Playground Flooring: Everything You Need To Know

Were you thinking about building a backyard playground for your kids? You’re not sure how to do it? You don’t have to worry about anything because we have you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through two DIY playground flooring installations, providing you with all the information you need to get started. Finish this outdoor flooring installation in a jiffy with the help of your weekend warrior muscles.

We’ll cover the following in this post:

• Installing playground tiles: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Adding rubber mulch to the soil
• Preparing a surface
• Consider the tools and resources you’ll need.

Children love to play on outdoor playgrounds throughout the summer or on the weekends when school is out. The easiest approach to get kids outside and having fun is to take use of a playground, in my opinion.

It’s normal for youngsters to fall, jump, and scrape their knees while playing, so don’t worry! Playground flooring is an excellent approach to ensure the safety of your children while also giving your playground a polished look.

So if you’ve been considering playground flooring, but haven’t been sure if you’re up to the task, stick around with us. We’re going to walk you through the process of installing playground flooring on your own, so you can feel confident when it’s time to get started. Playground tiles or rubber mulch can be installed in a variety of ways.

Installation Prep

When it comes to playground flooring, if you’ve been unsure if you can handle the job, stay with us. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on installing playground flooring on your own. A look at how to install playground tiles or rubber mulch is in order.

Ground Leveling

We recommend starting your installation with a level surface, especially for tiles, because it creates a smooth surface on which to lay tiles for the greatest results. A flat surface also guarantees that the rubber mulch settles to the proper depth, which is necessary for safety.

You should be aware of the following:

• Get Rid of Obstacles: Before beginning installation, get rid of any large boulders, tree stumps, or plants that you do not want to be covered up. Yes, the tree stump can be avoided, but it will look nicer when it’s gone!
• Now is a wonderful time to level your ground if it isn’t already. If necessary, add some extra gravel and dirt to level the surface before installing the playground tiles.

• Place a layer of landscaping fabric over your tiles or rubber mulch to keep undesirable plants from sprouting and developing.
• A little gradient is recommended if you’re using rubber mulch to ensure optimum drainage. Drain tiles should be installed on a 3″ base of pea gravel or rock if drainage is a concern.

How to Install Playground Tiles

It is important to understand how to lay out your outdoor play area and how to cut the thick rubber tiles that will be used in it.

But before you get started, check out this helpful video on how to lay playground flooring:

Plan Your Outdoor Playground

You’ll want to arrange your playground area if your ground is flat and ready to go. You might start by following these tips:

• In order to get an idea of how many tiles you’ll need to cut and how many revisions you’ll need to make, lay the borders of the playground area first.
• A 12″ margin for expansion should be left around any edges or walls where your playground flooring is going to be installed.
• In order to keep your playground safe from tripping hazards, or in order to make it more accessible, ramps are a wonderful option. Determine the location of the ramps.

How to Cut Playground Tiles

We recommend using a ruler or t-square, a sharp utility knife, and a disposable bread knife to cut playground tiles to size.

The bread knife should be used to cut following the line that has been drawn with the ruler. This is how it will work:

Installation Steps

Gather the tools you’ll need for the installation first:

• An all-purpose knife
• Dish Spatula
• Squaring off or straightening out
• Incorporation Method: Dowels or Quad Blocks (see video above for examples of both)
• Seam sealer is optional.

Ready? Time to get this party started!

1. Layout the perimeter in a perpendicular manner, as discussed before in the section on planning. A 12″ space should be left between the tiles and any adjacent walls.
   • Tiles can be fastened with dowels if you prefer that method of installation. There are times when a hammer may be necessary. Connect it with the dowels next to it.
   • Place the quad block under the adjacent tiles and step down to connect them if you’re using one. The next row must be able to link to the quad block on the other side.
2. Once the first row of tiles is complete, begin the next.
3. You can use your straight edge ruler, utility knife, and bread knife to cut the tile as indicated above if you encounter a wall or obstruction.
4. Make sure any ramps you’ll be using are placed next to the tiles once the layout is complete.
5. Use seam sealant on the tiles and ramp to glue them together if you want a permanent playground.

How to Install Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch can be installed in a matter of minutes! As far as playground flooring installations go, this is definitely one of the easiest to tackle on your own. Only a few items are required for the initial setup of your system. But first, let’s make some preparations.

