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Lifetime Cost

There are many factors involved in determining the lifetime cost of a playground surface.  How long the material is expected to last while still providing consistent critical fall height protection?  What time and costs are involved with inspecting and maintaining the surface?  Are there costs associated with downtime due to maintenance, weather, or other factors?

 

Lifetime Cost

Winners

synthetic turf for low lifetime costs
Synthetic Turf

With a long life expectancy and minimal maintenance requirements, synthetic turf surfaces often have a very competitive lifetime cost when compared to "properly maintained loose-fill surfaces."  They perform consistently, clean easily and can be used in almost any weather.

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poured-in-place rubber for low lifetime costs
Poured-in-Place & Bonded Rubber

Poured-in-place and bonded rubber surfaces also compete very effectively when it comes to lifetime cost due to their long life expectancies and minimal maintenance requirements.  They can be easily cleaned with a hose or leaf blower and are ideal for high-traffic playgrounds.

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synthetic turf for low lifetime cost
Lifetime Cost

Losers

Generally speaking, the cost of loose-fill surfacing is significantly lower than unitary surfaces so if you just consider the costs of the materials and labor to install, they are probably much lower.  The big reason we rank them lower is that to be effective at protecting children and providing accessible to all, they need to be raked VERY regularly.  Add the time and costs for this constant maintenance along with consideration for how poorly these surfaces perform in cold weather or after rain and you get a better feel for why we rank unitary surfaces higher.

engineered wood fiber mulch - not ideal for lifetime costs
EWF and Rubber Mulch
rubber mulch - not ideal for lifetime costs
Pea Gravel & Sand
loose fill surfacing has high lifetime costs

Need Help Specifying The Best Surface For Your Playground?

Contact one of our playground surfacing specialists.
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