Choosing the Right Safety Surface for Your Playground: A Guide for Safer Play
Do you need help deciding which safety surfacing to go for?
When it comes to playground design, safety is always the top priority. At Everyday Play, we understand that building a safe, inclusive, and durable play environment starts right from the ground up. The right safety surfacing not only cushions falls and prevents injuries but also creates a welcoming space where children of all abilities can explore and have fun.
But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one for your playground or outdoor learning area?
Our play experts are here to help advise but if you would like to learn more, here is a handy guide.
Artificial Grass Safety Surfacing
Our artificial grass surfacing offers all the advantages of natural grass – without the mess, mud, or ongoing upkeep. It’s an ideal choice for high-traffic areas that are prone to wear and tear or waterlogging. Thanks to its durable construction, artificial grass is far more resilient than a standard lawn, helping to minimise long-term maintenance costs while keeping your play area looking its best all year round.
Play Carpet Safety Surfacing
Play carpets provide a vibrant, cushioned surface that’s ideal for areas needing bright colours and engaging textures. They’re comfortable for children to sit or crawl on and offer a safe surface that can be easily customised for educational or themed play spaces.
Perfect for resurfacing sports courts / MUGA surfacing.
Conipave Surfacing
Conipave is a durable, permeable rubber surfacing ideal for playground pathways, walking trails, and low-impact zones. Its slip-resistant surface ensures safe access routes throughout your play area and contributes to an inclusive play environment.
Wetpour Safety Surfacing
Wetpour surfacing is highly versatile and can be laid to varying thicknesses to meet different Critical Fall Heights (CFH). This means it provides reliable fall protection under playground equipment of all heights. Available in a wide range of colours, wetpour is both practical and visually appealing.
Bonded Rubber Mulch Safety Surfacing
Bonded rubber mulch offers the natural look of bark with enhanced durability and safety. It’s made from recycled rubber pieces bonded together to create a resilient, low-maintenance surface that cushions falls and resists displacement.
Bark Safety Surfacing
Ensure safety and comfort with our Premium Bark Safety Surface, the perfect companion for your wooden play equipment. Made from natural, high-quality wood fibres, our bark creates a soft and resilient ground cover that cushions falls, reducing the risk of injury while providing a stable and supportive surface for children to play on.
Designed to complement your wooden playground structures, the bark is not only eco-friendly but also blends seamlessly with natural outdoor environments, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your space. It’s low-maintenance, and provides excellent drainage, ensuring a clean, dry, and safe play area throughout the year.
Safagrass Safety Matting
Safagrass combines the softness and look of grass with the safety benefits of cushioned matting. It’s a comfortable, slip-resistant surface that enhances safety and playability.
Safety Surfacing FAQs
What is the best safety surfacing for playgrounds?
The best safety surfacing depends on your specific needs. Wetpour is excellent for high fall height areas, artificial grass is great for low-maintenance zones, and bonded rubber mulch provides a natural look with high durability.
How deep should playground surfacing be?
Depth depends on the Critical Fall Height (CFH) of the equipment above. Wetpour, for example, can be laid in different thicknesses to meet required fall protection standards – from 20mm to 130mm or more.
Does artificial grass provide fall protection?
Standard artificial grass doesn’t offer significant fall protection alone, but when combined with a shockpad underlayer, it can meet CFH requirements.
Is rubber mulch safe for kids?
Yes. Bonded rubber mulch is made from recycled rubber and is designed to be safe, durable, and low-maintenance. It cushions falls and resists displacement better than loose bark.
How long does safety surfacing last?
Most surfacing options last 8–15 years or more, depending on material and usage. Wetpour and bonded mulch are particularly durable with proper maintenance.
Can safety surfacing be installed over existing surfaces?
Yes. Many surfaces like wetpour, play carpet, and bonded mulch can be installed over tarmac, concrete, or compacted stone bases, provided they’re in good condition.
Do you offer sports court resurfacing?
Yes, we provide professional sports court resurfacing services, including MUGAs (Multi-Use Games Areas). Our team can revitalise worn-out courts with durable, slip-resistant surfacing suitable for a range of sports.
What surfacing options are best for sports areas or MUGAs?
Play carpet and Conipave are popular choices for sports areas due to their durability, impact resistance, and suitability for line marking. We can recommend the best surface depending on the intended use and budget.
Is your playground surfacing accessible for wheelchair users?
Absolutely. Surfaces like Wetpour, Conipave, and artificial grass with a suitable base are smooth, stable, and compliant with accessibility standards, making them ideal for inclusive play environments.
Can safety surfacing be installed in school playgrounds during term time?
Yes, we can work around school schedules to minimise disruption. In many cases, installation can be phased or scheduled during holidays.
What’s the difference between bonded rubber mulch and loose bark?
Bonded rubber mulch is made from recycled rubber and is bound together to form a stable surface that won’t scatter. Loose bark, while natural and attractive, can move over time and requires more frequent top-ups.
How do I maintain playground safety surfacing?
Maintenance depends on the type of surface. Most require basic cleaning, visual inspections, and occasional repairs. We offer maintenance advice and packages to help prolong the life of your surfacing.
Can you customise surfacing with colours or designs?
Yes! Wetpour, play carpet, and even artificial grass can be customised with patterns, colours, and educational markings — perfect for branding, themed areas, or learning through play.
Do you install surfacing for nurseries or early years settings?
We regularly install surfacing for nurseries, preschools, and EYFS areas. Our materials are safe, soft, and tailored for younger children, including sensory and tactile play features.
Is your safety surfacing compliant with UK safety standards?
Yes, all our playground surfacing is installed to meet BS EN 1177 safety standards for impact-absorbing surfacing and CFH (Critical Fall Height) compliance.
Do you provide playground surfacing in Kent and surrounding areas?
Yes, we offer safety surfacing installation across Kent and nearby regions. Whether you’re a school, council, or private client, our team is happy to advise and quote.
