Pros and Cons of Each Type of Playground Safety Surfacing

The choice of playground surfacing is quite varied for the playground designer and customer, who may be implementing it.  These surfaces lie underneath and around the playground equipment and structures and form part of the playground, and need to encompass the safety concerns that come with playground design.

When choosing the most suitable surface, reviewing all options is essential as some are better than others, depending on your requirements.  For example, a rubber surface poured in place is ideal for parks with tall structures, whereas loose fill (often wood bark-based) options may be more suitable for the more budget-conscious playground designs.


Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)

Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a popular choice as a loose-fill surface for playgrounds.  This affordable and versatile covering meets the more basic accessibility guidelines of the ADA and has excellent water absorbent qualities.  If you need something quick and easy, combined with affordability, EWF meets those needs.


There are some negative aspects to this option.  Engineered wood fiber is easily displaced and requires a regular maintenance schedule involving raking and replenishment to maintain the correct depth and impact attenuation to give complete protection to playground users.  This material is also not particularly friendly to wheelchair users and other mobility devices.


Poured-in-place (PIP)

A Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surface is a favorite unitary safety surface option, popular and accessible with the ADA; it is also inclusive.  Available in a wide range of color options, i's easy to match any playground design and allows the addition of incorporated maps and pictures, hopscotch, and other games.  It is even possible to create unique shape designs, logos, and themes.  Poured-i-place rubber surfaces are durable, soft, and cannot be displaced.  


The negatives are the cost as it is an expensive option and needs to be professionally installed.  It also requires a compacted crushed stone subsurface that will require certification using concrete or asphalt.


Recycled Bonded Rubber

A Recycled Bonded Rubber surface is made from recycled shredded rubber tires.  This safe option is accessible to children with special needs.  However, there are some negatives; six inches of material is required to protect the children fully and lasts approximately ten years.


Loose Fill Recycled Rubber

Loose Fill Recycled Rubber is also available in multiple colors, which benefits optimal playground design.  This material will not decompose and has an excellent impact-absorbing quality.  Although it has a higher initial cost, loose-fill recycled rubber can be more economical than EWF as it won't decompose and requires less topping up of material.


Negatives are that it is not particularly inclusive, hindering wheelchair and mobility device access.


Recycled rubber tiles

Recycled rubber tiles provide excellent shock absorption, minimal maintenance, and extended durability.  As with the other rubber products, tiles are available in almost any color option.  Single damaged tiles can be replaced.


They do need to be professionally installed School Playground Equipment and have a high initial investment.


Synthetic Turf

The final option is synthetic turf.  This is low maintenance. A natural-looking option will need to be professionally installed but will require no watering or mowing.

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