When most people think of ice rinks, they focus on the ice pad itself. But the skating rink floor surfaces around the ice are just as important. Many rink operators opt to use hockey rink mat products made of rubber to properly complete their rink setups. Safeguarding skate blades, providing anti-slip surfacing and ensuring the rink’s base floors are protected, a rubber skating rink floor is a vital addition to any ice rink, whether it hosts professional NHL hockey or peewee practices.

It is clear that hockey rink mat products, or other variations of rubber flooring, make vital additions to ice rinks of all sizes. Making the rink as safe as possible for visitors, whether they are on or off the ice, is of paramount importance. A hockey rink mat will do just that, as well as protecting floors and skates from damage. Leave nothing up to chance with high-quality rubber flooring!

Perhaps the key characteristic of a rubber hockey rink mat is that it is durable and resilient. These mats or rubber flooring rolls are laid around the edges of the rink in walkways, hockey team benches and seating areas. This flooring will naturally withstand a high level of foot traffic, both from spectators and from skaters walking to and from the ice surface. A skating rink floor needs to be able to handle the constant trample of sharp skate blades across it, absorbing these impacts and protecting the sub-floors. Rubber can do just that. It is tough and durable to physical abrasions, and hard-wearing enough to provide a long-term skating floor solution.

Those considering the addition of a hockey rink mat also need to take safety into account. In an ice rink, that means keeping your feet under you – which is just as important off the ice as it is on it. Anyone who has tried to walk across concrete or any other slick surface wearing ice skates will know how hard it can be to keep your footing. A rubber hockey rink mat will help to eliminate that danger. Rubber has a high coefficient of friction and can dramatically increase traction, allowing skaters to walk easily to and from the ice in their skates. Some rubber flooring will feature surface texturing which further enhances this grip.

As well as protecting flooring surfaces, a hockey rink mat will protect the skate blades themselves. Purchasing ice skates and having the blades sharpened is an expensive business. If a skating rink floor is made of rigid and abrasive materials such as concrete, it can harm the skates. The best way to keep the blades in great condition is with a cushioning rubber skating floor. This will allow hockey players and figure skaters alike to walk to the ice without fear of breaking their blades, even if they are not wearing skate guards.

Another important feature of a rubber hockey rink mat is that it will be non-porous and waterproof. When people step off the ice their skates will be wet and dripping across the skating rink floor. A rubber skating floor will not be damaged by constant moist conditions. Some hockey rink mat products might have drainage holes or channels, which help by draining standing water away from the flooring surface so that it does not create a hazard. Rubber will still provide traction, even when wet, making it the perfect ice rink material.

Not only is rubber not damaged by water dripping from soaking ice skates, it also does not allow bacteria such as mold to develop. In most cold and wet settings mold is a consistent problem. But a hockey rink mat made from rubber will prevent mold from forming, making the rink a safer and more hygienic environment.

A skating rink floor made from rubber can come in different forms. The main options to choose between are mats, tiles and rolls, all of which have slightly different advantages. Mats will come in set sizes to cover a specific spot, and can be moved easily as and when needed. These can be particularly effective when place in high-traffic areas, such as at the gate onto the ice. Modular interlocking tiles are also available. These tiles are attached together using connecting pins or interlocking edges to create a flooring surface than can be expanded to any size by adding further tiles. A single piece of continuous rubber roll could also be used. Having these different options provides plenty of versatility to fit any space, be it a walkway, hockey team bench, rink gate entrance or any other area. Each option has unique benefits, but they are all extremely easy to install and will provide outstanding skating floor options.