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Pros & Cons: Rubber Mulch for Playground Surfacing

When playground administrators have chosen to install loose-fill material, they often find themselves comparing either rubber mulch (also called shredded rubber mulch, tire mulch, rubber nuggets, rubber pellets, recycled rubber mulch, rubber chips, or loose fill rubber), wood chips (such as landscape mulch), or engineered wood fiber mulch (EWF). All of those are considered loose-fill materials. On the other hand, unitary playground surfaces are all connected (ex. poured-in-place (PIP) playground flooring, rubber playground tiles, bonded rubber mulch).

Rubber Mulch is Popular, But is it the Best Option for Playground Flooring?

Recycled Tire Mulch for Playgrounds
Playground rubber mulch (also known as tire mulch or shredded rubber mulch)

Today’s playgrounds look much different than they did even a decade ago. The drive to make playgrounds safer and accessible to children with special needs has led to significant developments in the technology used to manufacture the materials that go into making playgrounds. Playground flooring, in particular, has undergone significant improvements. If they’re not already, playgrounds with asphalt or concrete surfacing will become extinct because they simply don’t make sense anymore. There are plenty of newer, safer, and cost-effective materials to choose from.

So, is rubber mulch a good option for playground surfacing? It’s certainly popular. But we all know that “popular” doesn’t always mean “best”. Let’s examine the pros and cons of using rubber mulch for playground flooring. Whether you’re installing a brand new playground or resurfacing an existing one, you’re probably wondering about these four topics:

Safety of Rubber Mulch Playground Flooring

One of the basic and most important considerations in playground safety is how its surfacing impacts its critical fall height requirements, which have to do with shock absorbency. The regulations surrounding fall height take into account the vertical distance between the highest-designated play surface on a piece of equipment, and the playground surface beneath it (see this PDF: Public Playground Safety Handbook from the Consumer Product Safety Commission for more details). These requirements come from American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution tasked by the federal government with setting industry safety standards.

Pros:

  • If using the right type of rubber mulch and installed in a proper manner, rubber mulch can be able to provide an adequate degree of protection to children, meeting acceptable ASTM standards. From the Consumer Product Safety Commission: “There are also rubber mulch products that are designed specifically for use as playground surfacing. Make sure they have been tested to and comply with ASTM F1292.” (source)
  • Experts agree that rubber materials make for the safest playground surfaces.
  • In addition, most manufacturers of rubber mulch utilize safe materials that are mostly free of wire, fiber, plastic, wood, and other undesirable contaminants.
Shredded Rubber Mulch for Playgrounds
Sticks, leafs, stones, and sharp objects can become buried in playground rubber mulch

Cons:

  • It’s easy for litter, debris, and foreign objects to become buried in the mulch, posing a potential safety hazard. The CPSC warns that “Recycled tire rubber mulch products should be inspected before installation to ensure that all metal has been removed.”
  • When in direct sunlight, the surface can get hot.
  • Ask anyone using a wheelchair, walker, scooter, etc and they’ll tell you it’s tough (if not impossible) to get around on tire mulch. So if you’re looking for an accessible playground flooring option that doesn’t cause mobility issues for those with disabilities, you should probably consider something like rubber tiles or poured rubber.
  • You’ll also need to spend time keeping an eye out for insects building homes in the mulch.

Cost of Rubber Mulch as a Playground Surface

Pros:

  • Rubber mulch is in the lower-middle price range of playground surfacing. Installation of rubber mulch playground surfacing varies per square foot, based on factors such as how large the playground is, if you’re outsourcing the installation, product availability in your area, and where you’re buying it from. Your best bet is to shop around online and decide whether you’ll install it yourself or pay someone else to install it. You can expect rubber mulch to have a slightly higher up-front cost than wood mulch, because of the better quality of its materials.

Cons:

  • Amount of surfacing needed. Because of fall-height requirements, rubber mulch requires 6 inches of material to protect a child from a 10-foot fall. Compare that to a poured rubber surface, which only needs 4.5 inches of material to allow a child to safely land from a 10-foot fall.
  • After the initial installment, loose fill materials like shredded rubber, are on the more expensive end of maintenance requirements. Rubber tire playground mulch must be replenished regularly due to the nature of the material. Over time, this type of material is prone to being washed away during storms, and kicked out of the playground by busy feet and other types of activity.
Kid Swinging on Rubber Mulch Playground
Rubber surfacing is good for cushioning falls.

Quality of Rubber Mulch Playground Flooring

Pros:

  • You can expect rubber mulch to last about 10 years before needing to do a comprehensive replacement of the material. (That being said, you’ll have to top off the rubber playground mulch during that time, which can add up.)
  • It’s not biodegradable and does not decompose like natural wood.

Cons:

  • It’s dusty. There’s no way around this. If you or your kids have played on a playground with shredded/recycled tire surfacing, you know how gross you feel after using it.
  • With a loose fill material like shredded/recycled rubber mulch that can wash away, you may find you need to replace or replenish it sooner than what is recommended. That’s particularly the case if the playground is located in an area that does not allow for adequate rainwater drainage.

Installation of Rubber Mulch Playground Flooring

Pros:

  • Loose fill materials are generally easily transported and installed, and the same is the case for tire mulch. While we recommend installation by a professional in any scenario, those on a strict budget may be able to research installation instructions to be able to complete it themselves. You can buy rubber mulch at various places online, as well as at some hardware or lawn/garden stores.

Cons:

  • As mentioned above, the depth of the material needs to be carefully monitored and immediately replenished when it falls under the accepted safety level.
  • You can’t be as creative with designs as you can with other surfacing types, such as poured-in-place rubber, which allows for playground games to be built directly into the surface.
Playground Surfacing
There’s lots of playground surfacing options. We recommend poured-in-place rubber or rubber playground tiles.

