Aug. 6, 2024

What is the Best Ground Cover for a Playground? Our Experts Weigh in

Ground cover is a key element of any children's playground as it provides a safe and comfortable surface for kids to play on. There are many types available, each with its own pros and cons. So, how do you know what ground cover is the best choice for your playground?

Having worked to bring to life countless playgrounds across the UK, our installation team have completed projects with varying ground coverings.

And while there’s not necessarily any ‘wrong’ choice, you may find some covering options to be more suitable for your specific site, budget and users.

We’ve asked our team of experts at Huck Play to weigh in on the topic and give their top recommendations for ground cover options for playgrounds.

What is the Purpose of a Playground Ground Cover?

Ground covers, whether they’re turf, sand, or rubber, serve as a protective layer for children when they’re playing on playground equipment.

It’s inevitable that some tumbles and falls will happen on the playground, so it’s important to have a safe surface for kids to land on, which is where ground covers come in.

Rather than falling onto concrete or hard ground, a proper ground cover can help absorb some of the impact and reduce the risk of serious injuries.

But aside from their safety purpose, they also add a visual appeal to the playground and can help create a more inviting and playful atmosphere for children. Some of them can be painted on or coloured (like rubber mulch) to add even more fun and creativity!

The Most Popular Playground Ground Cover Materials

There are many different types of ground covers that you can choose for your playground, each with its own benefits, drawbacks, costs, and installation methods.

Really, they’re all good choices, but certain types may work better for your specific needs and budget.

So let’s take a look at some of the most popular playground ground cover materials to help you figure out which is best for your site…

#1 Sand Ground Cover

#2 Pea Gravel Ground Cover

#3 Engineered Wood Fibre Ground Cover

#4 Artificial Turf Ground Cover

#5 Synthetic Tiles Ground Cover

#6 Poured-in-Place Rubber Ground Cover

#7 Natural Grass Ground Cover

#1 Sand Ground Cover

Sand is a popular choice for playground ground cover due to its natural cushioning properties.

It provides a soft landing surface that helps to reduce the likelihood of injuries from falls, making it a safer option for children at play.

Sand is also readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, which makes it a cost-effective solution for many playgrounds.

Additionally, sand offers a versatile play medium, allowing children to engage in creative activities such as building and digging.

Pros:

Safety: Provides a cushioned surface that helps to minimise injuries from falls.
Cost-effective: Generally cheaper to install and maintain compared to other materials.
Versatile: Encourages creative play through activities like building and digging.

Cons:

Maintenance: Requires regular raking and topping up to maintain depth and even coverage.
Cleanliness: Can attract animals and debris, necessitating frequent cleaning to ensure hygiene.
Displacement: Easily displaced by heavy foot traffic, leading to uneven surfaces and potential tripping hazards.

#2 Pea Gravel Ground Cover

Pea gravel is another common choice for playground ground cover, known for its smooth, rounded stones that provide a safe and aesthetically pleasing surface.

Pea gravel provides a good cushioning effect, which helps in reducing the risk of injuries from falls.

The material's natural drainage properties prevent water accumulation, making the playground usable during and after rain.

Furthermore, pea gravel is durable and long-lasting, requiring minimal maintenance compared to some other ground cover options.

Pros:

Cushioning: Provides a safe, impact-absorbing surface that reduces injury risk from falls.
Drainage: Excellent drainage properties prevent water pooling and make the playground accessible after rain.
Durability: Long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear, requiring less frequent replacement.

Cons:

Cleanliness: Can collect debris and potentially hide sharp objects, necessitating regular checks for safety.
Displacement: Like sand, pea gravel can be displaced by heavy foot traffic, leading to uneven surfaces.
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or children with mobility issues, potentially limiting playground inclusiveness.

#3 Engineered Wood Fibre Ground Cover

Engineered wood fibre (EWF) is a popular playground ground cover due to its safety, accessibility, and environmental benefits. EWF consists of finely ground wood particles that create a compact, cushioned surface, reducing the risk of injuries from falls.

It complies with the Equalities Act, making playgrounds more accessible for children with mobility issues and those using wheelchairs.

EWF is also an eco-friendly option. It is typically made from recycled wood, contributing to sustainability.

Its quick drainage keeps playgrounds usable shortly after rain, preventing slippery conditions.

While regular maintenance like raking and replenishing is needed, the safety and inclusiveness benefits make EWF an excellent ground cover choice for playgrounds.

How to Design A Playground That’s Popular & Inclusive

Pros:

Safety: Offers a cushioned surface that reduces the severity of fall-related injuries.
Accessibility: Equalities Act-compliant, ensuring that playgrounds are inclusive for children with disabilities.
Eco-friendly: Made from recycled wood, promoting sustainable practices.
Drainage: Allows for efficient water runoff, keeping the playground dry and safe.

Cons:

Maintenance: Requires regular upkeep to maintain depth and effectiveness.
Decomposition: Over time, the wood fibres can decompose, necessitating periodic replenishment.
Cost: Initial installation can be more expensive than sand or pea gravel.

#4 Artificial Turf Ground Cover

Artificial turf is a popular choice for children's play areas due to its safety, aesthetics, and low maintenance. It provides a uniform, cushioned surface that reduces injury risks from falls, making it safe for active kids.

Its grass-like appearance enhances the playgrounds' visual appeal, maintaining a clean, vibrant look year-round.

