Surfacing Types - Features & Benefits

Depending on the form and function of your play or recreational area, there are a number of choices you can make in regard to surfacing. The budget, the amount of use the playground or recreational area gets, your ability to maintain the surface, and other factors will help facilitate playground and recreational area surfacing selections. Be sure to follow safety and accessibility guidelines. Playgrounds should always provide protective surfacing. Be sure to ask the supplier for specifications, warranty information, and maintenance guidelines, as they may vary by brand.

Surfacing should meet appropriate guidelines, be readily available in your area, and meet the play or recreational area needs for durability, drainage, and accessibility. Consider climate, maintenance cost, and other variables before choosing. Your supplier can help decide what is most appropriate for each condition.

Surfacing options for playgrounds are generally divided into two categories: loose-fill and unitary. These options can be combined in a variety of ways or used alone.

Also check out our surfacing quick-reference chart here.

Loose-Fill Options

When impacted, loose-fill materials move downward and/or outward, providing excellent fall cushioning but also require ongoing raking and replenishment to keep the materials in place at an appropriate depth. Loose-fill materials need to be installed by using earth berms, timbers, plastic edging, or concrete curbs to contain the materials. Rubber wear mats should be placed in high-impact areas, such as under swings and the base of slides. These are areas more susceptible to displacement.

The CPSC classifies loose-fill materials as organic or inorganic. Organic loose-fill material will compress at least 25% due to use and weathering. Loose-fill material should be avoided for play areas intended for toddlers or dogs as this material can pose a danger of ingestion. 

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)

EWF is defined as wood ground to a fibrous consistency. It is different than wood chips or garden mulch in that there is a requirement stated in ASTM F2075 for particle size distribution and purity, which allows the product to “knit” together creating a stable surface for mobility devices. When installing EWF, it is recommended to utilize a layer of gravel for drainage. The next layer should be a geotextile cloth. On top of that should be a loose-fill layer meeting the specifications and fall height requirements of the environment. EWF surfacing should also meet ASTM F1951. This can be accomplished by installing the material to manufacturer’s installation instructions, otherwise, it may not meet accessibility standards. EWF surfaces are better suited for playgrounds, landscapes, and trails.

Loose-fill Rubber

Loose-fill rubber offers the best impact absorbing properties of all the loose-fill surfaces. Check with your supplier for their specification and be sure to ask for their accessibility testing results. Loose-fill rubber is best suited for playgrounds, landscapes, and trails.

Sand & Pea Gravel

Although considered as a “loose-fill” surface, these materials seldom meet the accessibility standards or ASTM F1951. The surface materials may be used to provide tactile experiences on secondary routes. However, the drawbacks to the surface materials should be carefully considered. Sand can become heavy and concrete-like in wet conditions, thereby reducing its ability to attenuate falls. Pea gravel may potentially be a choke hazard for children or even dogs. Frequent raking and turning can help with their tendency for compaction. CPSC states that sand and gravel are generally used as landscaping-type material that can be layered to certain depths and resist compacting.

Unitary Surfaces

Unitary products include poured-in-place rubber (PIP), tiles, bonded rubber, and synthetic grass. Unitary surfacing does not require raking, compaction, or replenishment, however, it may require sanitization or maintenance due to surface debris, vandalism, movement in the tiles, erosion, poor drainage, or worn areas that result from repeated impacts. When unitary surfacing is in need of repair, it should be done immediately as per manufacturer’s instructions. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before applying any chemicals or before pressure washing. Also, consider that some dark colored surfacing materials exposed to intense sun may cause blistering on bare skin. Check with the provider of surfacing if light colored materials are available or include shading to reduce direct sun exposure. 

The greatest benefits of unitary materials are less frequent maintenance, predictable cushioning properties, and that the materials stay in place. Poured rubber provides the most consistent accessibility, specifically for people who use mobility devices, and there is generally a higher initial cost. Most unitary materials require a base of compacted stone or concrete/asphalt. The cost of this base should be considered in the overall cost analysis of the surface system. See your manufacturer’s warranty information for the predicted product lifecycle.