Next Steps

There are pros and cons to every playground surface type. You’ll want to also consider factors such as climate in your area, budget, product availability, and location constraints.

Loose-fill rubber playground mulch (which we don’t install) isn’t the only rubber playground surfacing option. For larger playgrounds (at schools, parks, daycare centers, and other public playgrounds), we recommend considering a uniform rubber surface like poured-in-place rubber or rubber playground tiles. The reason we only install those options is because we honestly believe they’re some of the best surfacing options for your playground.

Again, we don’t install rubber tire chip playground surfacing (because we don’t think it’s the best option for kids or parents). You probably still have questions — contact adventureTURF for answers! We’d love to help you design the safest, most accessible playground surface possible! If you’re ready to take the next steps to choosing the right type of playground surfacing for your situation, reach out to us to request a free quote (for poured rubber or rubber tile playground surfacing). We’d love to help you create a place for adventure!

With so many different qualities and characteristics to consider, choosing a playground surface can be bewildering. That’s why we’ve created an ultimate guide of all the pros and cons of 11 of the most popular playground surfaces, from wood chips to recycled rubber mulch.

FAQ

Rubber mulch is in the lower-middle price range of playground surfacing. Installation of rubber mulch playground surfacing varies per square foot, based on factors such as how large the playground is if you’re outsourcing the installation, product availability in your area, and where you’re buying it from.

Learn More

Depending on the installation, rubber mulch can provide an adequate degree of protection to children, meeting acceptable ASTM standards.

Learn More

We recommend installation by a professional in any scenario, those on a strict budget may be able to research installation instructions to be able to complete it themselves. You can buy rubber mulch at various places online, as well as at some hardware or lawn/garden stores.

Learn More

 

How Much Does Poured-in-Place Rubber Cost per Square Foot?

Price of Poured Rubber Safety Flooring
Poured Rubber Safety Surfacing

While researching poured rubber safety flooring, you’ll find that it’s also commonly called wet pour rubber, pour-in-place (PIP) rubber, and poured surfacing. Poured rubber has earned its popularity as a top flooring/surfacing choice for high-traffic, high-activity areas like recreation facilities, pool decks, gyms, garages, resorts, dog parks, water parks, splash parks, daycare centers, equestrian centers, amusement parks, commercial patios, and senior centers.

It’s a formidable task to choose the materials for a flooring surface that will experience millions of footsteps. We often talk to daycare directors, rec center administrators, and city managers who feel overwhelmed by the options and corresponding information to sift through.

Let’s look at its cost, and why poured rubber makes for an economical choice in the long run.

Wet Pour Rubber Cost (Installed)

Poured Rubber Cost
Installing Poured Rubber Safety Surfacing Outside

What’s the price of installing poured-in-place rubber safety flooring per square foot? Depending on safety requirements, color choices, patterns, the condition of the existing surface, location, and a few other factors, the cost of a poured rubber surface for a 1,000+ sq. ft. area generally ranges between $9 to $18 per sq. ft. installed. This is the same cost as a poured rubber playground surface.

Poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing is mixed and hand-troweled on-site (watch videos of the installation process we use).

Poured rubber surfacing is durable, soft, and can’t splinter, which makes it a surfacing option that requires little maintenance. Poured rubber lasts longer than other options, such as wood or mulch, before needing replacement.

Using this type of surface can also make your space eligible for LEED® credits and state grants, helping to defray the up-front cost of installing the rubber safety flooring.

Peace of mind when it comes to safety costs

Poured rubber flooring is ADA-compliant, meaning it’s wheelchair accessible and safe for those with physical disabilities. Pour-in-place rubber is widely viewed as the best accessible/inclusive safety surfacing option.

Indoor Poured Rubber Safety Surface
Indoor Poured Rubber Safety Flooring

Poured-in-place rubber is extremely shock-absorbent, more than any other type of recreational flooring option. According to American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution that sets industry safety standards, it only takes 4.5 inches of poured rubber to allow a child to fall on it safely from a height of 10 feet, which is the “yardstick” height to which different flooring materials are compared.

It’s a popular option to use poured rubber for pool decks and at places like senior centers because it has an extremely non-slip surface.

There are different types of poured rubber available, so it’s important to note that adventureTURF only uses premium rubber made from compounds such as EPDM and SBR, plus natural materials (free of wood, wire, and other contaminants).

Low ongoing maintenance expenses

That’s all well and good, but how much time and money is involved in the maintenance of poured rubber safety surfacing? One of the strongest cost-saving factors when considering a poured rubber surface is, unlike other surfacing options, it requires very little maintenance. For example, the annual replacement of wood chips can have a significant impact on an annual budget. A pour-in-place surface will generally last about 10 years (depending on foot traffic) before repair or replacement is required — no need to truck in new surface filler every spring. This means you won’t need to plan to regularly bring in new surface filler, like you would other flooring options, such as loose fill materials.

Maintenance and upkeep is simple. Periodically the surface can be treated with a coating to renew its wear and weather resistance. On especially high-traffic surfaces, simple repairs can be completed to replace damaged areas.

Next Steps

Elsewhere on our website, you may read more about all of the rubber flooring options we offer and find our answers to some FAQs. We’ve also created a gallery where you can browse some of the awesome designs we’ve completed across the country.

You probably still have questions. We’d be happy to help. Contact us. And if you’re ready to take the next steps, reach out to us to request a free quote. We’d love to help you install your poured rubber surfacing project!
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Serving the entire USA We service the entire USA. Contact us for more information or get a free quote.

Pros & Cons: Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) for Playground Surfacing

Engineered Wood Fiber for Playground Flooring
Splinters from EWF aren’t fun for kids or parents.

