What Is Synthetic Ice? How It Works, What It’s Made Of & What to Expect

Synthetic ice is a specially engineered plastic skating surface designed to allow you to skate with real hockey or figure skates without refrigeration, water or cold temperatures.

Instead of freezing water to create a rink, synthetic ice uses durable interlocking panels that form a smooth, skateable surface. The result is a rink that can be installed in a basement, garage, backyard, training facility or commercial space and used year-round.

If you’re just beginning to research synthetic ice, start with our Complete Guide to Synthetic Ice for an overview of synthetic ice panels, applications, costs, installation and rink options.

How Does Synthetic Ice Work?

Real ice allows a skate blade to glide across a frozen surface with very little resistance. Synthetic ice approaches the same challenge differently.

Modern synthetic ice panels are manufactured from specially engineered polymers designed to create a durable, low-friction skating surface. When properly installed, the individual panels connect to create a continuous surface that allows sharpened skate blades to glide across them.

There is more friction than skating on refrigerated ice, so synthetic ice will not feel exactly the same as conventional ice. However, a quality synthetic surface allows skaters to perform many of the same movements they perform on real ice, including:

• Forward and backward skating
• Starts and stops
• Crossovers
• Turns and transitions
• Edge work
• Stickhandling
• Passing
• Shooting
• Goalie training

For hockey players in particular, that makes synthetic ice useful for creating additional training time away from the rink.

What Is Synthetic Ice Made Of?

Synthetic ice is made from high-performance plastic engineered specifically to withstand repeated contact with sharpened skate blades.

Not all synthetic ice is manufactured the same way. The type of polymer, manufacturing process, panel construction, additives, surface characteristics and connection system can all influence glide, durability and the overall skating experience.

Skate Anytime panels are engineered specifically for skating, puck movement and hockey training.

You can learn more about the design and construction of our panels in The Panel Matters – Skate Anytime Synthetic Ice Features.

Can You Really Skate on Synthetic Ice?

Yes.

One of the most common misconceptions about synthetic ice is that it is simply a smooth plastic surface used for stickhandling. True synthetic ice is designed to be skated on using sharpened metal skate blades.

That distinguishes synthetic ice from dryland hockey training tiles, which are designed primarily for shooting, passing and stickhandling while wearing athletic shoes rather than ice skates.

With synthetic ice, players can train in the same hockey skates they use on traditional ice.

Do You Need Special Skates for Synthetic Ice?

No. Standard hockey and recreational ice skates can be used on Skate Anytime synthetic ice.

Figure skates can also be used, although proper sharpening and blade condition are especially important.

Because synthetic ice creates more friction than refrigerated ice, blades may require sharpening more frequently depending on the amount and intensity of use.

Does Synthetic Ice Feel Like Real Ice?

Synthetic ice is designed to simulate the skating experience of real ice, but it is important to have realistic expectations: it is not frozen water.

There is typically more resistance when skating on synthetic ice. Skaters may notice this most when first stepping onto the surface.

For training, however, that additional resistance isn’t necessarily a disadvantage. Players can still work on skating mechanics, balance, edges, transitions, puck control, shooting and other hockey skills while getting valuable repetitions away from the rink.

For a more detailed comparison, see our guide to Synthetic Ice vs. Real Ice.

Where Can Synthetic Ice Be Installed?

One of the biggest advantages of synthetic ice is flexibility.

Synthetic ice can be installed indoors or outdoors over a suitable hard, relatively flat and level surface.

Common locations include:

• Basements
• Garages
• Backyards
• Patios
• Driveways
• Training facilities
• Hockey facilities
• Schools and universities
• Community spaces
• Hotels and resorts
• Event venues
• Party and event rental applications

Because there is no refrigeration system, chiller, water supply or freezing process required, a synthetic rink can be installed in places where traditional ice would be impractical or prohibitively expensive.

Can Synthetic Ice Be Used Outdoors?

Yes. Quality synthetic ice can be installed outdoors and used throughout the year.

Unlike refrigerated ice, the surface doesn’t need cold weather to remain skateable. That makes it possible to train or skate during the summer as well as the winter.

The installation surface should still be properly prepared, and outdoor rinks need to be kept reasonably clean because dirt, leaves, sand and other debris can affect skating performance.

How Much Maintenance Does Synthetic Ice Require?

Synthetic ice requires considerably less infrastructure and ongoing maintenance than refrigerated ice.

There is no:

• Refrigeration system
• Chiller
• Water consumption for resurfacing
• Zamboni
• Ice-making process

The primary job is simply keeping the skating surface clean.

Dust and debris should be removed regularly, and outdoor installations may occasionally require deeper cleaning.

How Long Does Synthetic Ice Last?

A quality synthetic ice rink can provide many years of skating when properly installed and maintained.

Unlike real ice, the surface doesn’t melt. Normal skate marks and scratches will develop with use, but these are expected and do not necessarily affect the performance or structural integrity of the panels.

Skate Anytime synthetic ice panels are backed by a 5-Year Structural Warranty covering cracks or breakage of the skating surface or interlocking system.

Another advantage of a modular panel system is that your rink doesn’t have to remain the same size forever.

You can start with a smaller training surface and add additional panels later as your space, budget or training needs change.

What Size Synthetic Ice Rink Do You Need?

There isn’t one ideal rink size for everyone.

The right size depends primarily on:

• Available space
• Player age
• Training goals
• Number of skaters
• Intended drills and activities
• Budget

A compact rink can provide plenty of space for stickhandling, shooting, puck control and basic skating work. Larger surfaces provide more room for stride development, transitions, passing, movement and more game-like training.

If you already know the dimensions of your available space, use our Build My Synthetic Ice Rink tool to enter your length and width and see the finished rink size and price.

You can also browse our Pre-Sized Synthetic Ice Rinks, including compact skills pads through larger home training centers.

For larger or more complex installations, our Plan My Rink service provides personalized sizing, layout and product recommendations.

Is Synthetic Ice Worth It?

That depends on what you want from the surface.

For hockey players and families, the primary advantage is access.

Instead of driving to a rink and paying for scheduled ice time every time a player wants to practice, synthetic ice creates a skating and training surface that is available at home.

For facilities, schools, municipalities and commercial operators, synthetic ice can create a skating attraction without the refrigeration equipment and operating requirements associated with conventional ice.

The value ultimately comes from being able to skate more often, in more places and throughout the year.

Learn More About Synthetic Ice

Synthetic ice can range from a small home hockey training surface to a large recreational or commercial rink.

If you’re still researching your options, visit our Complete Guide to Synthetic Ice for information about rink applications, pricing, installation, maintenance and choosing the right synthetic ice system.

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Build My Synthetic Ice Rink — Enter your dimensions and instantly explore a rink for your space.

Shop Pre-Sized Synthetic Ice Rinks — Browse ready-to-order rink sizes for home hockey training.

Plan My Rink — Tell us about your project and our rink specialists will help determine the right size, layout and solution.