Safety Surfacing Benefits and Options

When selecting safety surfacing for playgrounds, ensuring that children have a safe environment to play is paramount. The right surfacing helps to minimize the risk of injuries from falls while providing a comfortable and durable play area. There are several types of safety surfacing materials available, each offering unique benefits. We offer options we can discuss further with our customers regarding rubber wood chips, bonded rubber mulch, EPDM, and engineered wood fiber.

Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is a synthetic alternative to traditional wood chips made from recycled rubber tires. They offer a soft, cushioned surface that helps reduce the impact of falls. This material can be installed as a loose fill option or bonded and poured in place.

Benefits:

• Shock Absorbency:Rubber wood chips provide excellent shock absorption, reducing the severity of falls and minimizing injury risks.
• Durability:This material is highly durable and resistant to weathering, ensuring long-lasting performance even in harsh outdoor conditions.
• Low Maintenance:Unlike natural wood, rubber wood chips don't decompose or attract insects, requiring less frequent maintenance.
• Safety Compliance:Meets ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for playground safety, including fall height protection.
• Non-toxic:Made from recycled materials, they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
• Poured In Place Option:The bonded nature of the mulch creates a stable surface, preventing the material from shifting, which can be an issue with loose-fill materials.

Engineered Wood Fiber

Engineered wood fiber is a natural, organic material made from specially processed wood that is graded and sorted for use in playground surfacing. It is typically loose-fill, which means it can be spread evenly over a large area.

Benefits:

• Natural Aesthetic:EWF offers a natural look that blends well with outdoor environments, making it a popular choice for nature-based or rustic-themed playgrounds.
• Shock Absorption:Absorption: Engineered wood fiber provides good fall protection, especially when properly maintained and topped up to the correct depth.
• Sustainability:Made from sustainably sourced wood, it is an eco-friendly option that biodegrades naturally over time.
• Ease of Installation:EWF is relatively easy to install, as it can be spread over a large area quickly and evenly.
• Cost-effective:One of the more affordable options, EWF provides safety at a lower initial cost than other surfacing materials.