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) mulch flooring for playgrounds is composed of wood that’s been ground to a fibrous consistency and sometimes processed to “knit” together in order to form the surface that you see on the playground. That being said, EWF is considered a “loose fill” playground surface. EWF is also known as “engineered wood chips”.

EWF is Popular, But is EWF the Best Option for Playground Flooring?

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) is currently in use on many playgrounds around the country, due to its cost and adherence to the basic requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Although EWF is a popular option, we know that popularity doesn’t automatically equal best. Let’s take a closer look:

Safety of EWF Playground Flooring

Pros:

  • Very absorbent of water.
  • It meets the basic accessibility guidelines of the ADA.
  • According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), it’s an appropriate surfacing type if it’s tested to ASTM F1292 (source).
  • If compressed properly, it can be firm enough to technically allow for wheelchairs to be used on the surface.
  • Since it’s made from the wood inside the tree (and not the bark), it doesn’t splinter as easily (however EWF can still cause splinters) as another popular playground surfacing option, wood chips (aka “landscape mulch“).

Cons:

  • It doesn’t perform as well as newer rubber playground surfacing options, which exceed all of the ASTM’s safety and accessibility standards. This is because EWF is considered a “loose fill material,” and becomes compressed over time, decreasing its shock absorbency.
  • You need a lot of it. EWF is typically installed in a layer with a minimum depth of 9 inches (EWF fall height is ), which allows a child to safely land from a 10-foot fall, according to American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution that sets industry safety standards. For comparison, just 4.5 inches of poured-in-place rubber surfacing provides a surface on which a child can safely land from a 10-foot fall.
  • EWF has qualities that limit its ability to provide complete mobility. For example, wheelchairs are not able to navigate over it smoothly with ease. On the other hand, the ASTM deems PIP rubber and rubber tiles as universally accessible for children with disabilities. For that reason, we don’t recommend using EWF for wheelchair accessible playgrounds.
EWF Playground - Adventure Turf
Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) can knit together after it settles down.

Cost of EWF Playground Surfacing Installation

Pros:

  • Cheap Initial Cost of Installation. As mentioned above, EWF became popular as a safer flooring option than wood chips, gravel, and sand, while remaining low-cost. Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) costs about $4 per square foot, installed.

Cons:

  • Additional Costs. It’s recommended that you invest in wear mats for certain high-trafficked areas.
  • Ongoing Costs. Requires paying for new layers of material to be added for maintenance. As mentioned above, EWF becomes compressed over time and loses its shock absorbency, so you’ll need to budget for adding a fresh layer of material occasionally in order to continue to meet depth requirements outlined for falls. The frequency at which you’ll need to add new EWF depends on how heavily the playground is used and the efficacy of the site’s water drainage. The result is because of the ongoing maintenance, the real cost of EWF is more expensive than it first appears.

Quality of EWF for Playground Surfaces

Pros:

  • Engineered Wood Fiber is often selected for its natural look because it still resembles wood.
  • You can expect EWF to last about 8 years if you’re topping it off before needing to budget to entirely replace it, but perhaps sooner if the playground is located in an area that does not allow for adequate drainage.

Cons:

  • It requires a good degree of maintenance to keep EWF in good condition, such as raking and tamping to keep the surface even.
  • Weeds and grass can grow up through it.
  • It can be dusty and cause some issues with allergy sufferers.
  • EWF becomes compressed over time and loses its shock absorbency. That means ongoing maintenance will require adding extra material.
  • EWF manufacturers recommend that playground administrators invest in wear mats to place under high use areas — such as under swings and at the base of slides — in order to maintain stability and help the surface last.
Engineered Wood Fiber - Adventure Turf
EWF requires constant maintenance.

Installation of EWF Playground Flooring

Pros:

  • EWF is on the easy installation and low-cost end of playground surfacing choices.
  • Depending on the size of the playground, professional EWF installers are typically able to complete it in about one day.

Cons:

  • Installers need to clean the area and make sure the perimeter is outlined with some type of edging to keep the material in place. Some playground surfacing options (such as poured rubber or rubber tiles) don’t require edging – the material naturally stays in place.
  • Installation isn’t a once-and-done type of thing. Again, EWF needs regular maintenance (including adding more material) in order to maintain its safety qualities. If you do not maintain the specific installation depth on a playground, children who fall are at risk of serious injury.

Next Steps

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) Chips Mulch Playground
This rubber playground flooring area (lighter section at the playground itself) is surrounded by wood mulch, but blends in nicely.

Now that you’ve learned more about the basics of EWF, you probably want to continue to vet other playground surfacing options. We might be biased, but we strongly recommend considering poured rubber and rubber tile playground surfaces. The reason we only install those options is because we honestly believe they’re some of the best surfacing options for your playground.

We’ve also created a gallery where you can browse some of the awesome playground designs we’ve completed across the country.

You probably still have questions — please feel free to contact us for answers. And if you’re ready to take the next steps with installing poured rubber or rubber tiles for your playground, reach out to us to request a free quote (we don’t install EWF). We’d love to help you create a place for adventure!

With so many different qualities and characteristics to consider, choosing a playground surface can be bewildering. That’s why we’ve created an ultimate guide of all the pros and cons of 11 of the most popular playground surfaces, from wood chips to recycled rubber mulch.

FAQ

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) costs about $4 per square foot, installed. It’s recommended that you invest in wear mats for certain high-trafficked areas.

Learn More

Engineered wood chips meet the basic accessibility guidelines of the ADA. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), it’s an appropriate surfacing type if it’s tested to ASTM F1292. However, it doesn’t perform as well as newer rubber playground surfacing options, which exceed all of the ASTM’s safety and accessibility standards.

Learn More

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) installers need to clean the area and make sure the perimeter is outlined with some type of edging to keep the material in place.

