Most people would tell you that the most important thing about a playground is how fun it is, but we follow a different philosophy. In our eyes, nothing is more important than safety. If you don’t have reliable safety features, nobody can truly have fun. That’s why we only provide the safest playground equipment available. But it’s not all about swings and slides. Playground surfacing plays a crucial role in the well-being of the kids who show up to feed their adventurous spirits.
With that in mind, there are various types of playground surfacing options that can serve different purposes and priorities. In this blog, we’ll cover them all and give you the information you need to determine which is best for your playground.
Poured In Place Rubber
Looking for a unitary surface that looks good without compromising safety? Consider poured in place rubber—also known as PIP rubber. As the name implies, it’s poured into the playground area cures before creating the final product.
Why It’s Safe
- It provides great fall protection (even in high-impact zones) thanks to its two-layer system that consists of a shredded rubber base and colored top layer of rubber.
- Doesn’t hold water thanks to its drainage capabilities.
Where It Works Best
High-traffic areas like public parks and school playgrounds can benefit greatly from PIP rubber. With so many kids coming and going, durable, long-lasting playground surfacing is a must.
Rubber Tiles
These pre-formed, interlocking tiles are made from recycled rubber materials. Thanks to this modular nature, they can be easily installed, maintained, and even replaced.
Why It’s Safe
- Rubber tiles offer strong shock absorption as well as slip resistance.
- If one tile becomes damaged, it’s easy to replace it without damaging any of the tiles surrounding it.
- The surface boasts a consistent texture that follows ADA standards.
Where It Works Best
These tiles are frequently found in urban areas or small playgrounds. In these places where space is limited, it’s important to have playground surfacing that can be easily maintained.
Engineered Wood Fiber
Seeking a natural look for your playground? Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a great option that doesn’t skimp on the safety rating. This loose-fill option does a great job of creating a soft, impact-absorbing surface that will break even the nastiest falls.
Why It’s Safe
- It meets crucial fall-height standards—assuming it’s been properly installed and maintained.
- It has natural impact attenuation that reduces the risk of injuries.
- When compacted correctly, it follows ADA standards.
Where It Works Best
If you’re looking for a more organic appearance for your playground, this is a great choice! It’s budget-friendly and safe as can be.
Bonded Rubber Mulch
If you weren’t sold on PIP rubber but still want a single, solid surface, look no further. Made through a process of binding shredded pieces of rubber into this single-piece area, bonded rubber mulch offers the natural look given by traditional mulch without the associated mess!
Why It’s Safe
- High durability and fall protection are both on display here.
- This unitary option prevents displacement.
- It offers superior drainage and stands strong against various weather conditions.
Where It Works Best
Bonded rubber mulch is perfect for park playgrounds as well as nature-themed areas that seek to blend a rustic aesthetic with modern-day safety standards.
Synthetic Turf with Shock Pads
If you really want to mimic the look of nature, why not choose a surface that looks just like grass? Of course, the big difference here is that unlike grass, synthetic turf has built-in padding and more consistent coverage than the real thing.
Why It’s Safe
- The shock pads that are underneath the top layer have impressive impact absorption capabilities.
- Tripping and falling hazards are reduced thanks to the soft, unitary surface.
- The surface stays dry and slip-resistant thanks to fast drainage.
Where It Works Best
There are plenty of playground surface options, but this one is perfect for combining aesthetics, safety, and low maintenance. Because of these features, synthetic turf is frequently used in multipurpose areas that have several different pieces of equipment.
Discover the Best Playground Surface Options at Metro Recreation
With so many playground surface options available, it’s important to know the difference between all of them. Poured in place rubber, rubber tiles, engineered wood fiber, bonded rubber mulch, and synthetic turf all offer significant safety benefits, but they can vary greatly in other aspects. If you’ve made your choice on playground surfacing—or want further expert guidance on which is best for your playground—get in touch with us at Metro Recreation. We’ll be happy to make your playground the best it can be!
