Playgrounds are fun and stimulating, helping little ones exercise, socialize, and learn. At the same time, even with height-appropriate play equipment and adult supervision, slips and falls can happen. Using safety-enhancing surfacing can reduce bone fractures by 79% and the risk of severe head injury by 75%.
Installing safe playground surfacing material on the ground in and surrounding the play area is essential. By helping to create a safer environment, the right surface can make your playground more accessible and inclusive. At the same time, you may be wondering what materials are available and what is the best playground surface material?
Various surfacing materials exist, including engineered wood fiber (EWF), artificial grass or turf, rubber tiles, and poured-in-place (PIP) safety surfacing. Each has pros and cons.
Made from natural wood fiber that’s mulched and often processed to “knit” together, EWF is an eco-friendly and sustainable option that offers a soft and cushioned surface that also looks natural. It complies with basic Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, is affordable, and contains no harsh chemicals.
Additionally, EWF absorbs water well..a. Although considered a “loose fill material,” it’s less likely to splinter than other even “looser” wood surfacing, such as landscape mulch or wood chips.
At the same time, EWF can splinter, allows grasses, and weed growth, may not offer access to wheelchairs . It’s also less cushioning than contemporary rubber options which often exceed safety guidelines and requires a thick layer of at least nine inches installed for safety benefits. It remains among the most popular and increasingly used safety surfacing materials.
This material costs around $4 per meter installed. However, it will require regular additional layers, timing will depend on usage and extent of usage, to maintain absorbency and may need additional wear mats at high-traffic spots. Beyond top-ups, an EWF surface requires complete replacement approximately every eight years, increasing its long-term cost.
Turf is an artificial grass made from synthetic materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene designed to look like the real thing. However, unlike natural grass, turf requires minimal maintenance beyond regular sweeping.
Its multiple ADA-compliant layers of fiber help provide cushioning in playgrounds. Turf is also attractive and customizable regarding color, texture, length, and density. The material is hypoallergenic, with no grass staining, insects, or mud. Additionally, damaged portions are easily repairable or replaceable.
Disadvantages relative to other materials include that, without additional padding, turf offers less shock absorption and protection. Artificial grass also tends to accumulate water, requiring rinsing, and is less durable. The material is vulnerable to substantial wear and tear with continued and heavy use, and temperature change warping.
Rubber tiles are versatile, durable even under heavy use and weather conditions, easy to maintain, and color, pattern, and texture customizable for creative designs. The material is affordable and easy to install, is springy and offers good impact absorption, is a safe, smooth surface if well installed, and is usually ADA-compliant.
On the other hand, rubber tiling is more expensive than loose fit materials. If not properly installed, the tiles can be uneven and a trip hazard, and can present gaps that are difficult to manage when using mobility devices, and harbor unhygienic debris and dirt. The material can also have a less natural appearance than wood fiber, for example, and can warp when exposed to temperature and weather extremes.
Rubber surfacing is highly rated for safety, especially when professionally installed, water-resistant, and can last for more than 15 years. This advantage makes the material a desirable and often first choice for playground owners, planners, and maintainers..
Poured-in-place (PIP) or wet-pour rubber surfacing is springy, versatile, durable, crumble- and splinter-free, and close to maintenance-free. The surfacing is ADA and ASTM compliant. This feature makes PIP among the best playground surfacing materials.
The rubber mixture is made from natural materials, making it free of allergens and harsh chemicals. It also offers increased opportunities for creative customization and one-of-a-kind outcomes, including bespoke graphics.
Quality mixes may include Thermoplastic Vulcanizates (TPV) or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber granules. Installers add a cushion layer of shredded recycled rubber tires, and a binder. The surface is unitary, porous, and slip-proof.
The nature of the materials means they’re temperature and crack-resistant, staying flat and supple longer than most other surface options. The unitary surface stays smooth and intact, making PIP rubber ideal for mobility devices and users with disabilities.
Upfront costs are higher than other materials, but with quality, reliability, and durability you can expect a lifespan of 15 years or more. This convenience and longevity make the additional initial expense for PIP a value for money investment. The material can also harden over time, especially in cold, dry climates. Should this happen, a professional can quickly top up the surface with a fresh layer of rubber.
Choosing the right safety surface material for your playground is vital to ensure your little users’ wellbeing and carefree enjoyment. Along with prioritizing user safety with the best safety-first surface material within your budget. Design an inclusive playground that’s intuitively laid out with age-appropriate, accessible equipment.
Playworld’s expert design and craftsmanship produces safe, high-quality products for preschool and school-age children. Our standalone pieces and customizable modular sets meet every play area space, need and theme. Please also chat to us about any funding needs, as we are passionate about every child having a safe, accessible play space, and here to advise and assist.
Complement your low-maintenance surface and protect your users’ health with our easy to clean products. Contact Playworld today to discuss your dream playground. We’ll help you build it from the safest playground surface material up to the most exciting, stimulating, and inclusive playground rides and experiences.
Sources:
https://www.rubcorp.com/pros-and-cons-of-artificial-turf-for-playgrounds
https://adventureturf.com/article/pros-cons-engineered-wood-fiber-ewf-playground-flooring/
https://playworld.com/?lang=can#gref