Learn More

Pros & Cons: Wood Chips for Playground Surfacing

Playground with Wood Chips
Wood chips are not a good surface for playgrounds… Click here to see why »

Picture the playgrounds you went to the most as a kid. They were covered in wood chip mulch, right? And you hated the splinters and sharp edges that it caused. Mulch (also known as “landscape mulch”) and wood chips have ruled the playground world for decades — but those responsible for playground upkeep (such as elementary school administrators, daycare directors, park maintenance crews, church managers, etc) have to deal with constant maintenance just to give the kiddos a place to play.

Wood Chips Are Popular, But Are They The Best Option for Playground Flooring?

Let’s take a closer look at using wood chips for playgrounds to see how they measure up to their competition in terms of safety, cost, and quality.

Safety of Wood Chips on Playground Surfaces

Pros:

  • Wood chips have a degree of shock absorbency. A 9-inch layer of wood chips will allow a child to safely land from a 10-foot fall, according to American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution that sets industry safety standards such as this critical fall height requirement.

Cons:

  • The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that CCA wood mulch is an “inappropriate surfacing” type for playgrounds. So make sure your wood mulch is not CCA-treated.
  • They can obscure hazards, like broken glass from glass beverage containers.
  • They can develop insect or mold problems.
  • They can be choked on or swallowed by young children.
  • While wood chips meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for playgrounds that require surfacing that lessens the impact of falls, they do not meet ADA requirements for surfaces that allow for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. So if you’re looking to build an accessible playground, wood chips aren’t your best option.

A further note on shock absorbency: One reason rubber playground surfacing has risen in popularity is because of the drastic difference in critical fall height requirements. Just 4.5 inches of poured-in-place rubber surfacing provides a surface on which a child can safely land from a 10-foot fall, compared to 9 inches for wood chips.

Wood Chips Playground Flooring
A layout of wood chips can vary in level and density across a playground surface area.

Cost of Wood Chips as Playground Flooring

Pros:

  • Wood chips are one of the cheapest playground covering options, above only pea gravel and sand in terms of cost. You can generally expect to pay around $3 per square foot, installed.

Cons:

  • Wood chips lose their color and texture over time.
  • They require regular upkeep, such as raking for hazards and to maintain an even surface level. You will need to occasionally add new material to continue to meet safety standards and maintain the playground’s appearance, as the wood chips are gradually kicked out of the playground, lost in storm drainage, etc.

Quality of Wood Chips as Playground Surfacing

Pros:

  • Those who choose wood chips as a playground covering often cite their visual appeal. Wood chips are a step up from traditional mulch, complement most landscaping, and are available in a range of colors.

Cons:

  • One thing to watch out for in terms of color is whether or not the manufacturer uses dyes to enhance the color of the wood. Some of the dyes made for wood chips are known to cause reactions in people with certain medical conditions.
  • Dust gets in eyes, on clothes, and causes a mess.
  • Kids easily get splinters in it.
  • Weeds can grow in it.

Those who choose poured-in-place rubber surfacing over options like wood chips often cite that they appreciate that we use only premium rubber made from natural materials: EPDM rubber (which helps the surface resist cracks due to severe temperatures and weather), and SBR rubber (which helps the surface stay flat and supple).

Installation of Wood Chips for Playgrounds

Pros:

  • Wood chips are easy to install; professionals can usually complete the job in about one day.

Cons:

  • Installers need to clean the area and make sure the perimeter is outlined with some type of edging to keep the wood chips in place. Some playground surfacing options (such as poured rubber or rubber tiles) don’t require edging – the material naturally stays in place.
  • Installation isn’t a once-and-done type of thing. Wood chips needs regular maintenance (including adding more material) in order to maintain their critical fall hall requirement. If you do not maintain the specific installation depth on a playground, children who fall are at risk of serious injury.

Next Steps

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) Chips Mulch Playground
This rubber playground flooring area (lighter section at the playground itself) is surrounded by wood mulch, but blends in nicely.

Now that you’ve learned more about the basics of wood chip surfacing, you probably want to consider other, safer playground flooring options.

We might be biased, but we strongly recommend considering poured rubber and rubber tile playground surfaces. The reason we only install those options is because we honestly believe they’re some of the best surfacing options for your playground.

You probably still have questions — please feel free to contact us for answers. Again, we don’t offer to install wood chip playground surfacing (because we don’t think it’s good for kids). If you’re ready to take the next steps to choosing the right type of playground surfacing for your situation, reach out to us to request a free quote (for poured rubber or rubber tile playground surfacing). We’d love to help you create a place for adventure!

With so many different qualities and characteristics to consider, choosing a playground surface can be bewildering. That’s why we’ve created an ultimate guide of all the pros and cons of 11 of the most popular playground surfaces, from wood chips to recycled rubber mulch.

FAQ

Yes. Wood chips are one of the cheapest playground covering options, above only pea gravel and sand in terms of cost. They do, however, require regular upkeep, such as raking for hazards and maintaining an even surface level.

Learn More

Woodchips do not meet ADA requirements for surfaces that allow for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. So if you’re looking to build an accessible playground, wood chips aren’t your best option.

Learn More

They can be. A 9-inch layer of wood chips will allow a child to safely land from a 10-foot fall, according to American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution that sets industry safety standards such as this critical fall height requirement.

Learn More

Pros & Cons: Poured Rubber Surfacing for Playgrounds

Poured Rubber Playground Flooring
Poured rubber playground flooring is soft, spongy, and durable.

Being tasked with choosing the materials for a playground surface that will experience millions of footsteps (particularly those of children) is harrowing – especially if you don’t have a construction background! If you’re in charge of selecting a flooring surface for a playground – we often talk to daycare directors, early childhood center administrators, church administrators, and city managers, for example – you have a lot of options and information to sift through. So what’s the deal with poured rubber surfacing for playgrounds? Also called “wet pour rubber” or “poured-in-place (PIP) rubber”.

