Playground Safety Surfacing
The soft landing under every swing, slide and climber, chosen and installed at the right depth.
- Surface and Site
- Design to install
- Free estimate
The surface under a playset is one of the most important parts of the playground. Falls are the most common cause of play injuries, and a soft, deep, well-kept surface helps cushion them.
We help you choose from loose-fill options such as wood fiber and rubber mulch or bonded surfaces such as poured rubber and tiles, and we install them with the right depth, border and drainage.
Choosing a surface
Loose-fill materials like engineered wood fiber and rubber mulch are popular and cost-effective but need regular topping up. Poured rubber and rubber tiles are firm, low maintenance and accessible but cost more up front.
Turf with a shock-absorbing pad is another choice for a clean, green look.
Depth, area and upkeep
The needed depth depends on the surface and the height of the highest play surface. The cushioned area should extend beyond the equipment in all directions, farther in front of and behind swings.
Loose-fill surfaces compact and scatter, so they need raking and topping up. We tell you what to expect and how to measure it.
From first call to first swing.
The steps for safety surfacing, in the order they happen.
- 01
Measure the zone
We measure the equipment and plan the surfaced area.
- 02
Prepare the base
We level, add a weed barrier or base and set the border.
- 03
Install the surface
The chosen material goes in at the right depth.
- 04
Check and explain
We check the depth and show you how to maintain it.
Is it right for your family?
A good fit when
- You are installing a new playset
- The ground under your set is thin or hard
- You want an accessible surface
- You want the area tidy and defined
Worth knowing
- Loose-fill surfaces need regular topping up
- Depth changes with use and weather
- Poured surfaces need a prepared base
- The area needs a border and drainage
Good questions about safety surfacing.
How deep should wood chips be?
Depth depends on the material and fall height. We explain recommended depths for your equipment and measure after installing.
Is rubber mulch good?
Rubber mulch resists rot and drains well. It needs a border and occasional topping up.
Can I just use grass?
Grass is not a cushioned surface. We recommend a proper surface under and around play equipment.
Related services.
Surface and SiteWood Fiber SurfacingNatural-looking, cushioned and budget-friendly: playground wood fiber spread and edged right.See the service 
Surface and SiteRubber SurfacingSoft, durable and colorful: rubber mulch, poured rubber and tiles for a low-maintenance landing.See the service 
Surface and SitePlayground TurfClean, green and mud-free: turf with a shock-absorbing layer for a play area that looks great all year.See the service 
Surface and SiteDrainage and BordersWater out, mulch in: drains and borders that keep the play area dry and defined.See the service Guides that help you decide
Safety and SurfacingPlayground Surfacing Depth GuideHow deep loose-fill surfaces should be, how they compact and how to measure and maintain them.2 min read 
Safety and SurfacingPlayground Fall Zones and Use Zones ExplainedWhat a use zone is, how far it extends and why swings, slides and climbers need different amounts of room.2 min read 
Safety and SurfacingSwing Set Safety Guide for FamiliesSurface, spacing, hardware, supervision and everyday habits that make backyard play safer.2 min read