Plan Your Outdoor Playground

It’s time to plan your rubber mulch area if your ground is already level. You might start by following these tips:

• Decide on Depth: Before placing an order for rubber mulch, determine how deep you want it to be. We recommend a minimum of 3″ for a 6′ fall.
• Creating a “box” around your playground area is a wonderful way to keep the depth of your rubber mulch and keep it confined as the kids run around. Rubber timbers are a great option for an added layer of protection.
• Rubber mulch requires landscaping fabric, so don’t omit it. Those nasty weeds won’t be able to take root this way.

Installation Steps

As long as you’ve taken care of the drainage in your outdoor play area (check!) There are only a few more measures to take after you’ve completed the installation of landscape fabric.

1. Compact the rubber mulch to the required depth by loosely compacting it.
2. Use a rake to spread the mulch out evenly.
3. For a final look, trim off the excess landscape fabric.

Soft Commercial Playground Flooring

Safe, long-lasting, virtually maintenance-free.

Various types of commercial playground flooring are available. Durability, on the other hand, is second only to safety when it comes to recreational surfaces. Our poured-in-place rubber playground surfacing is our most robust, long-lasting, and nearly maintenance-free surface alternative. There are a variety of names for this material, including “playground base,” “safety flooring for playgrounds,” and others. It can be installed as part of a new playground or an existing one. Playground surfaces made of poured concrete are non-slippery, unlike rubber safety tiles.

Poured-in-Place rubber playground surface, customized for your play space.

There are a variety of options for personalizing the rubber playground surface that we employ. When using PIP, we can create a durable, safe, and virtually endless number of design options for our recreational flooring. Because of the PIP’s softer playground surface, this type of flooring is sometimes called a “playground foam surface. On-site mixing and application allows for the incorporation of school colors and emblems as well as games and/or geometric designs into the surface, resulting in an eye-catching and even functional rubber surface design.

It is also possible to get playground resurfacing services for existing playgrounds that want to replace the wood/rubber mulch or other surfaces.

Poured Rubber Playground Flooring Features

• 2 layers of concrete were poured and troweled on-site to create this surface.
• Safety and stress absorption can be achieved by varying the thickness.
• Post-consumer and pre/post-industrial recycled flooring materials are repurposed as raw materials for the production of recycled rubber.
• Surfaces that may become wet are good for porous flooring.
• 24 common colors and combinations allow you a wide range of design options
• Unlike mulch, the playground surface is a single unit.
• Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
• NIST Special Publication No. F1951-99 (Standard Specification for Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment)
• The ASTM F1292-18 (Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment)
• Guaranteed for 7-10 years
• Ineligible for state funding or LEED credits

Playground Flooring Explained

The purpose of playground flooring is to keep children active and safe while also absorbing shock. Rubber tiles, mulch, matting, and synthetic turf are among options for playground surfacing. If you want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each of these outdoor playground flooring options, take a look at our Buying Guide for Playground Flooring.

Be sure we can answer all of your questions before you commit to a floor. Our most frequently asked questions are listed here.

Use and Durability

You need to know what kind of play your playground will see before you buy a playground surface. This can assist you in determining the ideal type of flooring for your playground and whether or not it can withstand the traffic and degree of activity that gang of rascals is getting up to..

What is the best material to use under a swingset?

A playground swingset or other piece of playground equipment is best placed on top of rubber flooring because it is both safe and long-lasting. When it comes to playground flooring, shock-absorbent rubber is about as good as it gets when it comes to preventing injury to children who fall on it.

It’s worth considering a Playground Swing Mat if you’re building a swingset. When children are swinging on the ground, rubber mulch provides an earthy effect while also protecting them from injury.

Can I use regular mulch for a playground?

Playgrounds should not be filled with normal mulch, according to our advice. Unlike rubber playground mulch, garden or landscape mulch is produced from different materials and will not give the same level of safety if a child were to fall on it.

As a barrier between a youngster and the ground, playground mulch is a must-have for any playground. Additionally, it must be able to withstand a lot of traffic. Rubber mulch for playgrounds is visually appealing, comes in a variety of colors, and unlike wood chips, does not absorb water or blow away.

It’s also a breeze to keep clean. Rubber playground mulch protects children while they’re playing daredevils on playgrounds. To keep your playground area looking its best all year round, use rubber mulch.

Safety

When shopping for playground surfacing, the most crucial thing to look for is fall height certification. Let us take care of that for you.

What does fall height mean?

In order for a child to remain safe, the fall height must be reached. It is safe for a child to fall from a height of 4 feet if the playground flooring surface has fall height rated for 4 feet.

How is fall height tested?