Is Poured-in-Place Rubber the Best Option for Playground Flooring?

Researching playground surfacing means you’re going to learn about poured rubber, also commonly called pour-in-place (PIP) rubber or poured playground surface. For this post, we aim to answer the most important questions you’ll be asking: how does poured rubber measure up against other playground surfacing options in terms of safety, cost, and quality?

Safety of Poured Rubber Playground Flooring

When you’re discussing the surface for a playground, of course, the most important consideration is safety. This is where pour-in-place rubber (also called PIP rubber surfacing) can’t be topped.

Poured rubber playground soft spongy surface
Poured rubber surfacing is specifically designed to be extremely shock-absorbent.

Pros:

  • Poured rubber surfacing is durable, soft, and can’t splinter. The chief complaints from parents and kids about popular playground surfaces like wood chips is that they splinter, and pieces find their way into skin, eyes, shoes, and clothes. Pavement is also likely to crumble as it ages, and doesn’t provide any cushioning from falls.
  • This type of surfacing was also specifically designed to be extremely shock-absorbent. Just 4.5 inches of poured rubber provides a surface on which a child can safely land from a 10-foot fall, according to American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution that sets industry safety standards.
  • Parents and playground administrators don’t have to worry about chemical sensitivities. adventureTURF uses only premium rubber made from natural materials, EPDM rubber (which helps the surface resist cracks due to severe temperatures and weather), and SBR rubber (which helps the surface stay flat and supple). These materials are free of metal, wood, harsh chemicals, and other compounds that may irritate sensitive skin, aggravate allergies, or cause other health issues.
  • On playgrounds near areas where animals may roam, poured rubber provides peace of mind that kids won’t encounter any “surprises” that are sometimes found buried in mulch playgrounds. The same goes for any potentially harmful items humans may have left behind (they won’t be buried in the material).
  • Poured Rubber ADA Accessible Playgrounds | Poured Rubber Inclusive Playgrounds
    Poured rubber playgrounds are wheelchair accessible and safe for those with physical disabilities.

    Poured rubber playground flooring is ADA-compliant, meaning it’s wheelchair accessible and safe for those with physical disabilities. Childcare experts agree that youngsters with special needs (and their non-disabled peers!) greatly benefit from inclusive playgrounds, and pour-in-place rubber is widely viewed as the best surfacing option to allow safe and easy play among those with physical limitations.

Cons:

  • Depending on the climate of your location (this applies particularly to dry, cold climates), PIP rubber can become hard over time. This is why experts recommend administrators check in every few years to see if the playground should be topped off with a fresh layer of rubber, which is a simple and fast process.

Cost of Poured Rubber Playground Surfacing

Pros:

  • One of the strongest cost-saving factors in poured rubber’s favor is the lack of yearly maintenance to be figured into your budget. A pour-in-place playground surface will generally last about 10 years (depending on foot traffic) before any type of upkeep is required — no need to truck in new surface filler every spring. With proper maintenance, it can last as long as 12-15 years.
  • After that, maintenance is simple. The surface can be treated with a coating to renew its wear and weather resistance, and on high-traffic playgrounds, new top layers can be poured onto the existing surface.
  • Spot-repairs can be made. Note that not every poured rubber playground requires an entirely new playground surface. Often a playground can be completely revitalized by simply adding a new color cap or wear layer to the surface. This restoration technique will actually improve the playground’s safety rating and is a budget-saver.
  • Using this type of surface also makes your playground eligible for LEED® credits and state grants, to help defray your up-front cost.
  • Learn more about the cost of poured rubber playground flooring here.

Cons:

  • The initial investment to cover a playground with PIP rubber is not the cheapest available option. However, the longevity of the material and its minimal maintenance costs render it comparatively low-cost in the long run.
Texture of Rubber Playground Flooring
Very zoomed-in/close-up view of the texture of rubber playground flooring. It comes with a wide variety of color options.

Quality of Poured Rubber Playground Surfaces

Pros:

  • The granules that make up poured rubber playground flooring provide the opportunity to cost-effectively customize the appearance of your playground. You can select the depth, color, shape, and design of the surface – meaning school colors, logos, and even games can be permanently incorporated.
  • We often hear that poured rubber surfacing makes it easier to maintain a playground that appears clean and welcoming. The surface is smooth and easy to clean, and unlike mulch or stone, it won’t get kicked out of place by busy feet. The customizable appearance means you’re able to make design selections that allow it to blend into the surrounding area, creating a more natural look than pavement.

Cons:

  • As noted above, PIP rubber doesn’t last forever (as does any playground flooring material). You can expect the surface to need more comprehensive resurfacing after about a decade.

Installation of Poured Rubber Playground Flooring

Installing Poured Rubber Playground Surfacing
Poured-in-place rubber flooring for playgrounds is mixed and hand-troweled on site.

Poured rubber playground surfacing is mixed and hand-troweled on site.

Pros:

  • It turns out that this safe and cost-conscious method of playground surfacing is also one of the easiest for professionals to install. Poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing is mixed and hand-troweled on site. You can view videos of adventureTURF’s installation process here.

Cons:

  • Installation must be done by a professional who has the right tools and experience.
  • Surface prep with a base is needed.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve learned more about the basics of poured rubber surfacing, you’re going to want to compare it to other options and dive into the details. You can read more about rubber playground flooring from adventureTURF and find some FAQs we answered. We’ve also created a gallery where you can browse some of the awesome playground designs we’ve completed across the country.

You probably still have questions – you can contact us for answers. And if you’re ready to take the next steps, reach out to us to request a free quote. We’d love to help you create a place for adventure!

