can come in different sizes and have different uses.

In fact, there are about 2000 commercial rinks in America (our skate-crazed Canadian neighbors have four times as many!), with some even on the west coast.

There are many reasons why a business, group, or individual would install a temporary or permanent commercial rink.

The top 5 reasons include:

 

1. A profit-making venture

Commercial means profit.

A commercial ice rink can attract new business to a current establishment.

Or in some cases, the rink itself can be a stand-alone business that earns money for the owners over time.

Hotels, malls, and other high-traffic areas install temporary rinks in the colder months to attract skating enthusiasts.

Permanent rinks allow skaters to train and have fun year-round.

Whatever the reason, most commercial rinks are in the business of making money.

2. Training for a sports team or club

A hockey team or other ice sports club may need a new rink.

Having direct access to a rink means more time training.

That investment can give a team a significant edge in competition.

Of course, the biggest skating clubs and sports teams are in the NHL.

However, that does not mean smaller clubs or communities can't set up a commercial rink for their junior teams.

 

 

3. Coaching or other skating related classes

Are you a skating coach or part of an ice skating organization?

Maybe you have access to a large space and need a dedicated rink to train your students.

However, a smaller commercial rink can allow coaches to train hockey players, figure skaters, curlers, and much more.

4. You Can Host Events

Commercial rinks are great for individual skaters to enjoy one of their favorite hobbies.

But the uses don't stop there.

These rinks are perfect for larger private and corporate events too.

The possibilities are numerous, such as dancing shows on ice, team-building activities, parties, and even an ice-themed wedding.

 

5. A new community rink

Ice skating is a great way to bring communities together.

If kids and young adults have a space they can easily access, they'll be healthier, happier, and stay out of trouble.

A city council may decide to install a commercial rink for the community benefits.

Consider Synthetic Ice

Installing a commercial ice rink is easier said than done.

Commercial rinks can be expensive in both installation and maintenance.

Refrigerated rinks, the most common commercial rinks, require large-scale refrigeration machines, temperature control, and continuous resurfacing.

These costs add up, and most commercial refrigerated ice rinks fail to turn a profit.

Some outdoor commercial rinks are seasonal, using the elements to create a natural ice rink.

The rink creator fills a specific space with water and waits for the "First Freeze", around mid-October in most cases.

If you're looking to build a commercial rink on a budget, there's no better option than a synthetic ice rink.

Synthetic ice rinks have been used for decades for large-scale projects in malls, outside of businesses, and community events.

The materials mimic the look and feel of real ice, allowing skaters to use their metal blades as they would on other forms.

These panels also have interlocking edges, enabling easy installation.

There are a few advantages of going with a synthetic ice rink versus a refrigerated or natural rink:

It's Cost-Effective

If a cost-effective rink is music to your ears, then a synthetic ice rink is that symphony.

You'd pay a set price for the panels based on your measurements.

However, there won't be any ongoing costs for building the rink infrastructure, refrigeration maintenance, and resurfacing.

A few persons can install synthetic ice rinks in a few hours (if you include the walls).

To date, it's the best way to build a large rink on a budget.

Weather-Proof

Natural rinks are contingent on the cold winter months.

Even outdoor refrigerated rinks last a few months longer.

Because of the materials used in synthetic ice, the rink can stay up all year.

This is excellent news for athletes or trainers who want to use a rink throughout the year.

It provides alternative training options and oppotunities for skaters at any level.

It's Scalable

Ready to build a larger rink?

Do you need to scale it back a bit?

Synthetic ice panels allow just that.

You can easily order, reorder, or disconnect panels as needed.

However, making these changes can be expensive for other types of rinks.

It's Durable

Your investment in a large-scale synthetic can pay off for years to come. Synthetic ice panels can last for at least five years with heavy use.

The more durable commercial panels can last well into ten years if maintained well.

The cost savings go on for years as smaller commercial rinks don't have to spend money removing and reinstalling rinks every year.

Positive Friction

Synthteic ice is the ideal "ice sumulator" for ice skaters much the same way golfers utilize golf simulators and the driving range.

