Playground Safety Surfacing Options

Your choice of playground safety surfacing will be an important factor in your design requirements. It should be considered early in the design process as it will affect other factors of the play area design. It will affect the budget and may or may not be able to be installed by volunteers. Study the options below to help determine the best solution for your project.

Playground Safety Surfacing Options

There are a number of material options available for playground safety surfacing. The following is a summary comparison of the typical common materials installed on public playgrounds. They vary greatly in cost, features, maintenance requirements, advantages and disadvantages. Review the grid below and contact our sales team to answer any questions.
Surface Type
Vertical Divider
Engineered Wood Fiber
Vertical Divider
Loose Fill Rubber
Vertical Divider
Rubber Tiles
Vertical Divider
Poured-In-Place Rubber
Vertical Divider
Synthetic Turf
Cost
Vertical Divider
$
Vertical Divider
$$
Vertical Divider
$$$$
Vertical Divider
$$$$
Vertical Divider
$$$$
Thickness
Vertical Divider
9" to 12"
Vertical Divider
6"
Vertical Divider
Varies with requirements
Vertical Divider
Varies with requirements
Vertical Divider
Varies with requirements
Meets ADA
Vertical Divider
Yes, when compacted and with regular maintenance
Vertical Divider
No
Vertical Divider
Yes
Vertical Divider
Yes
Vertical Divider
Yes
Color
Vertical Divider
Natural
Vertical Divider
Black, Terra Cotta, Brown, Green, Blue
Vertical Divider
Numerous colors and combinations
Vertical Divider
Numerous colors and combinations
Vertical Divider
Shades of green
Advantages
Vertical Divider
Low initial cost, ease of install, readily available, good drainage, attractive natural appearance,  natural organic material
Vertical Divider
Medilum initial cost, superior shock absorbing capabilities, ease of installation, no  deterioration, will not compact over time, not abrasive, quick drying, will not breed or attract insects
Vertical Divider
Low maintenance, easy to clean, consistent shock absorbancy, no displacement, good footing,  low life cycle costs, color options,  dense material has long life, will not breed or attract insects, installation is weather sensitive,
Vertical Divider
Low maintenance, easy to clean, consistent shock absorbancy, no displacement, good footing, low life cycle costs, color options, seamless application, will not breed or attract insects, high initial cost, installation is weather sensitive, many design options and details can be designed into the surface
Vertical Divider
Low maintenance, consistent shock absorbancy, no displacement, good footing, low life cycle costs, will not breed or attract insects, high initial cost, installation is weather sensitive
Disadvantages
Vertical Divider
Material decomposes over time, high maintenance, retains moisture, regular replenishment required, easily displaced in heavy wear areas, high maintenance required, prone to washout, insects, surface mold. can't be used in toddler areas (under 18 mo. olds)
Vertical Divider
Can be displaced in heavy wear areas, some replenishment will be needed, high maintenance required, can't be used in toddler areas (under 18 mo. olds)
Vertical Divider
High initial cost, seams are visible, Installation more difficult and weather sensitive, may have extensive cutting of tiles to install, seems may collect debris 
Vertical Divider
High initial cost, installation is weather sensitive, must be installed by professional installers
Vertical Divider
High initial cost, installation is weather sensitive, must be installed by professional installers, material may need to be groomed twice per year, perimeter nailer boards required
Installation, Maintenance
Vertical Divider
Easy install by owner or contractor, add $ for site prep/stone/boarders, not to be installed over hard base, containment system needed. good drainage req. underneath, requires continuous maintenance, requires periodic renewal or replacement
Vertical Divider
Easy install by owner or contractor, add $ for site prep/stone/boarders, not to be installed over hard base, containment system needed, good drainage req. underneath, requires some regular maintenance, requires periodic renewal or replacement
Vertical Divider
Installed by experienced owner or contractor, add $ for site prep/hard base, extensive base prep or hard base required, weather affects ability to install
Vertical Divider
Installed by professional installers, installation cost is included in sq. ft. cost, site prep. base or stone base, weather affects ability to install
Vertical Divider
Installed by professional installers, installation cost is included in sq. ft. cost, site prep. base or stone base, weather affects ability to install
There are other natural types of playground safety surfacing options, like sand or pea gravel, however, they are not ADA accessible and offer a varying ability for resilience. Sand tends to compact to a hard surface and can be a home to insects and can become a litter box for local pets. Pea gravel will displace quickly, and can also compact in heavy wear areas.
View more about safety surfacing products we offer on our main website.