Address
304 North Cardinal
St. Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
What is the best surface for a play area?
Children need to be safe when playing on the playground, and the playground surface is the key to preventing injuries and accidents. Good playground surfaces provide safe playing spaces and effective impact absorption. If you want to know the best surface, you can check out this article.
1.Recommended Surface Types
The most reliable materials for playground equipment surfaces are plastic, wood, and rubber. These materials are durable, long-lasting, low-maintenance, and wear-resistant. These materials can also be selected in a variety of colors. Rubber and plastics come in a variety of colors, which can design your playground to a certain extent. You can brighten your playground with cheerful hues.
When choosing the type of surface for playground equipment, you need to consider the outdoor temperature, the location of the playground, and the amount of maintenance that can be spent on maintenance. Here are the different types of playground equipment materials and their advantages.
1.Solid Rubber Surfaces
This solid rubber will be more expensive upfront, but it is a good rotation in the long run. Unlike other loose-fill materials, solid rubber surfaces come in two forms. The most common is cast in place, which is poured on the base. The final product is a smooth cushioning surface with a variety of colors to choose from. Another is in the form of rubber tiles, which are combined together to form a solid surface.
Solid rubber requires very little maintenance once poured, can last 10-15 years, and meets accessibility standards, allowing wheelchairs and strollers to pass through. Cost estimate: $8-14 per square foot.
2.Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is becoming increasingly popular in various sports fields and is a slightly cheaper alternative to solid rubber surfaces. It is also a low-maintenance surface that meets ADA wheelchair accessibility standards. Occasional flushing is required, but water drains well from the surface and cleaning is very simple.
And as artificial grass technology has developed, there are higher quality, more realistic grass texture products. Compared to the hard plastic green turf of decades past, today’s turf is softer and more realistic. Cost estimate: $6-10 per square foot
3.Engineered Wood Fiber
Engineered wood fiber is an economical and durable option for playground covers. It is estimated that there are about 50,000 playgrounds in the United States and Canada using EWF materials.
Don’t confuse it with traditional wood materials, which are made up of rough wood and bark. Engineered wood fiber is finer ground, comes from the original wood, and has the sawdust removed, containing only the inner part of the tree, which means it is softer. It can provide a safe and natural way to cover the ground while still providing adequate cushioning and protection for children.
EWF requires regular cleaning and refilling, and the overall cost is increasing over time. The price cost is expected to be $4 per square foot.
4.Rubber mulch
Rubber mulch is one of the most affordable playground surfaces on the market. It is not only safe but also colorful. Rubber mulch is made by grinding recycled tires to provide a soft cushioning surface for children to land on. The disadvantage is that the site needs to be re-cleaned and refilled frequently to ensure sufficient depth. Although the initial cost is not high, the cost will gradually increase over time. The price cost is expected to be $1-3 per square foot.
2.Surface Types Not Recommended
Dirt, grass, sand, and pea gravel are not good choices for playground surfaces. Although these materials are more affordable, they cannot pass impact tests, do not provide any fall protection, and may not pass ADA inspection.
In addition, sand and pea gravel may contain harmful substances. To avoid this, you need to buy it at a professional playground equipment store when purchasing. If you want to use it, make sure it is at least 12 inches deep.
3.Whether it has the best surface material?
All playground safety surfaces have their advantages and disadvantages. No matter which material you use, it needs regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that it remains in good condition. Covering the playground with high-quality materials ensures that children have a safe place to play while also providing protection from ground injuries. If you have any questions about these or any other playground covering materials, you can contact us.
We Kidsplayplay is certified by CE, TUV,IPEMA. It is an excellent amusement facility manufacturer with many years of manufacturing experience, and its product quality and safety are also very good.