With so many different qualities and characteristics to consider, choosing a playground surface can be bewildering. That’s why we’ve created an ultimate guide to all the pros and cons of 11 of the most popular playground surfaces, from wood chips to recycled rubber mulch.

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Serving the entire USA We install poured rubber flooring for playgrounds in the entire USA. Contact us for more information or get a free quote.

FAQs About Poured in Place Playground Surfacing

Poured rubber is playground flooring that’s seamless and contains very small rubber granules that are stuck together. It’s not a loose material (like rubber mulch, wood chips, sand, or dirt). It’s a “solid” rubber surface for playgrounds or unitary playground surface, meaning that it’s not made up of rubber tiles.

Poured-in-place rubber is also called poured rubber, wet pour rubber, pour-in-place rubber (PIP), rubber playground turf, bonded rubber stone, or a playground foam surface. There’s both pros and cons of using it for playgrounds, as with any playground surface.

Poured rubber is a very durable playground surface. Its longevity really depends on factors such as:

  • How well it was installed
  • Quality of material used
  • How much the playground is used
  • Weather/climate

As with any playground surface, regardless of how well it was installed, poured rubber for playgrounds does eventually wear out. You can expect it to need more comprehensive resurfacing after about a decade.

Discover more about the quality of it here.

For larger “commercial” playgrounds (for parks, schools, water parks, etc), it’s typically best to leave it to those who have the right tools and experience needed to make sure it’s installed properly. As mentioned previously, if it’s not, or the quality of the material used is sub-par, you’re going to have to replace the surface much sooner. That said, you should be careful when choosing a poured rubber playground installation company.

It’s installed by mixing the materials in a very specific way (using specific tools), poured, and then hand-troweled into place.

Yes, it’s ADA-compliant, wheelchair accessible, and one of the easiest playground surface types for those with disabilities to navigate. Accessible/inclusive playgrounds, and pour-in-place rubber is widely viewed as the best surfacing option to allow safe and easy play among those with physical limitations.

Learn more about the safety of poured rubber playground surfacing.

Pros & Cons: Rubber Tiles for Playground Surfacing

Playground Rubber Mat Installed
A multi-colored playground set with rubber tiles.

So you’ve got a playground in mind, but you’re trying to figure out what surfacing material will work best. You’re considering the basics: cost, aesthetics, safety, maintenance, etc. You’ve discovered prefabricated rubber tiles for playgrounds, a great solution, especially for small and hard-to-reach areas. While we tend to recommend poured-in-place rubber as the top choice, safety surface tiles for playgrounds are another great option, especially for rooftop playgrounds.

Let’s get your questions answered!

Rubber Playground Tile Flooring Designs
You can add games and other designs to rubber tiles for playgrounds.

 

Safety of Rubber Tiles for Playgrounds

Pros:

The safety aspects of rubber tiles are what makes them a popular choice. When installed properly, they are:

  • Shock-absorbent. American Standard Testing Methods (ASTM), the institution that sets industry safety standards, ensures the tiles we use are safe for falls from 6 feet (for 2.5-inch rubber tiles) up to 8 feet (for 4.25-inch tiles).
  • ADA compliant. This means they’re wheelchair-accessible, and safe for kids with physical disabilities and limitations to play on. So if you’re looking to create an inclusive playground that all kids can enjoy, this is one of your best options.
  • Ideal for those with chemical sensitivities. Parents and administrators don’t have to worry about rubber tiling causing a reaction in those with skin sensitivities and allergies. The products we use at adventureTURF use only premium rubber made from natural materials, plus EPDM rubber (which helps the surface resist cracks due to severe temperatures and weather), and SBR rubber (which helps the surface stay flat and supple). These materials are free of metal, wood, harsh chemicals, and other irritating compounds.
  • Less falls. One of the big reasons we suggest rubber tiling for areas that will be in use while wet — for example, a pool deck or a playground after a rain shower — is because of its non-slip qualities. Due to the nature of rubber tiling’s porous surface, it remains a non-slip surface even when saturated with moisture.

Cons:

  • If not installed properly, the grooves/edges of the tiles could creating a tripping hazard.
Rubber Playground Tiles on Rooftop Playground
Rooftop playground with rubber tile surfacing.

Cost of Rubber Tiles as Playground Flooring

Pros:

  • The low maintenance costs of rubber playground tiles are one of their best assets. It’s easy to complete one-off repairs of tiles that are damaged — and it’s tough to damage them in the first place. Rubber tiling is durable, easy to clean, and will last for years before any type of maintenance is required, making it a budget-friendly option for your project.
  • The price of installing rubber tiles for playground surfacing varies based on factors like the size of the playground surface, if it’s a rooftop installation or ground-level installation, and how much surface preparation is needed. Contact us for a custom quote for your specific playground.

Cons:

  • The up-front cost is higher than cheaper options such as pea gravel, sand, and wood chips. Keep in mind that quality and cost can go hand-in-hand.

Quality of Rubber Mats on Playgrounds

Installing rubber tiles for playgrounds
You can see the interlocking rubber tiles during this playground surfacing project.

Pros:

  • The tiles interlock to create smooth seams that won’t trip seniors or sprinting kids.
  • They’re great for indoor playgrounds and recreation areas, because the materials are easily transported and installed. Plus, they don’t create an overwhelming chemical odor.
  • They come in a wide variety of colors, allowing you to get creative.
  • Rooftop playgrounds are another good place for rubber tiles to be installed.

Cons:

  • Rubber tiles don’t last forever (as does any playground flooring material). You can expect to need to start swapping out older tiles for newer ones after about a decade, in order to ensure they are providing proper shock absorbency.

The rubber playground tiles we use at adventureTURF measure 24×24 inches (which can be trimmed to fit into your space’s nooks and crannies) and come in two thicknesses: 2.5-inch and 4.25-inch. They’re available in a wide variety of colors, and can even be made into customized designs and patterns. Check out this rooftop playground surfacing installation in Queens, New York City to see an example.