Since the panels aren't natural ice, there is some resistance.

The PolyGlide-Ice infused Pro-Glide panel has roughly 10% more friction than natural ice which can be reduced by using a surface conditioner

 

Commercial Synthetic Ice Rink Tips

If you're ready to build a commercial rink, synthetic ice should be the material of choice.

However, it takes more than ordering your parts and laying them down in your spot of choice.

There are some steps all builders must consider to make the process as cost-effective as possible:

Do it yourself

There's a time versus money dilemma but if you're trying to save money, you'll have to use some time.

Enlist the help of some friends or volunteers and you can set up a synthetic ice rink in a few hours.

The panels interlocking tiles fit together like a puzzle.

Since these panels are larger than tiles, connecting them will be easier.

If you're not handy, you'll need help setting up the rink walls, so make sure there's a handyman on your team. 

Measure Your Area

It sounds like a simple step, but measuring your commercial space can save you money.

Most commercial spaces need to cover a large surface area, but overestimating can mean purchasing ice you do not need.

Instead, spend the time getting the measurements right, accounting for factors like the ice rink's walls.

Tiles or Panels?

Synthetic ice can come in tiles or panels.

Tiles are usually for at-home use or a small group.

Panels are a larger, thicker, and more durable commercial grade surface.

These are perfect for larger rinks or commercial rinks with much more traffic.

Panels are more expensive and need to be freight shipped but will last for years compared to panels.

Make sure to choose the right one for your commercial rink.

Factor in Your Maintenance

Refrigerated rinks need consistent maintenance, which can cost thousands of dollars. Indoor and outdoor rinks would also require different levels of maintenance.

Synthetic ice panels require less maintenance compared to refrigerated or natural rinks.

The rinks need Slip Surface Conditioner application, depending on the foot traffic and surface dust or dirt that is visible.

You'll also need to remove shavings that are common with metal blades. You only need a soft broom to clean it daily.

Don't forget to factor in your maintenance costs.

Consider Collaborating or Sponsorships.

NHL rinks are sponsored by some of the biggest companies in the world.

These sponsorships often offset the cost of maintaining the rink.

So why not do the same?

Collaborate with other businesses through sponsored events or labeled rink walls.

This can make a commercial rink easier to manage and allows you to do it on a budget.

Conclusion 

Operating a commercial ice rink is a great way to earn additional income, increase foot traffic for businesses, and even bring communities together.

However, they are expensive to build and maintain.

Most struggle to keep up with the rising costs of maintenance.

Synthetic ice rinks are a cost-effective option as the panels are durable, easy to install, and provide the same use as other conventional rinks.

For commercial rinks, it's best to communicate with the synthetic ice provider first to discuss your needs.

At PolyGlide Synthetic Ice, we provide synthetic ice panels that can be freight shipped for your first or next commercial rink.

Feel free to reach out to us to bring that dream into a reality

 

 

 

.

Are you thinking about creating your own skating rink? You can opt for synthetic ice installation for personal, business, or community purposes. From your garage, public gym, to your event space and more. Here are a few locations and surfaces you can consider, so you can get the most out of it.

Read more

It's important to know the synthetic ice backyard rink "do's and don'ts" before starting your rink project 

With your own backyard space, you no longer have to depend on your neighborhood rink or wait your turn.

Instead, you and your family skate when you want.

When you decide on a backyard rink, you will have three choices:

The Liner-and-Water method, a refrigerated rink, and synthetic ice. 

Of these three choices, the synthetic ice option is the easiest to install, is durable, and lasts for years.

Synthetic ice consists of ultra-dense polyethylene material, perfect for a backyard setup.

And with over 10 million active ice skaters in the country, it makes personal rinks more accessible.

If you’re thinking about a synthetic ice rink, there are several do’s and don’ts to consider.

Taking these simple steps ensures you save time, money, and the stress that sometimes comes with rinks. 

 

 

Time to maximize your space.

Getting the sizing and space of the rink right is one of the essential steps for a great skating experience.

