A playset in your backyard is a fantastic investment, providing children with endless hours of fun, exercise, and imaginative play. However, simply assembling the playset isn’t enough. You need to consider the crucial aspect of safety surfacing underneath. Choosing the right material can significantly reduce the risk of injuries from falls and create a more comfortable and enjoyable play environment. This comprehensive guide will explore various options for what to put under a playset, helping you make an informed decision that prioritizes your children’s safety and long-term enjoyment.
Understanding the Importance of Safety Surfacing
Choosing the right surfacing material isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about preventing serious injuries. Falls are a common occurrence when children are playing, and without a proper safety surface, these falls can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and other injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides guidelines for playground safety surfacing, recommending specific fall heights and corresponding surfacing depths.
Impact attenuation is the key factor. The material’s ability to absorb the energy of a fall is crucial in minimizing the severity of injuries. Different materials offer varying levels of impact attenuation, and the depth of the material also plays a significant role. A thicker layer of safety surfacing will generally provide better protection than a thinner layer.
Moreover, consider the long-term implications. A well-chosen surface will withstand years of use, resisting wear and tear from weather and active children. It should also be relatively easy to maintain and clean, ensuring a safe and hygienic play area for your family.
Exploring Different Surfacing Options
There’s a wide range of materials available for under your playset, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences will allow you to select the best option for your budget, space, and safety requirements.
Wood Chips: A Budget-Friendly Choice
Wood chips are a popular and economical choice for playground surfacing. They are readily available, relatively inexpensive, and provide a natural look. However, not all wood chips are created equal. Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a superior option compared to regular wood chips.
EWF is specifically designed for playground use. It’s made from shredded wood that interlocks, creating a more stable and impact-absorbing surface. Unlike regular wood chips, EWF is less likely to scatter, making it easier to maintain. EWF also meets ADA accessibility requirements, making it a more inclusive option.
Regular wood chips, while cheaper, decompose more quickly and require frequent replenishment. They also don’t provide the same level of impact attenuation as EWF. Furthermore, they may contain splinters or other debris that could be harmful to children.
Rubber Mulch: Durability and Safety
Rubber mulch is a more expensive but also a more durable and safer option than wood chips. It’s made from recycled tires, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Rubber mulch provides excellent impact attenuation, significantly reducing the risk of injuries from falls.
It’s also resistant to decomposition, meaning it will last much longer than wood chips. Rubber mulch is also less likely to attract insects or pests. However, it can get hot in direct sunlight, so consider the location of your playset and the potential for shade.
Some rubber mulch may have a distinct odor, especially when new. It’s important to choose a high-quality rubber mulch that has been properly processed to minimize any potential odor or leaching of chemicals.
Pea Gravel: A Natural and Affordable Option
Pea gravel is another affordable and natural option. It’s made up of small, rounded stones that provide a cushioned surface. Pea gravel is relatively easy to install and maintain.
However, pea gravel doesn’t provide the same level of impact attenuation as wood chips or rubber mulch. It can also be easily scattered, requiring frequent raking and redistribution.
Pea gravel can also be uncomfortable to walk on for some children. It’s not ADA accessible and may not be the best choice for children with mobility issues.
Poured-in-Place Rubber: The Premium Choice
Poured-in-place rubber is the most expensive but also the safest and most durable option for playground surfacing. It’s made from a mixture of rubber granules and a binding agent that is poured and troweled into place, creating a seamless and resilient surface. Poured-in-place rubber provides excellent impact attenuation and can be customized to any shape or size.
It’s also ADA accessible and comes in a variety of colors and designs. Poured-in-place rubber is the most low-maintenance option, requiring minimal upkeep.
However, it requires professional installation, adding to the overall cost. It’s also more difficult to repair than other surfacing options.
Rubber Tiles: Versatile and Easy to Install
Rubber tiles offer a good balance of safety, durability, and ease of installation. They are made from recycled rubber and come in various sizes and thicknesses. Rubber tiles interlock, creating a secure and cushioned surface.
