Frequently Asked Questions

At CA HOCKEY, we take pride in delivering the world’s most advanced synthetic ice tiles, engineered with precision and performance in mind. Our tiles are manufactured using Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)as the core material—widely recognized for its unmatched durability, self-lubricating properties, and superior glide.

But we didn’t stop there.

Over the past eight years, our development team has refined and perfected a proprietary material formula, enhancing the natural benefits of UHMW-PE and creating a skating surface that rivals real ice.

Yes! Our tiles are designed for use with real metal-blade hockey or figure skates. No special blades are required.

Our surface provides up to 95% of the glide of real ice. While it’s not identical, most users quickly adapt and find it excellent for shooting, stickhandling, and skating drills.

Anywhere! Our synthetic ice works great on flat, hard surfaces like:

• Garages
• Basements
• Driveways
• Patios
• Indoor / Outdoor training  spaces
  It's weather-resistant, so outdoor use is perfectly fine year-round.

No tools required. Simply snap them together with our patented interlocking system. You can set up a small rink in less than 30 minutes.  Avoid permanent adhesives or screws.

• Surface must be flat and stable (concrete, wood, smooth tiles)
• Avoid setting up over gravel, soft dirt, or bumpy grass
• Clean the surface regularly for the best glide
• Indoors = longer tile life due to less UV/wear

No. Our tiles are self-lubricating — they don’t require any additional glide enhancer. Just install and skate.

Just sweep or vacuum debris and use a damp mop or mild cleaner to wipe the surface. No special maintenance is needed.

With regular use, our tiles typically last 5–7 years.

Skating on synthetic surfaces may cause slightly faster dulling than real ice. We recommend sharpening your skates about twice as often as you would on real ice.

Normal wear and tear on synthetic ice tiles refers to the expected and natural signs of use over time from regular skating and maintenance.

• Surface Scratches
  Light to moderate scratches caused by skate blades are normal and inevitable. These don’t affect glide performance much and are expected.
• Blade Marks or Scuffing
  White streaks or blade marks will appear from hockey stops, turns, or drills. These are cosmetic and do not mean the tiles are damaged.
• Minor Shaving Dust
  After heavy use, some tiles may produce a fine plastic “dust” or shaving. Regular cleaning (sweeping or vacuuming) helps maintain performance.
• Slight Dulling of Glide Over Time
  As tiles wear in, the surface may feel slightly less slick than when new, but this can often be improved with synthetic ice glide enhancer spray or cleaner.
• Edge Wear at Seams (Interlocking Points)
  Edges where tiles connect might see a little rounding or chipping over long-term use, especially if skaters stop heavily near tile joints.

While our tiles are optimized for ice skates, they are also safe to walk on. Inline skates can be used, but the feel will differ significantly.

Leave Expansion Gaps

• Allow at least 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3–6 mm) between tiles or at the perimeter (near walls, boards, etc.).
• Avoid installing tiles edge-to-edge with no give.

Install on a Stable, Level Surface

• Use concrete, compacted gravel, pavers, or flat decking.
• Avoid asphalt if it gets very hot (it can soften and affect tile shape).

Avoid Direct Sun if Possible

• If the rink is in full sun, use shade structures or UV-resistant covers when not in use.
• Very high surface heat (>100°F or 38°C) can soften plastic slightly and reduce glide.

Floating Installation Preferred

• Let the rink “float” slightly rather than anchoring tightly to a frame, especially in climates with strong temperature changes.

Periodic Inspection

• Check for lifting edges, tight seams, or spreading tiles seasonally.
• Adjust gaps or re-align as needed.

If you’re in Southern California, where temps may range from 40°F in winter mornings to 100°F in summer, your synthetic ice tiles could expand/contract nearly 1 inch per 20 feet. Designing the rink with flexible seams and regular checks will keep things working smoothly.

Thermal expansion and contraction are critical considerations when using synthetic ice tiles outdoors, especially in places with wide temperature swings like in the U.S. or Canada.

Synthetic ice tiles are usually made of HDPE or UHMW-PE. These plastics expand in heat and contract in cold, which can cause:

• Buckling or warping if tiles are installed too tightly without expansion gaps
• Gaps or misalignment in cold weather if there’s no room to contract
• HDPE and UHMWPE have a thermal expansion coefficient of about
  100 – 200 µm/m·°C (0.0001 – 0.0002 in/in·°F)
• That means a 10-foot-long rink could expand over 1/2 inch in very hot sun compared to cold conditions.

Yes. We ship across the United States. For international orders, please contact us for a custom quote.(Click for more details)

Yes. All tiles come with a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. We're confident in our product — and stand behind it 100%.

Yes, we offer volume discounts for training centers, schools, and resellers. Please refer to the page of Partner With Us for more information.