Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I consider when choosing a playground safety surfacing?
According to the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS), you should consider fall protection, accessibility, maintenance and cost.
2. What are the major types of playground safety surfacing?
There are two major types of surfacing: Loose-Fill and Unitary. Loose-Fill includes Hardwood Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF), Cypress EWF and Colored Rubber Playground Mulch. Unitary includes Colored Bonded Rubber, Colored Poured-in-Place, Synthetic Playground Turf and Colored Rubber Tile.
3. What are the major differences between Loose-Fill and Unitary surfacing?
Loose-Fill surfacing has a lower initial cost and requires frequent maintenance. Unitary surfacing has a higher initial cost and requires infrequent maintenance.
4. How much do these surfacings cost?
The exact cost depends on several factors including the size of the playground, the fall height of the equipment, the type of material and the type of subsurface. Hardwood Engineered Wood Fiber is typically the least expensive and Colored Rubber Tile is typically the most expensive.
5. What is a subsurface and do I need one?
The subsurface provides a stable base for the playground safety surfacing as is usually made from concrete, asphalt or compacted aggregate. Loose-Fill surfacings do not require a subsurface while most Unitary surfacings are not designed to withstand the movement of the earth below them and may fail prematurely if there is no subsurface.
6. Can I install the surfacing myself?
With proper instruction, you could install some surfacings yourself while other surfacings almost certainly need to be installed by a trained professional. When considering who will install the surfacing, remember that an improper installation could reduce the fall protection properties, reduce the life and possibly void the warranty of the surfacing.