They provide good impact attenuation and are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Rubber tiles can be installed by homeowners, saving on installation costs.
However, they may not provide the same level of seamlessness as poured-in-place rubber. Gaps between tiles can sometimes occur, especially in areas with heavy use.
Sand: A Classic Playground Material
Sand is a classic playground material that provides a natural and tactile play experience. It’s relatively inexpensive and readily available. Children enjoy playing and building in sand.
However, sand doesn’t provide the same level of impact attenuation as other surfacing options. It can also be easily scattered and tracked into the house.
Sand requires frequent raking and cleaning to remove debris and maintain hygiene. It can also attract animals and insects. Sand is not ADA accessible.
Calculating the Required Depth and Area
Once you’ve chosen a surfacing material, it’s crucial to calculate the required depth and area to ensure adequate safety. The CPSC guidelines provide specific recommendations based on the fall height of the playset.
The fall height is the vertical distance from the highest designated play surface to the protective surfacing below. For example, if the highest point on the playset is 8 feet, then the fall height is 8 feet.
The CPSC recommends different surfacing depths based on the fall height. For example, a fall height of 4 feet requires a minimum of 6 inches of EWF, while a fall height of 8 feet requires a minimum of 9 inches of EWF.
The area of the safety surfacing should extend at least 6 feet in all directions from the playset. For swings, the area should extend at least twice the height of the swing set from the support structure in the front and back.
Installation Tips for Different Materials
Proper installation is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the surfacing material. Here are some tips for installing different materials:
For wood chips and rubber mulch, start by removing any grass or vegetation from the area. Install a border around the perimeter to contain the material. Spread the material evenly to the recommended depth, using a rake to smooth it out.
For pea gravel, follow the same steps as for wood chips and rubber mulch. Consider using a weed barrier fabric underneath the pea gravel to prevent weeds from growing up through the surface.
For rubber tiles, start by preparing a level surface. Interlock the tiles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a rubber mallet to ensure a tight fit.
For poured-in-place rubber, professional installation is required. The installer will prepare the surface, mix the rubber granules and binding agent, and pour and trowel the material into place.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your playground surfacing safe and in good condition.
For wood chips, rubber mulch, and pea gravel, rake the surface regularly to remove debris and redistribute the material. Replenish the material as needed to maintain the recommended depth.
For rubber tiles, clean the surface regularly with soap and water. Inspect the tiles for damage and replace them as needed.
For poured-in-place rubber, clean the surface regularly with soap and water. Contact a professional for any repairs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Material
Choosing the right material to put under a playset involves considering multiple factors to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the children using it.
- Safety: The primary concern is the material’s ability to absorb impact and minimize the risk of injury from falls. Consider the fall height of your playset and choose a material that meets the CPSC’s recommended depths.
- Cost: The cost of different surfacing materials can vary significantly. Consider your budget and choose a material that provides adequate safety within your price range.
- Durability: Choose a material that will withstand years of use and resist wear and tear from weather and active children.
- Maintenance: Consider the amount of maintenance required to keep the surface clean and safe. Some materials, such as poured-in-place rubber, require minimal maintenance, while others, such as sand, require frequent raking and cleaning.
- Aesthetics: Choose a material that complements your backyard landscape and creates an inviting play area.
- Accessibility: If you have children with mobility issues, choose a material that is ADA accessible, such as EWF or poured-in-place rubber.
- Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of the material. Rubber mulch is made from recycled tires, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Making the right choice for your playset’s safety surface is a crucial decision that will impact your children’s safety and enjoyment for years to come. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, you can create a safe, fun, and inviting play area where your children can thrive.
What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a surfacing material for under a playset?
The most crucial factor is the material’s ability to absorb impact and reduce the risk of serious injury from falls. Playground safety standards recommend specific fall heights and corresponding surfacing depths to minimize head injuries. Research the critical fall height rating of each material you’re considering and ensure it meets or exceeds the maximum fall height of your playset equipment.
