Children’s safety is the major concern for any play area. Where a child can fall from a height of 0.6m or more (usually referred to as the critical fall height, or free fall height), then a suitable impact absorbing surface must be installed and comply with the current British and European standards BS EN 1176 & 1177. As a significant part of the budget for a play area can be eaten up by the cost of surfacing, it’s important that you are aware of the features of the main types of surfacing.
Safer surfaces can be grouped as follows
- Loosefill
Loosefill safer surfacing includes sand, gravel, bark, cushion fall and rubber bark. It is generally the cheapest option initially but requires regular topping up, raking and weeding and therefore has higher maintenance costs. Natural bark or cushion fall provides anattractive surface that is complementary to natural designs, while rubber bark has a longer lifespan.
- Grass Matting
Grass matting is an easy to install system which can be laid on top of an existing, flat, grass surface with good quality turf. As the grass grows through the open weave of the non-slip mats, the mats themselves disappear from view and the grass can be mowed as normal. Grass matting helps reduce wear and tear of the original surface and muddy areas should be a thing of the past. We also offer a flame retardant option.
- Synthetic Grass / All Weather Carpet
Synthetic grass provides an effective all weather
surface that is maintenance free. It can be supplied with foam padding to ensure that the right amount of impact absorption is provided under play equipment. Available in various pile thicknesses.
- Wetpour
Wetpour is a rubber surface that is mixed on site. It is attractive, porous, virtually seamless and maintenance free. It is available in a wide range of colours, and various shapes and themes can be integrated into the surface, allowing a graphic design to complement the playground equipment. To provide the appropriate protection, Wetpour can be laid in a range of thicknesses on tarmac, concrete or prepared bases. The standard colour is black but other colours are available at additional cost.
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- Tiles
Tiles come in a variety of rubber toppings and
thicknesses and are a modular alternative to Wetpour. Easier to lay than Wetpour but the number of seams and joints means that the risk of lifting or water ingress is increased.