First, consider the use of your synthetic ice backyard rink.

Who will be skating? Is it your 8-year-old kids?

Would older teens be practicing on the ice? How many skaters are you expecting?

These questions will help builders decide on the rink’s size.

For instance, older kids can cover the length of a smaller rink in just a few strides.

Our best advice is to maximize the space you have available.

If you can install a rink that’s 40’ or 60’ long, go for it as long as you’re not risking any critical installations nearby.

We’ve never seen someone complain about having a rink that’s too big. 

 

 

1. Don’t buy synthetic ice without measuring your space. 

Maximizing your space is only possible if it’s appropriately measured.

Since synthetic panels usually come with set dimensions, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of your intended rink then calculate how many boards you’ll need.

If you eyeball it, you may end up with a smaller rink or an extra set of panels.

Both errors can cost you time and money.

One of the best things you can do is first find out what dimensions the company uses for standard synthetic ice panels.

(For instance, we have Pro-Glide 46” x 46” half-sized panels and even more extensive, full-sized panels.)

Then, use that information and a combination of stakes, a fishing line (or twine), and a measuring tape to mark off the area.

2. Do look for slopes

No backyard is perfectly flat or level.

When you set your drink down on a space that’s not level, you can feel it when you skate.

Using the fishing line or twine can also help you gauge if your yard is level.

If that’s a bit old school, pick up a laser level on Amazon that can measure at least 50 feet.

If the yard is not big enough to avoid the slope, you may need to place some plyboard or underlying wood first to keep things even. 

 

 

3. Don’t choose the wrong type of synthetic ice.

The amount of use you or your family expect to get out of your rink will determine the type of synthetic ice you’ll need.

Some panels are great for indoor use or small shuttle drills.

Our Home Ice Tiles are a great example of this.

These tiles are thinner and are not recommended for long term outdoor use.

Home ice tiles are ideal for small rooms, spaces, or a temp driveway setup.

On the other hand, multiple users playing hockey or skating for hours every day would need synthetic ice panels, which are heavier, thicker, and more durable. 

4. Do get help to install your backyard rink.

Everything is better with friends, and installing your backyard rink is no different.

Synthetic ice makes installation easy, but you will need help based on the size of the panels.

Some panels can weigh as much as 80lbs each (these are freight shipped), so you’ll need an extra hand to get them installed.

Once they’re in place, a heavy rubber mallet is enough to connect the panels and ensure they’re smooth and skatable. 

5. Don’t forget the rink walls and other aesthetics.

 

 

Can you skate with your panels installed and ready to go?

Absolutely. Would it look and feel like a rink? Not exactly.

You may want to opt for dasher boards or trim to form the walls around the rink.

You also may want to consider the PolyGlide Ice BounceBar rebounding curb as a low cost solution to help keep pucks on the surface.

Plywood is a good option.

You can get equally sized planks and other pieces of wood to brace the planks.

However, if you want a cleaner look, plastic wall kits are available.

These kits come in different heights, and some even have plexiglass walls.

Rink walls prevent rogue hockey pucks from leaving the rink.

It’s also helpful to stop stray bodies from collisions!

6. Do clean your rink

Skating on rinks made of water or refrigerated rinks needs consistent resurfacing.

Dirt can form on the rink over time.

Rain and snow can set on the top and freeze, creating a poor experience.

To correct this, you’ll use a thin layer of water to resurface and clean the rink after clearing away snow and dirt.

It can be troublesome at times, but it’s necessary to get the most out of the rinks.

Fortunately, the process is a lot easier with a synthetic ice rink.

Skating on the rink will bring shavings from the metal skates.

This isn’t a bad thing, as those grooves make for a better skating experience.

However, these shavings need to be removed after skating.

Use a soft broom to clear away the excess shavings.

You will also notice the dirt from airborne dust and scuff marks from moving on the rink.

Since the tiles are white, these scuff marks can look unsightly over time.

A mop with warm, soapy water can clean off the extra dirt.

The more you clean your panels, the longer your rink will last.