 

Installation of Playground Rubber Tiles
A sneak peek at installing playground rubber tiles.

Installation of Rubber Mats for Playgrounds

Pros:

  • Installation is very simple compared to many other options. For example, adventureTURF was able to establish a partnership with a construction equipment company to lift pallets of the rubber surface tiles and other materials up to the rooftop of a childcare center in Brooklyn, New York City. You can see an in-depth description and photos of the project here.
  • Rubber safety tiles can be installed in any pattern, so you can get creative — making them perfect for recreational, playground, and safety surfaces.

Cons:

  • Installation should be done by a professional who has the right tools and experience.

Next Steps

As for any big decision, you’re going to want to compare options and dive into the details in order to make a final selection. You can read more about all of the rubber playground flooring options from adventureTURF and read our responses to FAQs listed below. We’ve also created a project gallery where you can browse some of the awesome designs we’ve completed across the country.

You probably still have questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact adventureTURF for answers! And, if you’re ready to take the next steps, reach out to us to request a free quote. We’d love to help you design the best, safest playground surface possible!

With so many different qualities and characteristics to consider, choosing a playground surface can be bewildering. That’s why we’ve created an ultimate guide of all the pros and cons of 11 of the most popular playground surfaces, from wood chips to recycled rubber mulch.

GET A FREE QUOTE »

Serving the entire USA We service the entire USA. Contact us for more information or get a free quote.

FAQs About Rubber Tiles for Playgrounds

The safety aspects of rubber tiles are what makes them a popular choice. When installed properly, they are:

  • Shock-absorbent
  • Slip-resistant
  • ADA compliant
  • Ideal for those with chemical sensitivities

There are other safety considerations of rubber tiles for playgrounds.

This varies by weather/climate, amount of use, quality of the product and of the installation, and other factors. That said, you can expect to start swapping out older tiles for newer ones after about 10 years or so, in order to ensure they are providing proper shock absorbency. Learn more about the quality of rubber playground tiles here.

It all comes down to how you use the terms. Generally, you can think of them like this:

  • Rubber playground tiles: Installed as the flooring of the playground area.
  • Rubber playground mats: Used at specific places on the playground, such as at the bottom of slides, under swings, etc.

You can typically buy and install rubber playground mats yourself, but will need a professional installation company to install rubber playground tiles as the flooring/surfacing. Note that on our site, we use the terms interchangeably.

Some of the most popular uses of safety rubber tile surfacing include:

Playground rubber tile surfacing is the most popular application of it. Rubber safety tiles come in a variety of colors, creating virtually endless design options for playgrounds.

Is my playground or pool too small for a poured rubber surface? What are my options?

Poured rubber surfacing is a safe, durable and excellent flooring choice for most playgrounds and swimming pool surrounds (also called “rubber pool coping”), but if your surface area is less than 1000 sq. ft. it may not be the most cost-effective option for smaller playgrounds and pools. Sometimes the size of the playground or pool patio is the determining factor in the type of material that is ultimately chosen for the flooring surface.

Poured Rubber Playground Installation at a Daycare in Arizona
Poured Rubber Small Playground Surface

How To Decide if Your Playground or Pool Area is Too Small for Poured Rubber

When building new or upgrading an existing playground or pool, everyone (daycare managers, school officials, and parents) can see the value of poured rubber’s safety and durability. But, depending on the size of the playground or pool area, it might be too cost-prohibitive.

It is our experience that you should have at least 1,000 sq. ft. of surface available for a poured in place rubber playground floor. Why? Because the cost of the materials, preparation of the existing surface, and the labor involved can make a small project expensive to install. (See our article on the cost of poured playground surfacing.) Does that mean you can’t have a rubber safety surface on your small playground? Absolutely not! You do have other options (keep reading).

Small Playground & Pool Surface Options

Installing Rubber Playground Safety Mat Tiles | New York City | adventureTURF
Prefabricated Rubber Tiles on a Small Playground

1. Prefabricated Tile

In addition to our poured rubber playground surface, we also install playgrounds with prefabricated rubber playground tiles or mats. These rubber safety tiles are a great alternative because they come in a variety of colors, they are very durable, they meet fall height requirements up to 8 ft., and they have ADA compliant edges and accessories. They can also be used in hard to reach areas like rooftops and parking areas and especially small playground surfaces. Check out some of the projects where we have installed prefabricated tiles.

2. Self-Install Rubber Mats or Rolls

Found in home improvement stores or hardware stores, with a little DIY effort these can sometimes be a less expensive option for small play areas. Available with both interlocking and adhesive applications, rubber playground mat can be an alternative surface.

3. Poured in Place Rubber

Yes, our poured rubber surface material can be installed just about anywhere, even on small playground surfaces. While we want to give our customers the best options for their playground budget, if a poured surface is what you are looking for, we are happy to discuss your project with you and help determine your best solution (contact us for a free quote).

Still Not Sure?

Our expertise in playground and safety surfacing is something we are proud to share. If you are considering having a new playground surface installed and have questions about the size and viability of your playground surface area, contact us. We’ll answer your questions and help you decide the best, most cost-effective safety surface for your play area.

Playground Surface Design & Stenciling Ideas

Poured in Place Rubber Playground Surface | New York City | adventureTURF
Pretend water features on playground flooring.

Designs as Unique as Your Playground

Okay, so we may be biased, but one of the coolest things about poured in place surfacing for playgrounds, is that design and color options are almost limitless.

Stenciling is a really attractive way to add unique designs to make your playground surface stand out. We’ve worked on playground surface stencils in a variety of shapes, such as stars, suns, moons, clouds, butterflies, and even school logos or mascots.