Poured Rubber Surfaces

Poured rubber or poured-in-place (PIP) is a popular surfacing choice and consists of two layers, a base layer for attenuation, followed by a colored wear layer. If attenuation properties are not required, the base layer would not need to be installed. The low-density base layer is laid first and cured overnight, followed by the wear layer. EPDM, TPV, or Rubber Crumb/SBR is mixed with a polyurethane binder and poured into place at the site. PIP is to be installed over asphalt, concrete, or compacted stone. Ideally, temperatures should be between 45 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit during the installation of the product; humidity should also be taken into account as it will have an effect on temperature. 

Prices will vary but can depend on color, size of installation, and thickness. Prices will generally increase as thickness increases and as color levels increase from all black to 100% color. Color options that mix in black granules will generally be more economical than 100% color granules. This surface requires one of the highest initial investments and may surpass the cost of the equipment as a percentage of total budget. It must also be installed by a trained professional crew. However, over the life of your playground, it will require less frequent maintenance, is not displaced during play, and is easy to clean, as litter will not mix into the product.

Poured rubber offers the greatest design options; colors can be mixed to produce varying hues, or laid side-by-side to create artistic patterns and graphic designs. Additionally, games such as hopscotch can be incorporated to add additional play value. The product is a popular choice for aquatic environments. It is also important to note the choices of urethane; standard aromatic urethanes will initially “yellow” the overall appearance of the color and is especially noticeable on lighter hues. To avoid this, be sure to specify an aliphatic urethane. PIP is best suited for playgrounds, fitness parks, landscapes, trails, and multi-use recreational areas.

Bonded Rubber Surfaces

Bonded rubber surfaces utilize recycled rubber that is cleaned, then dyed in a variety of colors. Bonded rubber resembles a shred in texture, and consists of one layer, which is also mixed with urethane on site before being installed. Like other unitary surfaces, it provides a great surfacing option that promotes accessibility. Bonded rubber is best suited for playgrounds, landscapes, trails, and multiuse recreational areas.

Tiles

Surfacing tiles provide a single, smooth surface once installed, providing good accessibility. Tile can range from rubber tiles, vulcanized tiles, and even aquatic tiles. Some tiles are manufactured with recycled rubber, others with virgin rubber, and some may not be recycled at all. Tiles usually installed in play and recreational environments are made of recycled rubber and are poured and molded in a controlled environment, rather than onsite as with other rubber surfacing products, so the installation of the product is uniform in consistency and not subject to the site conditions or weather. Installation methods should be followed closely to ensure a compliant and durable finished product. Tiles are installed by adhering to the substrate or fastening the tile together with adhesive or fasteners. Tapered tiles are often used to provide ramp transitions from tile to surrounding substrates. Because they are not poured on-site, they are often used for indoor playground environments when a solid surface is desired. Tiles are best suited for playgrounds, aquatic areas, landscapes, trails, and multi-use recreational areas.

Synthetic Grass

Synthetic grass is a product designed to bring the look of nature to your environment. Synthetic grass can be optionally rolled and seamed over a shock-absorbing, fall attenuation layer-based on-site needs. Infill can be placed in the synthetic grass to stabilize and hold grass blades upright. This product is an excellent choice when blending into the surrounding landscape. Synthetic grass can be specified to meet and exceed ASTM F1292 requirements. 

In addition, some manufacturers have developed synthetic grass specifically designed for dog parks. The dog park synthetic grass is tufted and textured differently from other synthetic grass to create a product that is less likely to mat down. Specialized pet systems often feature specifically coated backings that provide extra strength against wear from a dog’s paws and claws. In addition, this type of synthetic grass includes a special infill that provides protection to help fight bacteria from spreading and was designed to be safe to the environment, humans, and four-legged friends alike. Synthetic grass is most commonly used in playgrounds, dog parks, landscapes, and multi-use recreational areas.