Whether they’re used for Playground Rubber Safety Surfacing daycare centers or recreation facilities, rubber safety surfaces are popping up all over. That’s because they’re durable, low-maintenance, long-lasting and comfortable to walk on (almost a spongy-like surface). Most importantly, they are safe—they meet critical fall height requirements as described in ASTM F-1292.
Poured-in-Place Rubber
A popular choice for a high-end, maintenance-free surface, this unitary option features a base layer of shredded recycled rubber and a color EPDM top layer that is troweled into place on site to create a seamless surface. This system is also ADA-compliant and offers a wide range of color options to complement the playground equipment and create a theme throughout the space.
Colorful and Safe: Exploring the Aesthetics of Rubber Safety Surfacing
Another unitary option, this surfacing is made from clean, recycled shredded rubber tires and offers a more muted color palette than traditional wood mulch. It is ADA-compliant and requires less maintenance than wood fiber, as well as less frequent raking and topping off. It also has a higher HIC and GMAX rating than wood mulch, making it an excellent alternative to the most common surfacing options.
Loose Fill Surfaces
Wood fiber and shredded rubber mulch are popular loose-fill playground surfacing options that provide a more natural look and feel. However, the loose material can get tracked off-site and end up in children’s shoes where it can cause injury. Also, wood and shredded rubber mulch need to be raked, topped off and monitored to ensure they remain within compliance with the required fall height attenuation.