When designing a playground, choosing the right surface material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right material can protect kids from minor falls and keep them safe. There are several different surfaces to choose from, and each has its pros and cons. Whichever surface you choose, it’s important to remember that quality is important—a cheap product could mean a serious injury for a child.
The best playground surface options material is made from non-toxic, recycled materials and will provide excellent shock absorption. It’s also low maintenance and long-lasting. In addition, it’s easy to install and is suitable for all ages and abilities. However, each playground project is unique, and you’ll want to take the time to consider all of your options.
There are two categories of playground surfacing: unitary and loose-fill surfaces. Loose-fill surfacing includes pea gravel, sand and engineered wood fiber (EWF). These loose materials contain no chemicals or binders and have a natural look. They’re available in a wide variety of colors and can be installed to any depth. However, they’re susceptible to displacement, so they must be raked and replenished regularly to maintain the appropriate depth. Loose-fill surface materials may require the use of wear mats, which will help prevent them from being kicked away and dispersed around frequently used areas like under swings or at the base of slides.
Another good choice is shredded rubber, which is made from 100% recycled, non-flammable products and is IPEMA certified. It’s available in a wide range of colors and is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. However, it does not offer as much cushioning as other loose-fill surfaces and can be difficult to maintain, especially in high traffic areas. It is prone to moving around and becoming uneven, so it’s not an ideal surface for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues.
Other loose-fill options include bark mulch and sand. These surfaces are typically made from recycled materials and can be colored to match your playground design theme. But they’re also more likely to move around and need regular raking, especially in high-traffic areas. They’re also not as long-lasting as other loose-fill options and may not meet ADA safety standards for accessibility.
Unitary surface materials, such as poured-in-place and artificial grass, are typically more expensive upfront but require less maintenance over the life of the play area. They’re also ADA compliant and meet ASTM safety standards. In addition, they’re weed-free and drought-tolerant and won’t need watering or fertilization. They’re also hard-wearing and last longer than loose-fill surfaces. But they’re not suitable for every environment and can be abrasive on children’s shoes.