4 Simple Techniques For Play Area Bark

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As the specification is resin bonded, there is no need to top up the rubber-shred which is required with loose play bark, this helps to keep maintenance costs down. This surface is popular because it blends in with natural surroundings and it is also a safety surface. Many areas have it installed when they want their facility to suit the surroundings but also be safe for people to use.


When it comes to playground surfacing, there are many different types to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. When creating a stimulating environment for children to play in, whether it’s at a school, nursery or public playground, it’s important to incorporate different textures and surfaces. Deciding upon the type of surfacing to install often comes down to budget.


When planning any form of playground, safety should be the top priority and, of course, each form of surfacing provides a different level of shock absorption and abrasiveness - rubber play bark. Before taking the plunge, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each form of surfacing, in order to find the ideal material.


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We’ll consider 8 types of surfacing, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. playground rubber. One of the safest types of surfacing for playgrounds and nursery schools is wet pour. Wet pour is a continuous rubber surface that is ‘poured’ onto an existing surface, such as MOT type 1 or tarmac, and then applied using a trowel.




There are several advantages of using a wet pour surface. Firstly, the finished surface has a soft underfoot feel, which can help to cushion the impact of trips and falls within a playground environment. It is also a porous surface, which prevents any standing water from accumulating on the playground.


One of the downsides to wet pour surfacing is that it can be expensive, particularly when applied over large areas. That’s because there are several layers of aggregates and rubber that need to be applied, making the process rather labour intensive. Tarmac is a commonly used surface for creating playground areas in schools and nurseries.


9 Simple Techniques For Playground Rubber Mulch


Tarmac can also be porous, which offers the advantage of preventing standing water, which can be cause the surface to become slippery when wet or when puddles of water freeze over during the winter months. It can also double up as a surface suitable for vehicular traffic, which is a big advantage for schools or nurseries that are short on space.


Mulch SurfacingPlay Area Bark

In addition, Tarmac doesn’t offer any shock absorption, and the finished surface is also abrasive, meaning that trips and falls will often result in cuts and grazes. Rubber tiles, with very similar properties to wet pour, are another popular playground surfacing option. Rubber tiles are typically installed to a concrete sub-base using a specialist adhesive, and are generally quicker to install than wet pour.


Play Area MulchPlay Area Bark
Playground Rubber MulchPlay Area Mulch

They are available in many different colours, but there is a limit to the different patterns and styles that can be achieved. Rubber mulch is formed from shredded recycled rubber and, again, is available in a variety of colours, as well as sizes. It has excellent absorption qualities and is mainly used in play areas with climbing equipment or small play pits.


The Main Principles Of Rubber Mulch


As this type of surfacing is very quick and easy to install, it makes it one of the most cost-effective on our list. Installation depends upon the level of usage but, for small play areas, the installation process typically only involves the removal of an existing surface, then the installation of a weed membrane, followed by the rubber mulch, making it a very quick process.


Bonded rubber mulch involves mixing loose rubber mulch with a specially formulated PU binder, which is then laid onto solid, compacted ground. It has very similar absorption and non-slip properties as wet pour surfacing, making it a good choice for playgrounds containing items of play equipment. Compared to wet pour, the installation process is much quicker and easier, as this type of surfacing does not require a sub-base to be installed prior to the finished surfacing.


It is available in a wide range of colours and shapes, which can be combined to form different patterns. The finished installation thickness depends upon the application and the height that potential falls may occur from. If opting for bonded rubber mulch, it is vital that you choose good quality rubber and binder materials, as inferior products can potentially cause the surface to break up, with heavy use.


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There are many advantages of using fake grass in a school or nursery environment. One of the major benefits it has over the other types of surfacing on this list is that it is far more natural-looking. rubber bark. Children love playing on artificial grass, as it feels good to touch and looks just like the real thing.


It’s completely porous, too, allowing rainfall to drain freely through the backing material. It also provides the best performance in terms of shock absorption, as a foam underlay can be installed directly underneath the turf to provide an ultra-soft underfoot feel, whilst also protecting children from trips and falls from height. rubber play bark.


There are different colours, styles and pile heights to choose from that will suit any environment, large or small. For something a little more quirky, many schools and playgrounds are now incorporating different coloured turfs, such as blue, red or yellow, creating further interest. Loose bark mulch provides an alternative to rubber mulch.


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Playground Rubber MulchRubber Play Bark

The installation process is the same as for its rubber mulch cousin; simply remove the existing surface, if necessary, then install a weed membrane and, finally, spread the mulch on top. Natural bark mulch differs from rubber in that it does not provide such a soft surface to play on.

rubber bark

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