Consider also the long-term maintenance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of the material. Some options, like engineered wood fiber (EWF), require periodic replenishment and raking to maintain adequate depth and safety. Others, like rubber mulch or poured-in-place rubber, offer greater longevity and require less maintenance, but typically come with a higher upfront cost. Balancing safety with budget and upkeep is key.
How much area should the safety surfacing cover around the playset?
A safe zone, extending beyond the playset’s perimeter, is crucial for preventing injuries. Generally, the safety surfacing should extend at least 6 feet in all directions from the playset’s supports and equipment. This buffer zone allows children sufficient space to land safely if they fall while playing.
For swings, the safety zone should extend twice the height of the swing’s pivot point in front and back of the swing. Slides also need an extended safety area at the exit point. Adhering to these recommendations, often outlined in playground safety guidelines, significantly reduces the likelihood of injuries from falls off or around the playset.
What are the pros and cons of using mulch as a playset surface?
Mulch, especially wood mulch or shredded rubber mulch, is a popular and relatively affordable option for playset surfacing. It provides a decent level of impact absorption when installed at the recommended depth. Wood mulch also has a natural look and feel that blends well with outdoor environments. Rubber mulch is more durable and less likely to decompose, providing longer-lasting protection.
However, wood mulch can decompose over time, requiring periodic replenishment to maintain its protective depth. It can also harbor insects and may become displaced during heavy rain or wind. Rubber mulch, while more durable, can be more expensive and may have a distinct odor, especially when new. Consider these factors when deciding if mulch is right for your playset area.
Is pea gravel a suitable surface for under a playset?
Pea gravel can be used as a playset surface if it meets certain safety standards and is properly installed. It offers decent drainage and can be aesthetically pleasing. However, it’s crucial to use the correct size and depth of gravel to provide adequate impact absorption and minimize the risk of injury. Choose gravel that is rounded and smooth to prevent cuts and abrasions.
One downside of pea gravel is that it can be easily scattered, requiring frequent raking and redistribution. It may also be less accessible for children with mobility issues or those using wheelchairs. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the gravel remains at the correct depth and maintains its safety properties. Consider these limitations before opting for pea gravel.
What is engineered wood fiber (EWF) and why is it recommended for playgrounds?
Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a specially processed wood product designed specifically for playground safety. It consists of shredded wood fibers that interlock to create a stable and impact-absorbing surface. EWF is considered a safe and cost-effective option when installed at the recommended depth, providing good protection against falls.
EWF is considered more accessible than loose-fill options like gravel or mulch, making it easier for children with disabilities to navigate. It also compacts over time, creating a firmer surface that reduces displacement. However, EWF requires periodic maintenance, including raking and topping off, to maintain its depth and safety performance. Consistent upkeep is crucial for preserving its protective qualities.
Are rubber tiles a good option for under a playset?
Rubber tiles are an excellent option for playset surfacing due to their superior impact absorption, durability, and low maintenance. They are typically made from recycled rubber and offer a consistent and predictable level of safety. Rubber tiles are available in various thicknesses to accommodate different fall heights and can be easily installed over a compacted base.
While rubber tiles are more expensive than some other surfacing materials, their longevity and minimal maintenance requirements make them a worthwhile investment. They are also slip-resistant, making them a safer option in wet conditions. The interlocking design of many rubber tiles makes them easy to install and replace if necessary, further extending their lifespan.
What should I do to prepare the area before installing safety surfacing?
Proper preparation is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of any playset surfacing material. Begin by clearing the area of any grass, weeds, rocks, or other debris. Leveling the ground is crucial to provide a consistent depth of surfacing and prevent uneven settling over time. Consider installing a weed barrier fabric to prevent weed growth from below.
Creating a border around the playset area is also highly recommended. This border can be made of wood, plastic edging, or even poured concrete. The border helps contain the surfacing material and prevents it from spreading onto the surrounding lawn or garden. A well-defined border also provides a visual cue for children and adults to recognize the designated play area.