The flooring’s shock absorbency is tested to establish the fall height. Manufacturers conduct studies that imitate the fall of a child from various heights in order to identify the safest height from which a youngster can fall. This helps the playground owner choose the appropriate equipment and flooring to create the safest environment for children.

In the past, the test was carried out by dropping a ball form that resembled a child’s head into a floor tile’s center point. In contrast, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) has recently revised its testing technique so that the ball form is dropped on the edge of the tile, which is the product’s weakest point. Manufacturers of playground flooring are required to conduct six tests and can only publish the results of the test with the lowest fall height rating.

What is the recommended fall height?

Although the fall height rating of a product may be lower than it used to be, this does not necessarily suggest that the product is inherently less safe. When selecting playground flooring, fall height certification is the most significant consideration.

While most commercial playgrounds have a fall height rating of 6 feet, homes and backyards can get away with a product that has a fall height rating of 1 or 2 feet. There is a correlation between thicker tiles and a greater fall height, which means that you can put up taller playgrounds.

What is the safest playground material?

Rubber playground tiles are among the safest materials for playgrounds. Because they’re long-lasting and stable, unlike playground mulch, you won’t have to worry about their thickness fluctuating. In addition to being durable enough for running and playing, rubber is cushioned enough to protect children in the event of a fall.

Shopping

Finally, the question you’ve been pondering: how much will it cost to install playground flooring? Let’s take a look at it one step at a time.

How much does playground surface cost?

The cost of a square foot of playground flooring can be as little as $2 or as much as $10. The price is determined by a slew of factors. A standard playground floor costs $5.50 per square foot.

When it comes to purchasing rubber mulch, you may buy a 39-lb. bag for $8, or buy it in bulk for huge playgrounds. Rather than being charged by square foot, rubber mulch and playground mats are sold by the product. The price range for playground mats is $50.99 – $138.99.

The good news is that rubber flooring is quite easy to install yourself, so the only costs you’ll have to worry about are supplies and delivery.

Installation

In terms of ease of installation, playground surfacing is right up there with the best of them. Here are some of the most often asked questions about the installation.

How do you install rubber playground flooring?

Installing playground tiles is a simple task for any do-it-yourselfer. The thickness of the playground tiles determines how the tiles are installed.

• Dowels are commonly used to place 1″ tiles. It is fitted into the playground tile with little plastic pegs. Putting this together is a lot like assembling IKEA furniture, and we all know how much fun and easy that is!
• Clips are commonly used to place 2.5″ and 3.5″ tiles. Make sure the clip is tucked beneath the tile and is securely fastened to the feet of the adjacent tiles.
• We propose attaching the playground tiles for those that are 4 inches or larger. The joints of these tiles must be bonded together because most of their use is outside. Rubber playground tiles should be glued using Polyurethane Glue.

Our interlocking playground tiles are the easiest to install and do not require any glue or additional tools. We recommend applying a small amount of adhesive to the interlock of your floor to help reduce movement. When the tiles are glued together, they will form a strong bond, reducing expansion and contraction.

How do you cut rubber playground tiles?

When cutting rubber playground tiles, it is advisable to use a bandsaw. A bread knife, on the other hand, is the best option. As a word of caution, expect a lot of hard work with this approach!

Cleaning & Maintenance

How to clean playground flooring and keep it sanitary and safe for children to play is covered here.

How do you clean playground flooring?

A piece of cake to keep clean are the playground tiles you’ve chosen. A garden hose or brush is all that is needed to restore them to their former beauty. Use a power washer (with a maximum pressure of 2000 psi) or scrubber with a mild detergent (without a petroleum basis) to keep commercial playgrounds looking their best and last longer.

Make a note not to use any cleaner containing solvent or lubricant e.g. Pinesol, Liquid Soap Murphy’s Oil Soap WD40 etc. The rubber playground surface will degrade over time if cleaned with certain products.

Miscellaneous

The following is a list of some of the most typical inquiries we get from clients.

What are playground floors made of?

All of our playground mulch, tiles, and mats are created from recycled rubber and are environmentally friendly. This type of flooring is resistant to mold and mildew. After a hard rain, there’s still a dry surface on the playground tiles since they are porous.

How do I make my playground flooring ADA compliant?

Every one of our playground tiles is equipped with accessories that make it easier for everyone to enjoy it. Ramps, corners, and ADA ramps are among the playground accessories.

Is rubber playground flooring eco-friendly?

Absolutely! Recycled rubber is used in the majority of outdoor playground flooring alternatives.

