Types of Playground Resurfacing

The type of surfacing you select for your Playground Resurfacing can have a significant impact on the safety, accessibility and cost of your project. The best choice will balance your design needs, budget and maintenance requirements against the regulations in your area, and be compatible with any equipment you may be incorporating.

Generally, there are two types of surfacing for playgrounds: loose-fill and solid. Loose-fill surfacing is often wood mulch, but can include rubber mulch and synthetic turf as well. Solid surfacing is unitary and includes bonded rubber, poured-in-place (PIP), and rolled products such as rubber tiles or turf.

Playground Resurfacing Maintenance: Tips for Keeping Your Play Area Safe

There are also hybrid systems available. A reputable provider should be able to suggest the right surface for your project, based on your needs and budget. They should be able to show you field-testing results for the material you are considering and be able to provide documentation that it meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

One of the most important factors when selecting a surface is its drainage. If a surface cannot drain, it will become saturated, and this can cause problems, such as decreased impact attenuation and surface stiffness. This can also create tripping hazards and encourage the growth of weeds.

Using a professional is recommended for asphalt and concrete pavement surfacing, because it is a large job and requires heavy machinery. Unlike loose-fill surfacing, which can be purchased from home improvement stores, these materials require special preparation and installation techniques to ensure their longevity. Asphalt and concrete require a compacted base, which can be difficult to install, and need to be properly graded and sloped for drainage.