On average, synthetic panels last for ten years. 

 

 

7. Don’t forget to resurface

Just because you don’t have to worry about the ice does not mean you do not have to resurface your synthetic rink.

The friction on synthetic ice rinks can increase over time.

Some are infused with a conditioner for a smoother skate and to protect the blades over time.

Others need a special conditioner reapplied occasionally.

Find out if your rink requires a lubricant so you can get it in advance.

After cleaning your rink, you’ll simply mix a part of our PolyGlide Slip Conditioner with water and apply a mist on your clean rink. 

8. Do try different things on your rink.

When we think about an ice rink, the first thing that comes to mind is ice hockey or recreational skating.

However, there are other cool, exciting sports, activities, and even events you can have on your rink.

In fact, we’ve written extensively on the different activities you can try on your backyard rink.

Using your rink in different ways builds community and increases the return on investment. 

 

 

9. Dont’forget to have fun!

And ice rink can take some time and effort to set up.

When the work is over, the fun begins!

If the rink is for exercise, training, or recreation, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and your time on the ice.

Get your friends, family, and neighbors together whenever you can and share the experience.

Don’t forget to rest and stay hydrated!

10. Don’t be overwhelmed.

Setting up an ice rink in your backyard can feel daunting.

Did we measure it right? Is it big enough? Will it work?

These questions are more evident when you set up a backyard rink the conventional way.

There are far more variables to consider with refrigerated rinks and rinks with a liner and water.

Opting for a synthetic ice rink takes most of the hassle out of the setup.

With a couple of capable hands and some simple tools, anyone can set up a large backyard synthetic rink that everyone will love. 

Conclusion

In the end, a large synthetic rink in your backyard brings fun for you and your family.

If you have some junior hockey skaters at home, they’ll enjoy an intense three-on-three game.

Figure skaters, adult skaters, and skating mixers (because we love skating parties) will be fantastic.

Are you unsure how to set up your synthetic rink? Do you need help with costing and shipping?

Reach out to our team, and we’ll be happy to help.

We understand ice rinks of all kinds and what you’ll need for a synthetic ice rink for your backyard. 

Should your synthetic ice rink be indoors or outdoors?

A few decades ago, this was not an option if you wanted your personal ice rink.

Ice rinks were always outdoor options as you would skate on a frozen lake or create your backyard ice rink.

These backyard ice rinks need several steps.

Take some tarp, some wood, lots of water, and the right temperature.

If everything goes right, you should have a rink that lasts the winter.  

The creation of refrigerated rinks meant that ice could now go indoors.

You currently have hockey, figure skating, curling, and other ice sports indoors.

Indoor refrigerated ice rinks eventually came to the home, allowing smaller spaces this luxury.

However, refrigerated rinks can be expensive and difficult to set up.

For many, this is a niche, luxury item mainly for the rich that love skating.  

Synthetic Ice Changed the Game.  

At some point, you must have heard about – or skated on – synthetic ice (or artificial ice).

The surface (or panels) are made of a skatable polyethylene material that connects on the floor like puzzle pieces.

There are many providers (and a few imitators) currently being sold on the market.

PolyGlide Synthetic Ice is manufactured with a proprietary blend that provides optimal glide and performance and limits skate blade wear.

These materials allow for the best skating experience.  

Synthetic ice panels were mainly used in malls or large training centers.

However, advancements in design allow them to be customizable.

Now, the everyday skater can have a rink at home if they choose.

Best of all, these rinks could be indoors or outdoors.  

The Benefits of Synthetic Ice Rinks 

Synthetic ice rinks have distinct advantages over their refrigerated or natural counterparts, whether indoors or outdoors.  

