Suppose you are an avid figure skater or a hockey player. In that case, you know that independent practice time is vital because only being on the ice for your lessons can slow your progression. While public rinks provide an ideal space to get more time on the ice, they can become crowded. Moreover, some figure skating moves may be limited or not allowed in compacted public rinks for safety reasons. So, why not set up your room using synthetic ice rink?
Why Use Synthetic Ice Rink?
Although the idea of skating on something other than natural ice seems daunting, you can rest assured that the technology employed is backed by years of evolution. The ice panels are solid polymer sheets fabricated from a very-high molecular weight – high-density polyethylene (VHMW-HDPE) plastic. This strong wear-resistant plastic polymer used in synthetically-made ice is lightweight, sturdy, and can withstand friction.
In addition, the synthetic ice panels are very easy to install using methods such as groove, dovetail, flush edge, and tongue to form an artificial ice skating surface. Because synthetic ice sheets/panels connect like puzzle pieces, they can fit any size or shape of your home’s indoor or outdoor space. You can have as many or few sheets as needed.
As such, most people typically install rinks in their backyards, while others maximize the available space inside their homes. The following are essential things to consider and steps to follow before investing in synthetic ice.
How to Set Up Your Room Using Synthetic Ice Rink
If you’re tired of the back-and-forth drive to the rink or want more ice time to improve your form, you can use synthetic ice panels to create an at-home rink. Here are seven simple steps to follow.
1. Pick the Room
The first thing to think about is the room. To construct a multipurpose space, select the part of your home that’s the least cluttered and easiest to set up or tear down. The garage, basement, or spacious spare room presents excellent opportunities to turn them into an ice rink. Any room should suffice, provided it is sizable enough to enable ice skating moves and be free of any clutter that can break or get in the way of your figure skating moves.
2. Measure Your Space
Synthetic ice panels can fit any room. However, you still need to measure your space to determine the size and number of synthetic panels needed to install your practice rink.
3. Choose Your Panels
Pick panels that best suit your overall needs and budget based on your measurements, making sure they are infused with an anti-slip agent to reduce surface friction. The anti-slip agent additive ensures you do not have to apply surface glide enhancers.
4. Prepare Installation Tools
It would be ideal to use a professional to prepare uneven floors and install your ice skating panels. Nonetheless, if it is a D.I.Y job, get a rubber mallet, tape, and plywood to prepare irregular flooring and mount the ice sheets.
5. Opt for the Garage
Garages are perfect for someone practicing advanced ice skating or hockey training drills. In case this is the place you have chosen to set up your room using a synthetic ice rink, get some extra hands to remove any clutter. Then, using a mallet, place your tiles down. Note that garage spaces are known to retain high temperatures, which may cause the tiles to swell up slightly. So, leave at least half an inch of space to compensate for this. Consider getting a tarp you can spread over the tiles if cars park there, too.
6. Use Your Basement
Some basements are roomier than garages, making them excellent areas to create a home skating rink where you can practice without disturbing the rest of the family. Just like the garage, clear out the basement, use plywood if you need to create a flat surface, and ensure there is proper ventilation. Don’t forget to install trim around the rink wall for that authentic ice skating rink feel.
7. Conduct Regular Maintenance
Because synthetic ice is not mechanically fastened in any way, it can leave space for dirt and debris to accumulate underneath. Whether you use infused or non-infused synthetic ice sheets, both should be free of dirt to help maintain optimal performance. Rinse an outdoor rink either by power-washing it or with a hose using a fine spray.
Utilize any neutral soap and a brush or soft scrub mop for indoor rinks to break up or loosen any caked-in dirt or stubborn scuff marks. Even though some synthetic skating panels are infused with a conditioner for smoother skating, you may require a special conditioner to reapply occasionally.
Why KwikRink Synthetic Ice?
Over 30 years of combined experience allows our specialist team at KwikRink Synthetic Ice to work with skating fans, hockey players, and figure skaters to recreate their perfect rinks. We take pride in using first-rate products to build commercial and residential rinks that our clients enjoy.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today for the construction and quick installation of any indoor or outdoor location.
