Floor Covering

It has to be carpet, and closed loop is probably best. If you want good carpet, go and see what your local hospital uses in the passages.

I had a industrial carpet, 32 oz. pile double loop installed 3 seasons ago and it is standing up real well showing no signs of wear.

We are tackling this same problem. John, you are very strong on carpet. Have you seen anyone use the rubber matting used in hockey arenas? What are the concerns with it.

Two things come to mind. The easiest way to clean the matting is to wash it, which leaves at least some water behind. Step on that and then on the ice and it is likely you'll slip, so everyone will have to stay off it until dry. The moisture also adds to the humidity in the rink. The other thing is that stones are often lifted onto the matting when cold, and some of the rubber/plastic will freeze onto the stone, usually the running band. I did it once in a friend's place and was horrified when I saw what had happened!

Of course, there are many different kinds of rubber/plastic matting and you might well find one that isn't a problem. I just feel that carpet is easy to clean and looks the part in whatever colours you choose, but if it isn't closed loop you'll need a good vacuum to keep up with the fibres (which do become less and less after a few weeks of regular cleaning!).

Dory, we looked into the rubber matting for our new club and discovered the same thing. It gets slippery when wet, so a little pebble water on it is not good. It also was more expensive than good carpet.

We also debated just plain wood (like Norfolk).

we have what is called virgin rubber around the entire rink. before we clean the sheet we just sweep the mat off on to the ice then clean the sheet. haven't seen anything work better. we are building a brand new state of the art 12 sheet facility and trust me there won't be any!! carpet.

Wow! I'm really happy for you! In my humble opinion, cleaning carpet is one hell of a lot easier than cleaning ice, and sweeping dirt onto the ice is like asking the blade to be chipped on a grain of sand.....

Steve, What club are you at?

Steve, What club are you at?

One of our problems is the size of our side walkways. They are very narrow which makes them very hard to vacuum. We have looked into the matting they used at the Pepsi arena in Buffalo but it seems like it can "crumble" if it's abused too much. We have a sand base and no matter what we do, the carpet gets filled with sand during the off season. (We are always having to repair something) Steve, is your club part of the Ottawa's men's spiel? I'm wondering if any of our teams were there.

If your side boards are small.... ever think about just getting rid of them? Just make them smaller so you can't walk on them. and since you have sand you can add another row of pipes. I know of a club that is just about to do that this summer... For them to get rid of the boards it means 1) Wider sheets to become closer to regulation... 2)No more carpet on the sides to get dirty 3)Able to put more insulation against the wall(helps prevent falls toward wall due to sublimation) 4)able to put more pipes towards the wall(to also prevent falls)

Also, no boards means that people can't warm up their shoes(or pick up any debris) as they walk down the sheet or wait for the next shot... Thus no, or less, foot prints due to hot feet...

Just an idea...