Additionally, artificial turf requires much less maintenance than natural grass, as it doesn't need mowing, watering, or fertilising, making it cost-effective in the long run.

It's also weather-resistant, ensuring play areas stay usable in various conditions without becoming muddy or slippery.

Its antimicrobial properties help maintain hygiene, reducing the spread of germs and bacteria.

Pros:

Safety: Provides a consistent cushioned surface that reduces injury risk from falls.
Aesthetics: Offers a clean, vibrant, and visually appealing playground surface all year round.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to natural grass.
Weather-resistant: Remains usable in varying weather conditions without becoming muddy.
Hygiene: Antimicrobial properties help to maintain a cleaner play environment.

Cons:

Initial Cost: Higher upfront installation costs compared to other materials.
Heat Retention: Can become very hot under direct sunlight, potentially causing discomfort.
Durability: Heavy use may lead to wear and tear over time, requiring eventual replacement.

#5 Synthetic Tiles Ground Cover

Synthetic tiles are an excellent playground ground cover due to their safety, durability, and versatility. These interlocking tiles create a smooth, cushioned surface that reduces injury risks from falls, ensuring a safe play area for kids.

Their shock-absorbing qualities meet safety standards, giving parents and caregivers peace of mind.

Beyond safety, rubber tiles are tough and can withstand heavy use without wearing down. They last longer, making them a cost-effective choice since they don't need frequent replacement.

Synthetic tiles' non-slip surface adds extra safety by reducing slips and falls. Available in various colours and designs, they can also make playgrounds more appealing and inviting.

Pros:

Safety: Provides a cushioned, shock-absorbing surface that reduces the risk of injury from falls.
Durability: Highly resistant to wear and tear, ensuring longevity under heavy use.
Low Maintenance: Easy to install and replace, minimising maintenance efforts and costs.
Drainage: Excellent water drainage properties keep the playground dry and safe to use.
Aesthetics: Available in various colours and designs, enhancing the visual appeal of playgrounds.
Non-slip: Offers a non-slip surface, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls.

Cons:

Initial Cost: Higher upfront installation costs compared to some other ground cover materials.
Temperature Sensitivity: Synthetic tiles can become hot under direct sunlight, potentially causing discomfort.
Replacement Costs: While durable, individual tiles may eventually need to be replaced, which can be costly.

#6 Poured-in-Place Rubber Ground Cover

Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber is a popular choice for playground surfaces because it's safe, accessible, and durable.

As a seamless surface, PIP rubber provides a cushioned layer that reduces the risk of injury from falls and meets safety standards. Its impact-absorbing qualities make it perfect for playgrounds where children often fall.

PIP rubber is also versatile and customisable with various colours and patterns, making play areas more attractive.

It complies with the Equalities Act, offering a stable and accessible surface for children with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs.

One major benefit of PIP rubber is that it is low-maintenance. It’s also durable, withstands heavy use and harsh weather, and doesn’t need frequent replacements.

The surface is easy to clean and resists mould, mildew, and other contaminants, ensuring a hygienic play environment.

Pros:

Safety: Offers superior impact absorption, reducing injury risks from falls.
Seamless Surface: Provides a continuous, even layer that eliminates trip hazards.
Accessibility: Complies with accessibility standards, making playgrounds inclusive for all children.
Customisation: Available in various colours and patterns to enhance playground aesthetics.
Durability: Stands up to heavy usage and adverse weather conditions with minimal wear.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep and is easy to clean, ensuring a hygienic play area.

Cons:

Initial Cost: It can be more expensive to install than other types of ground cover.
Temperature Sensitivity: May become hot under direct sunlight, potentially causing discomfort.
Installation Time: Requires professional installation and curing time, resulting in longer setup periods.

#7 Natural Grass Ground Cover

Natural grass is sometimes used as playground ground cover for its aesthetic and cushioned surface.

While it benefits the environment, it requires regular maintenance and can become muddy during wet weather, which may limit its practicality.

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Kickstart Your Playground Project With Huck Play

At Huck Play, we offer expert advice and comprehensive playground design and installation services to help you create a safe and fun play space for children.

By combining quality ground covers with our industry-leading rope-based equipment, we can help you design a playground that is not only visually appealing but also durable and safe for children to play on.

Ready to get started on your playground project? Contact us today to learn more about our services and see how we can help bring your vision to life!

FAQs

Is Pea Gravel Safe for a Playground?

Pea gravel is generally safe for playgrounds as it provides good drainage and a moderately cushioned surface. However, it can pose choking hazards for younger children and may not be as impact-absorbent as other materials like rubber or synthetic tiles.

How Much Does Your End-to-End Service Cost?

Our end-to-end service cost varies based on the size and specifics of the playground project. It includes consultation, design, material selection, and installation to ensure a safe and aesthetically pleasing play area. Contact us today for a tailored quote.

What Ground Cover is Best to Put Under a Swing Set?

The best material to put under a swing set is poured-in-place rubber. It provides excellent impact absorption, reducing injury risks from falls. Its seamless, durable surface ensures safety and longevity. Also, it's easy to maintain, keeping the area clean and accessible for all children.

How Much Experience Do You Have in Designing Playgrounds?

We've been designing and manufacturing rope-based playground equipment for over 20 years. So, our team has extensive experience creating high-quality, accessible, and safe playgrounds for schools, communities, and commercial businesses.

Do You Offer Ground Cover Installation?

We do not offer ground cover installation services, but we can provide recommendations for professional installers in your area.