Our rubber flooring solutions are also almost entirely manufactured in the United States. According to Recyclebank, buying American-made products minimizes your carbon footprint because transportation-related emissions are reduced.

Playground Flooring Fall Height Rating:

When shopping for playground flooring, the fall height rating is the most crucial factor to keep in mind. It’s important to know how high you can fall before hitting the safety flooring and being seriously wounded. This rating is based on the density and thickness of the flooring you have installed.

The fall height rating of the playground flooring you select should be adequate for your purposes. Ratings for fall height vary from product to product, however here are some typical ratings for flooring of various thicknesses.

• Fall heights of 2 feet or less are usual for tiles this thick. This thickness is appropriate for playgrounds in residential neighborhoods.
• With a 2.5″ thick tile, you might expect a fall height of six feet. Typically, commercial playgrounds have a fall height of at least six feet.

Playground Flooring Options

There’s no denying that your playground’s top concern is keeping kids safe, with enjoyment coming in a close second. Quality outdoor play flooring is the first step to ensuring that children may safely play. Tiles, turf, and mulch are all available to meet your budget and upkeep requirements.

How can you possibly choose the right flooring for your house when there are so many options? If you want a floor that has a high fall height rating but also a beautiful design, look no further than our huge variety.

Playground Tiles:

Most of our customers prefer the look and feel of playground tiles. Because of the wide range of colors and thicknesses available, you can be sure that your play area will complement the rest of your garden. After a downpour, the tiles remain dry and slip-resistant because of the tile’s porous surface. The fall height ratings for playground tiles range from residential to commercial.

Playground Rubber Mulch:

Rubber mulch is a low-cost option for outdoor flooring. It’s available in a wide range of eye-catching hues, so you can make it your own. Rubber mulch lasts longer because it doesn’t decompose as quickly as wood mulch.

Rubber mulch, like wood mulch, can be a hazard if it is trampled upon or kicked around the play area. In terms of fall height, the thickness of mulch has an impact. Rubber mulch is typically 6 inches thick in commercial playgrounds, but it is 3 inches thick in home playgrounds.

Playground Turf:

For a long time, playgrounds have featured artificial grass as a flooring choice. Heat, frost, and heavy traffic all present issues for playground grass. Unlike other fake grasses, it is UV stable and long-lasting. Turf, on the other hand, heats considerably faster than genuine grass. You can buy a special infill designed to cool your turf when it comes into touch with water in order to battle the heat.

To get the right fall high rating for playground grass, you’ll need a play pad underlayment. For a 7′ fall height rating, a commercial turf underlayment should be 3.3-4.3″ thick. Residential play pads, on the other hand, are normally between 2.1 and 3.1 inches thick and have a fall height of 5 feet.

Playground Mats:

Playing hard when you’re having fun is what kids do. That’s fantastic news! Mulch, on the other hand, may not fare as well due to the fact that it is constantly being kicked and trampled underfoot. Under slide and swing sets, mulch tends to go naked, and our rubber mats are ideal for covering it up. Adding mats to playground flooring is a popular option for those looking for an extra layer of protection. You may place them in any area of your home that could need a little extra support from the floor.

Not only do these high-quality outdoor playground mats enhance the aesthetics of your playground, but they also increase its safety! When the kids need a safe place to land, install them. Then again, they’re hefty enough to resist being dragged or blown away by strong winds.

Instead of using these mats as the sole flooring in your home, they should be used to provide extra padding in specific locations. Playground mats may not all have fall height ratings, but we do offer one that is rated.

Residential Playground Safety: Our Top Priority

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child’s playset is built to withstand the test of time, as well as to be safe. Always read the manufacturer’s directions and use these guidelines to keep your kids safe while they’re having fun.

Playground Flooring Installation

The first step to creating a safe play area is to install the proper playground flooring.. The installation of each type of flooring is unique and demands a particular set of skills.

Playground Tiles:

In order to clearly define the boundaries of a play area, it is best to start by tiling the walls. Then, using a dowel system or a rubber block connection, finish laying out the perimeter and connecting the edge tiles. Row by row, begin tiling the surface. In order to cut tiles, you will need a utility knife and a bread knife.

Playground Mulch:

Maintain the correct depth of mulch by constructing a “box” around your playground area. It is a good idea to use our rubber timbers to make the playground boundaries. Weeds can grow through mulch, so lay down landscaping cloth to prevent them from sprouting. Mulch the area and then rake it to distribute it. Do not stop compaction until you have reached the desired depth of rubber mulch.

