Sand – Sand is an inexpensive option for playground ground cover. Although this is a popular option, you will need to make sure to have several inches to provide protection from falls.
Vinyl Mulch: The Best Material for Playground Surfaces. There are two main answers to the question, “What is the best material to put under a swing set?” — wooden mulch or rubber mulch. First and foremost, we count our vinyl mulch as the best material for playground surfaces because it is the safest.
However, when it comes to safety, no other material outshines engineered wood fiber (EWF). EWF is the most cost-effective loose-fill material for playground surfacing and has superior abilities for cushioning falls or impacts. Loose-fill surfaces, like EWF, are easy to install and maintain to adesired depth.
Solid rubber surface (aka wet pour)
The best surface for a playground is a solid rubber surface, also known as wet pour.
Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is considered the cheapest playground surfacing option at roughly $3-$5 per square foot. Relatively cheap and easy to install, Wood Mulch is one of the most popular playground surfacing options. It's also organic, ADA compliant and eco-friendly for any outdoor space.
Wood mulch is the most commonly used backyard playground surface material since it is great at protecting against fall injuries at most heights. When comparing naturally occurring surface product, wood mulch is the least effected by weather and erosion; compared to sand and pea gravel.
Wood chips are also a natural-looking, organic choice for your commercial playground. You can get mulch in brown, which is most popular, but also black as well. They are easy to install and are generally a low-cost option -- relatively inexpensive at $60 to $70 per yard installed -- so they won't break your budget.
Grass should not be considered as a safe surface under play equipment. Children sustained more severe injuries in residential playgrounds than in public playgrounds. It is recommended to replace grass by sand beneath play equipment.
While grass is not the recommended safety surfacing for commercial-grade swing sets, it is still a common option for many residential playsets. Grass provides a natural and aesthetically pleasing surface for play areas, and it can also be a more affordable option compared to other safety surfacing materials.
Pea gravel can also be fun if you provide digging toys and trucks! Good Drainage: Pea gravel provides excellent drainage, so it's a great option for areas that receive a lot of rain or have poor drainage. This means that your playground will be less likely to get bogged down or flooded, making it a safer place to play.
Rubber mulch doesn't attract animals and will not become burning hot after long exposure to the summer sun. Unlike sand, rubber mulch can also be washed off keeping it clean and free from bacteria. It's virtually maintenance free and will last without compacting for many years of outdoor playground fun.
There are three main types of unitary playground surfacing options – PIP, rubber tiles and synthetic turf. Each type offers unique features and challenges.
Stay away from asphalt and concrete since these surfaces trap heat. Rubber, sand, and mulched wood are the best solution for maintaining a cool bottom layer. These materials also make it easier to level the playground, making it safer for play.
Pre-made playgrounds are more expensive than DIY playgrounds due to the many parts they require for a finished assembly.
In large part, your budget will be determined by the number of children using the playground at a given time. To understand how much a playground could cost, a general rule is to budget for about $1000 per child. So, if you expect 50 kids to use the play area, you should budget for about $50,000.
Sand is the least effective loose-fill playground material in terms of impact-absorption. Nine inches of sand protects for falls up to four feet. Similar to pea gravel, sand also does not meet ADA accessibility standards and may be difficult for people with disabilities to navigate.
Concrete, grass, and dirt are not considered appropriate playground surfacing. Sand and pea gravel are poor choices due to the limited fall height protection. Pea gravel is a choking hazard and should not be installed on playgrounds intended for children under three years of age.
Loose-Fill: Rubber Mulch, Wood Chips, Sand, Gravel & More
Loose-fill material is typically installed by hand to create a level area over the entire playground. Rubber mulch, engineered wood fiber (EWF), playground sand, pea gravel and other bulk materials are considered loose-fill material.
Natural construction sets can be as simple as a bin of branches or slender logs with rocks or stones for balancing and building. Add a few pieces of rope and a sheet of burlap, and the possibilities really are endless. Providing open-ended and loose, natural materials lead to hours of imaginative play.
On average, wet-pour rubber surfacing can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, it's important to note that this lifespan can vary based on several factors such as the quality of installation, the level of maintenance, and the choice of rubber granules or binder used.