Playground Rubber Safety Surfacing is one of the most common types of playground surface material. It comes in a variety of colors and materials and is durable, functional and long-lasting. It also requires minimal maintenance, which means it can stand the test of time and keep your playground running smoothly for years to come. But when it comes to selecting the right type of playground surface for your facility, you’ll need to understand the different options and how they compare in terms of durability, cost and safety.

When looking for a safe and affordable surfacing solution, you’ll be able to choose from loose-fill options like shredded rubber, engineered wood fiber (EWF) and pea gravel. These products are easy to install and often have the lowest upfront costs. However, the loose nature of these materials can mean that they are prone to moving around in the playground and creating uneven surfaces. Plus, if they are not regularly inspected and refilled, they may fail to meet safety and ADA requirements.

Playground Rubber Safety Surfacing: The Key to Happy, Safe Playtimes

Other, more unitary surfaces like poured-in-place rubber and interlocking resilient tiles are typically more expensive than the loose-fill alternatives but will last longer and require less upkeep. They also offer a wide range of color choices to create a unique design and can be customized with your logo or mascot for a memorable experience that is both safe in the event of a fall and accessible to users with disabilities.

The most important factor to consider when choosing a playground surface is the head injury criterion (HIC) rating it achieves. HIC ratings are based on tests performed using a device referred to as a drop test machine. The lower the HIC rating, the safer the surface.