When done with the different colors of poured rubber, it provides an awesome look!

Handicap Accessible Playground Surface Installers | adventureTURF
Stenciled sun on playground surface, next to wheelchair-accessible swing.

Add fun and games without more equipment!

Have you read our article on budget saving ideas for your new playground surface? How about adding games to the surface of your playground without adding new playground equipment? It is possible to install interactive play features within your poured in place surface.

Games on Playground Flooring
Fun games embedded in playground flooring.

Some examples include hopscotch, checkers, four square and animal jumps. Please take a look at the Kayla’s Krew project in our Project Gallery for some great examples!

We’d be happy to help you design your new playground flooring to include games, shapes, logos, etc. Contact us today!

Playground Floor Color Options

Our rubber playground flooring comes in many different colors, including the following. Learn more about the surfacing material.

Playground Rubber Surface Material Color Options | adventureTURF Playground Surfacing Installers Rubber Playground Flooring Surface Color Options | Poured Rubber Materials Rubber Surface Materials for Playgrounds and Pool Decks

Want some help designing the perfect playground floor for your unique situation? We’re happy to help! Contact us today »

How to save money on poured rubber playground surfacing

Save Money on Playground Rubber SurfacingNew playground surfacing isn’t inexpensive (here’s how much poured rubber playground surfaces cost). But there are several ways to save time and especially cost when having a new playground surface installed.

3 Ways to Get The Most from Your Playground Surfacing Budget

One of the most frequent questions we hear when people contact us to ask about a new playground surface is “What can we do to get the poured rubber playground surface to fit within our budget?” We love to help our customers save money on their project and get the most out of their budget. Believe it or not, there are a few simple things that can be done to help with cost savings.

1. Use the right mix.

The first thing we recommend is utilizing a 50/50 black/color mix for the surface installation. (It’s the colored rubber that is the most expensive product used in poured in place surfacing.) By reducing the percentage of the colored rubber by half, thousands of dollars can be saved on a playground surfacing project. This causes some concern initially as customers sometimes worry that their poured in place surface will not have the vibrant color they are looking for. In fact, even with a 50/50 mix, the color is very pronounced. Visit our project gallery for examples (most of them were a 50/50 mix).

2. A little elbow grease in prep work.

Another way to realize some cost savings is to do the prep work yourself. Typically, before we can install a new playground surface, an existing play surface of some sort needs to be removed. While we’re happy to include these labor charges in our project costs, we encourage property owners and community volunteers to put their own sweat equity in to the project and save the budget for a fabulous looking play surface. Especially for local parks and recreation areas, we suggest:

  • Getting the community involved
  • Organizing a day for everyone to help out
  • Having volunteers remove existing mulch

Using volunteers can help you save substantially on the labor cost of a playground surfacing project.

3. Take out the trash.

Are there any waste removal or trash collection companies in the area? Contracting for your own trash receptacle can provide additional cost savings.

Conclusion

We’re here to help install a cost-efficient playground surface. Contact us.

We take pride in being able to accommodate everyone’s budget. We’ll work with you to design a playground surface to fit your budget, even if that means using rubber playground tiles.

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Do you have suggestions for additional ways to help save costs during a playground installation project? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Us with your ideas.

Safe Playgrounds: What to Look For

Safe Playgrounds - What to Look For - adventureTURF Surface InstallerNot so long ago, playgrounds were fairly dangerous places for children to play. Monkey bars and climbing towers 10 feet tall, everything made of metal that gets hot in the sun not to mention its propensity to rust in the rain, and play surfaces that were made of rock hard dirt or even pavement. Safe playgrounds were not the norm. Children would often get severe burns from the metal play equipment and broken limbs or worse from falling off the tall contraptions onto hard surfaces. According to a study released by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on traumatic brain injury (TBI), falls were listed as a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations for children 0-14 years of age. This data is from as recent as 2013.

Thankfully playgrounds are much safer than they used to be.

As parents we want keep our children safe, while also allowing them to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, make friends, and play, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has come up with a Public Playground Safety Checklist:

  1. Make sure surfaces around playground equipment have at least 12 inches of wood chips, mulch, sand, or pea gravel, additional padding for synthetic turf, or are mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials.
  2. Check that protective surfacing extends at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment. For swings, be sure surfacing extends, in back and front, twice the height of the suspending bar.
  3.  Make sure play structures more than 30 inches high are spaced at least 9 feet apart.
  4. Check for dangerous hardware, like open “S” hooks or protruding bolt ends.
  5. Make sure spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs, measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.
  6. Check for sharp points or edges in equipment.
  7. Look out for tripping hazards, like exposed concrete footings, tree stumps, and rocks.
  8. Make sure elevated surfaces, like platforms and ramps, have guardrails to prevent falls.
  9. Check playgrounds regularly to see that equipment and surfacing are in good condition.
  10. Carefully supervise children on playgrounds to make sure they’re safe.

As playground surface installers, we pay special attention and adhere to several items on the list, however we know that the poured rubber surfacing we use is the safest surface for children to play on. We meet and/or exceed ASTM safety standards F1951 and ASTM F1292 and we are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Playground safety is our first priority and we work with each and every one of our playground surfacing clients to be sure that the surface extension is adequate for fall heights under each piece of equipment.

ABOUT ADVENTURETURF

adventureTURF is a turnkey playground and safety surfacing company that offers customers a number of surfacing options including poured in place and pre-fabricated rubber tile systems. The primary focus of the adventureTURF crew is to install the safest surface possible for both children and adults to work and play. We do this by using only the highest quality playground surfacing material available on the market today. Whether customers need rubber surfacing on a community playground, pool deck surface or rubber safety flooring, the team at adventureTURF can design and install a quality recreation area that fits a customer’s needs and their budget.

Contact us today to learn more.

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