• You won’t need to depend on the weather like natural rinks, for starters. These rinks need the First Freeze to make their rink solid. Your synthetic ice rink comes right out of the box, ready to skate. 
• You’ll save the water and energy it takes to set up alternative rinks outdoors. With your synthetic ice rink, you can install it indoors or outdoors while saving your water bill. This simple change makes synthetic ice a long-term, ‘green’ option. 
• High-quality synthetic ice is competitively priced. However, the cost is nothing compared to the costs involved with an outdoor or indoor rink. This needs rented (or bought) refrigeration systems, installation, and maintenance. 
• Synthetic ice rinks are highly durable, lasting up to 10 years or more with proper care. Imagine spending money on other rinks over ten winters! 
• Rinks are customizable. You can have circular rinks, rectangular rinks, and much more. Since you’ll have tiles at specific dimensions, space is not an issue.   

Synthetic ice is as simple as ordering and installing, but you’re here to decide whether your rink should be inside or outside.  

 

Should My rink be Indoors or Outdoors? 

Outdoor and indoor rinks have similar benefits.

Both are great ways to improve your endurance and strength.

For instance, skating improves your lower body and core.

It’s also essential to improve your skills, speed, and agility.

They are both easy to install and maintain.

Despite these similarities, each location will have some added benefits.  

Synthetic Ice Rink Indoors - Benefits

A synthetic ice rink indoors may sound like a massive rink for competitive hockey, but it isn’t.

When we use the term ‘rink,’ we mean any space that allows you or others to skate, even if it’s a small distance.

If you have a large room, barn, or indoor complex, that’s great.

However, indoor rinks have the advantage of scaling down, so a spare bedroom or garage is excellent too.

If you have kids passionate about hockey or figure skating, you can create a small indoor rink so they can practice specific skills like stick work or shooting.  

Indoor rinks are also out of the elements.

The cold is one of the charms of ice skating, but some people prefer to avoid the chilly weather.

An indoor ice rink gives you more control over the temperature or swings in the weather like rain.

Falling snow can also freeze your rink if you forget to cover it.

With an indoor rink, you can have cool (or toasty) training sessions during the winter.

Since your synthetic ice allows for training year-round, you can avoid those scorching summer days too.

You can adjust your temperature to emulate conditions in competitive play.  

These rinks also have the added benefit of security and safety.

Sometimes, skating can become competitive, which is a good thing.

However, you will still want to watch your little ones to avoid injury.

An indoor skating space means the kids can be active and constructive while safely inside.

With the evolving world due to the pandemic, an indoor rink at home limits the interaction of the skaters in the house, which may be the safer option in the short term.  

 

 

Synthetic Ice Rink Outdoors – Benefits 

So what about outside?

When we think about at-home rinks, outdoors is where it’s at.

For starters, you can place your synthetic ice tiles almost anywhere outdoors.

Driveways, backyards, decks, and even cul-de-sacs can be converted into an outdoor rink.

We’ve even seen rinks installed on top of pools! Like indoor rinks, you have lots of flexibility thanks to set dimensions with synthetic tiles or panels. 

Unlike indoor rinks, you have the possibility of scale.

Some people have large backyards that are begging for a massive outdoor rink.

Larger outdoor rinks mean skaters can build endurance and strength much faster.

Outdoor rinks allow for more skaters and even some 3-on-3 action.

This can help skaters become match-fit and more passionate about the game.  

Outdoor rinks mean that skaters need to face the elements.

Skating in the cold can help them acclimate to the cold rinks of competitive play.

It may be much colder than those rinks at times, but it can help build the mental toughness that skating sports often require.  

If staying exclusive is not a concern, outdoor rinks are great for community and family building.

You can invite a few neighbors, teammates, or friends to skate or play a competitive game.

An outdoor rink is also a great space for family time.

Have some fun skating on Friday night or have a chilly movie night on the rink.

When you have an outdoor rink, you’ll find more creative ways to use the space.

And you’ll enjoy the peaceful skating under the stars.  

 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Synthetic Ice Rink Outdoors? 

If you have decided to build a large, synthetic ice rink outdoors, some costs are involved.

The cost will be decided by a few factors: 

1. The size of the rink 
2. How much you’ll use the rink 
3. Added touches (walls, dasher boards, etc.) 

Most synthetic ice tiles are sold as a group of equally sized parts.

These parts can combine to make a small, square space for skating.