Playground Turf:

To prevent weeds from sprouting, lay down landscape cloth. Unroll your turf on top of the landscape fabric, then place a play pad on top of the landscape fabric. Use a staple gun to secure the turf seams together and then cut the edges to fit the playground area. Secure the turf’s edges with nails to prevent it from slipping. Fill the turf with your preferred infill to give it weight and a more natural appearance.

Playground Mats:

Installing a playground mat is a snap. Make a decision on where to place the mat and then relax. Ta-da! If only all setups could be as simple as this.

Maintain Playground Flooring for Safety

It is important to keep playground flooring clean and dry in order to ensure the safety of the children. To avoid tripping hazards, take note of any areas that appear worn or uneven. Rubber mulch can become dispersed and lose volume with time, so it’s important to maintain a well-filled play area.

Playground Flooring Installation FAQs

How do you clean playground flooring?

A garden hose or brush is all that is needed to restore them to their former beauty. Use a power washer (with a maximum pressure of 2000 psi) or scrubber with a mild detergent (without a petroleum basis) to keep commercial playgrounds looking their best and last longer.

Note: Avoid using any cleansers that contain solvents or oils, such as Pinesol, Lysol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, WD-40, paint thinner, and the like. The rubber playground surface will degrade over time if cleaned with certain products.

What is the safest playground flooring?

Rubber playground tiles are among the safest materials for playgrounds. Because they’re long-lasting and stable, unlike playground mulch, you won’t have to worry about their thickness fluctuating. In addition to being durable enough for running and playing, rubber is cushioned enough to protect children in the event of a fall.

How much does playground flooring cost?

The cost of a square foot of playground flooring can be as little as $2 or as much as $10. The cost depends on a wide range of variables. A standard playground floor costs $5.50 per square foot.

If you’re covering a large playground, you can save money by purchasing our rubber mulch in bulk, which costs around $8 for a 39-pound bag. Rather than being charged by square foot, rubber mulch and playground mats are sold by the product. Mats for the playground can cost between $50 and $150 each.

The good news is that rubber flooring is quite easy to install yourself, so the only costs you’ll have to worry about are supplies and delivery.

What does fall height mean?

In order for a child to remain safe, the fall height must be reached. It is safe for a child to fall from a height of 4 feet if the playground flooring surface has fall height rated for 4 feet.

What is the best playground flooring?

They are the greatest flooring option for playgrounds since they are safe, simple to install, and simple to maintain. Whether you’re looking for a business or a residential fall height rating, they have it. Playground tiles are available in a number of eye-catching hues, so the space will always look great.

What does fall height rating mean?

Ratings for fall height indicate how high a youngster can fall onto playground flooring without putting himself in danger. It is safe for a child to fall from a height of 4 feet if the playground flooring surface has fall height rated for 4 feet. If you have heavy machinery, you need to make sure the floor you chose can handle the weight. Otherwise, it’s possible that kids could get hurt while they’re having fun.

How is fall height rating tested?

The flooring’s shock absorbency is tested to establish the fall height. Manufacturers conduct studies that imitate the fall of a child from various heights in order to identify the safest height from which a youngster can fall. This helps the playground owner choose the appropriate equipment and flooring to create the safest environment for children. In the past, the test was carried out by dropping a ball form that resembled a child’s head into a floor tile’s center point. In contrast, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) has recently revised its testing technique so that the ball form is dropped on the edge of the tile, which is the product’s weakest point. Manufacturers of playground flooring are required to conduct six tests and can only publish the results of the test with the lowest fall height rating.

What is the best material to use under a swingset?

A playground swingset or other piece of playground equipment is best placed on top of rubber flooring because it is both safe and long-lasting. When it comes to playground flooring, shock-absorbent rubber is about as good as it gets when it comes to preventing injury to children who fall on it. It’s possible to use rubber mulch and playground mats for a swingset in order to avoid any worn-down mulch.

Can I use regular mulch for a playground?

Playgrounds should not be filled with normal mulch, according to our advice. If a child were to fall on garden or landscape mulch, it would not give the same level of protection as rubber playground mulch. Because of its durability and the fact that it can withstand heavy traffic, rubber playground mulch acts as a barrier between children and the ground. For additional convenience, rubber mulch does not absorb water or blow away, making it more hygienic than wood chips. To keep your playground area looking its best all year round, use rubber mulch.

Conclusion

You now have all the information you need to make an informed decision on playground flooring! To get started, check out our Buying Guide for Playground Flooring or place an order for samples right away.