Playground Surfacing Material Options
Finding the right surfacing for your playground can be a difficult decision. You need to consider the age of the children that will be playing on the playground, the height of any equipment, the amount and flow of activity, how it will be maintained, etc. In this section, we score each popular playground surfacing option on safety, cleanliness, maintenance, accessibility, design and costs.
Compare Your Options
Rubber
Rubber surfacing is a popular choice for many playground areas due to its excellent impact cushioning, low maintenance requirements, excellent durability and resistance to microbial growth. Plus, with solutions ranging from poured-in-place rubber to loose-fill rubber mulch, one has many options to consider.
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Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf has become one of the most popular playground surfacing options in the last decade. It is not only an aesthetically pleasing, clean surface that is easy to maintain, but it is also highly accessibility and ADA compliant - a critical factor for many schools and public playgrounds.
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Wood/Mulch
Wood based materials are still a commonly used surfacing option because of their widespread availability, low initial cost and simple installation. They are a great choice for those wanting a more natural appearance that blends in with the surrounding environment.
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Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is a loose-filled playground surface made up of small, polished pebbles that are typically round and consistent in size. Due to its inability to comply with ADA standards, it is no longer an option for public and commercial playgrounds, but is still used by homeowners.
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Sand
Sand is a loose-fill surfacing material that was a staple in the commercial playground industry for many years. Since the ADA issued their Standards for Accessible Design in 2010, however, sand is no longer allowed for use on commercial playgrounds, but is still used as an option for home playgrounds.
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Material Comparison
As a supplier, installer and designer of playgrounds, we are happy to share our perspective on the primary playground surfacing options for your review. Through our family of brands, we can assist you in selecting the ideal surface for your space, budget and other needs.
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