Use this information to calculate how many tiles you’ll need for the space, then factor in taxes and shipping.  

If you’re confident that your rink will see daily skating and heavy traffic, you’ll want to consider larger, more durable panels.

These panels are often for commercial use and are more expensive but can last longer than tiles.

Once you have your panels, you’ll also need to think about rink walls and dasher boards.

The rink walls will prevent stray pucks and skaters from falling out of the rink.

The dasher boards will help pucks to rebound during gameplay.

Work with your synthetic ice provider to find the best rink walls and dasher boards on the market.  

What About Indoors? Is the Cost the Same? 

With an indoor rink, your cost will depend on the size of the space.

Most indoor rink customers will install in smaller rooms like spare bedrooms, home gyms, or garages.

These smaller spaces require just a few synthetic ice tiles.

Larger rinks will need more tiles but may not command the cost of an outdoor rink.

You can still add dasher boards, goalposts, and other training aids.

However, the overall price should be cheaper. 

Go Outdoors – The Setup. 

An outdoor rink can be set up with a few simple steps. First, decide on your location.

It could be most of your backyard or a smaller, outdoor area.

Next, measure the location with tape or find out the exact square footage using an app.  

Before you order your tiles, you might need to check the grade of your space.

Many backyards aren’t level due to construction, for instance. 

Use this simple online guide to check if your yard is level.

Skating on uneven ice leads to a poor experience and increases the chances of injury.

If it’s not level, you’ll need to get some plywood boards first before installing the synthetic ice.  

Installing the ice is as simple as connecting your tiles with a rubber mallet.

To avoid injury, it is recommended to get some help for installation.

This is especially so if you’re installing panels vs. tiles.  

After installing the ice, you can install the rink walls and dasher boards.

Make sure to leave a few inches of space for this installation in your measurements.

Rink walls can be plywood, but there are professionally designed walls available online, so it’s down to personal preference.

Each wall will need a small beam attached to the outside for support.

Make sure and test the integrity of the walls before any skating.  

Once everything is in place, you and your kids can start skating! 

 

 

Setting Up Your Indoor Rink 

Some indoor spaces need much less planning and execution.

For instance, if you’re setting up in a part of your living room, you can do so without consultation with your provider.

Buy the rink out the box, install and enjoy.

Larger spaces will need more thought, but the general concept (a la outdoor rinks) remains.  

Measuring your space is important as you don’t want to buy too few or too many tiles.

Both can cost extra in tiles and shipping.

When measuring the space (for example, a large room), leave a few inches to compensate for dasher boards and the room’s walls.

Synthetic ice can swell slightly in hot temperatures, and this extra space helps.  

Most indoor rooms are already level so that you can install your rink with a soft mallet.

Once the boards are in place, you can install your goalpost, dasher board, or other training equipment.

Indoor rinks are great for small kids or teens looking to train specific skills, so they’ll want to use them immediately.  

Both indoor and outdoor rinks need some maintenance to perform like the first time.

Clean the tiles with warm soapy water and a soft brush or Swiffer mop.

This takes off the shavings that can develop over time with metal skates.

Finally, make sure to pick up a glide enhancer or other product to keep your tiles smooth.

Reapplying this product from time to time will improve the lifespan of your tiles. 

Conclusion

Indoor and outdoor rinks are just a matter of preference.

Both bring the joy of lacing up skates and having fun at home, whether that’s in the backyard or the back room.

There’s also cost and time to install a larger outdoor rink versus a smaller indoor space.

If you can work out the costs, then you can make a more concrete decision: 

• Do you want a space that can bring people together to get the most out of the rink? Then go outdoors. 
• Is it solely to hone specific skills in the off-season? Indoor may be best. 

Assess the pros and cons outlined here, and then make the best decision based on your space and resources.

If you’re still having trouble deciding, use our Quote Questionnaire to help you get clear on your needs.

We’ve helped hundreds of skating enthusiasts build indoor and outdoor rinks of different sizes and shapes.

We will get back to you with some ideas that will best suit your needs.