What Is an Artificial Ice Skating Rink's Surface Made Of?

Synthetic ice was first developed in the 1960s, according to Global Synthetic Ice. An alternative to refrigerated rinks, synthetic ice is touted as a recyclable, environmentally friendly choice for commercial and home use.

  1. Materials

    • Modern artificial ice rinks are made out of a type of plastic, a heavy-duty polymer blend, that allows a skate's blade to glide on its surface. Some artificial ice products, such as Super-Glide, release chemicals to mimic ice melting when a skate glides through real ice. Other artificial ice surfaces require a lubricant to facilitate blade movement.

    Construction

    • The thickness of the panels can be from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch and measured for commercial or home use. They range from 48 feet by 48 feet to 48 feet by 96 feet. Panels snap together to form custom rinks.

    Upkeep

    • Most artificial ice rinks are available for indoor and outdoor use. Artificial ice rinks can last 10 to 20 years, depending on how well they are kept and how heavily they are used. Surfaces can be swept or vacuumed clean.