What is the rubber flooring in playgrounds: pros & cons
26 Dec, 2024
- Common types of playground flooring
- What is the rubber flooring in playgrounds?
- Types of rubber playground flooring
- Rubber tiles
- Poured-in-place rubber
- Rubber mulch
- Pros of rubber playground surfacing option
- Cons of rubber flooring for playground
- Evidence of the safety of the poured rubber playground surface
- Cost comparison of rubber flooring vs. other playground surfaces
- Best practices for maintaining rubber playground flooring
When weather conditions allow, children spend at least two hours every day on playgrounds. While having fun, kids can also get hurt if the playground surface doesn’t meet the required safety standards.
When choosing surfacing material for such spaces, it’s important to focus on a few key aspects, such as texture, durability, finish, etc. Without a doubt, the best flooring for outdoor playground areas is rubber. In this article, we’re listing the most common types of playground flooring options, giving special attention to the best material used for outside play areas — rubber surfaces.
Common types of playground flooring
Most playground injuries result from falls, so the surface for playgrounds in schools, parks, and residential buildings should be slip-resistant in the first place. Here are the most common types of playground surface materials that meet this playground safety requirement:
- Artificial grass. Synthetic turf, or artificial grass, is growing in popularity due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and water conservation benefits.
- Wood chips. It’s renowned as the most eco-friendly option for a play area. Moreover, chips are soft enough, so you don’t need to worry about children getting traumatized by this material. On the downside, wood fibers can attract insects. They also spoil quickly under unfavorable weather conditions.
- Sand. Sand provides excellent fall protection, but it can get into the kids’ eyes and mouths, which isn’t what you want.
- Rubber. Undoubtedly, rubber is one of the best in terms of safety and durability. This material has lots of benefits, which we’re describing below.
What is the rubber flooring in playgrounds?
So, what is the rubber flooring in playgrounds? It’s made from rubber materials, and its popularity is constantly increasing. Synthetic or natural substances can be used in its production.
Nowadays, many people consider this type of surface eco-friendly because it can be recycled (or made from recycled materials). It’s also versatile and long-lasting, meaning that it can be installed in high-humid or arid areas. These and other benefits make rubber playground flooring the best flooring for outdoor playground areas.
Types of rubber playground flooring
When choosing the right rubber flooring for a private or public playground, make sure you know the most common types of rubber flooring. Here they are:
Rubber tiles
Rubber playground tiles, as their name suggests, are shaped like tiles. Because of their softness, they are a popular choice for playground surfacing. This feature helps prevent severe trauma in case of slips and falls.
Tiles are easy to install and need very little adhesive application. With proper maintenance, they can last for a long time. It’s worth noting that tiles are available in a wide variety of colors, so if you have specific requirements, you can easily find shades that will suit the exterior.
Poured-in-place rubber
Poured rubber (sometimes called “wet pour rubber flooring”) has a high level of shock absorption, meaning the surface can cushion the impact of falls, even if the fall height is above average.
The safety of the children is the most important thing we should consider when choosing flooring options. In this case, poured rubber playground surfaces will perfectly handle the task. Such a surface provides peace of mind for parents who might be worried about their children.
It’s also worth mentioning that poured rubber flooring doesn’t require much maintenance; it’s durable and customizable. However, keep in mind that this type of surfacing isn’t easy to install, so this task should be done by professionals.
If you don’t have a lot of time to take care of outdoor play space but want to create a safe and pleasant area for your kids, you should definitely consider the poured rubber surfacing option.
Rubber mulch
If you are in search of backyard playground flooring ideas, think of rubber mulch. This is a sustainable option because it’s made from recycled synthetic materials. In contrast to hard surfaces, rubber granules are much safer for kids. For instance, if a child falls from playground equipment, the soft material will help prevent injuries.
Pros of rubber playground surfacing option
Rubber playground surfacing options have many benefits. The most essential are:
- Eco-friendliness. This type of flooring can be made from recycled rubber, which helps to reduce waste.
- Affordability. Rubber flooring is a cost-effective option; the price is justified by its durability.
- Safety. The soft, non-slip surface reduces the risk of injuries, making it safe for children of all ages.
- Low maintenance. The rubber doesn’t require special treatment and is easy to clean.
- Durability. Rubber is likely to retain its integrity over time, preserving its qualities and fresh look for years.
- Customizability. Rubber flooring comes in a broad range of colors and patterns to choose from; it’s also available in different thicknesses, which allows you to select the best option for your needs.
Cons of rubber flooring for playground
If you are looking for a new playground surface and are likely to choose rubber flooring, you should consider some disadvantages of the material:
- Unpleasant smell. Some types of rubber covering can have a specific odor, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
- Complex installation. Poured rubber must be installed by professionals, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools.
- Potential drainage issues. If not installed properly, water can collect on the playground surface, affecting rubber safety.
Evidence of the safety of the poured rubber playground surface
It’s obvious that the best flooring for outdoor playground areas should, first of all, meet quality and safety standards. The surfacing should minimize the risk of injuries and ensure a safe space for children to play.
Poured rubber playground surface сomplies with safety standards and possesses the necessary quality certificates. This means that the flooring is suitable for kids, even the youngest ones.
It’s important to make sure that the covering has passed the required checks and fulfills the fall height requirements. This feature helps prevent severe trauma in kids’ areas and makes the work of playground administrators a bit easier.
Any engineer would recommend rubber flooring for playgrounds due to its durability and safety features.
Cost comparison of rubber flooring vs. other playground surfaces
It might seem that safety surfacing, such as rubber, is much more expensive than other options (e.g., artificial grass, sand, asphalt, wood chips, etc.). Still, it’s safe to say that the long-term benefits rubber provides outweigh the price.
So, if you are eager to create a safe play environment and a durable playground for children that will retain its properties and appearance for decades, consider any type of rubber covering. Remember that the right flooring saves you time and money.
Best practices for maintaining rubber playground flooring
The maintenance of rubber playground flooring is easier than you think. It requires only regular washing with water and occasional checks for damage. What to use for playground flooring? There are specialized detergents for cleaning rubber surfaces, so use these, carefully following instructions.
If possible, place the rubber-covered play area in a spot that is not exposed to direct sunlight. Don’t ignore professional installation with a proper drainage system, as this will extend the lifespan of the surface.
If you are interested in the rubber playground surfacing option, feel free to request a quote from SafeStep.