Which Surface to Choose for a Playground?

A playground is a place where children run, jump, climb—and sometimes fall. With equipment several metres high, a poor choice of surface can lead to serious injuries like broken bones or concussions. To create a safe play zone and prevent accidents, it's essential to choose the right playground surfacing. At Power Rubber, we guide you through the key criteria to consider.

Playground Surfacing Options – What to Consider

Critical Fall Height & HIC Certification

The Head Injury Criterion (HIC) measures a surface's ability to cushion falls. To reduce the risk of head injuries, you should choose surfaces certified to BS EN 1177, correlating to the maximum free-fall height of your play equipment. Rubber safety surfacing (tiles, poured-in-place, EPDM/SBR granules) or rubber mats greatly improve protection. Ensure your chosen surfacing is tested to the Critical Fall Height (CFH) standard and holds a valid PZH certification for quality.

Non-Slip, Durable, Low Maintenance Surfaces

Select materials with high friction coefficient so they remain non-slip, even when wet, such as rubber safety tiles, poured-in-place rubber, or all-weather artificial grass. These are robust, UV-resistant, easy to clean, and don’t require frequent top-ups like wood chips or sand.

Shock Absorption & Acoustic Benefits

Rubber surfaces excel in reducing impact noise and vibration—ideal for playgrounds near homes. Materials like SBR or EPDM rubber tiles offer excellent cushioning and environmental noise insulation.

Easy Installation & Aesthetic Versatility

Rubber tiles and poured-in-place surfaces install easily on prepared bases, are modular, and come in various RAL colours—perfect for designing attractive, custom play zones. They’re also repairable; individual tiles can be replaced if damaged.

Spotlight on Rubber Safety Surfacing

Rubber Tiles & Poured-in-Place

• Rubber playground tiles: Pre-made, simple to install, certified for CFH and slip resistance, accessible for wheelchairs.

• Poured-in-place rubber surfacing: Seamless, durable, available in endless colours, ideal for aesthetic zones and compliant with ASTM F1292 / BS EN 1177 standards.

EPDM & SBR Granule Surfaces

Mixed rubber granule surfaces like EPDM/SBR wet-pour offer a two-layer cushioning system, excellent impact protection, vibrant colours, and easy customization. Though pricier upfront, they provide long-term performance.

Grass Mats & Artificial Turf with Underlay

Artificial grass layered over shock-absorbing underlays can be wheelchair-friendly and durable. Grass mats reinforce natural grass while enabling drainage and slip resistance, offering a green, safe surface option.

Why Rubber Playground Surfacing is the Best Choice

• Superior shock absorption reduces serious injury risk

• UV-stable and weather-resistant, perfect for UK conditions

• Customisable in colour and design

• Low maintenance—no refills, easy cleaning

• Quick and easy installation on compact areas

• Compliant with UK safety standards, including BS EN 1177, BS 7188, and accessibility rules

Where to Buy Certified Playground Surfacing?

At Power Rubber, we supply a range of BS EN‭certified rubber tiles and poured-in-place surfaces in SBR and EPDM variants, complete with PZH and HIC certifications. Available in multiple RAL colours, our products are non-toxic, odour-free, and tailored for diverse playground setups.

📞 For expert advice or to place an order, contact us at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 50 516 03 03, email Power@PowerRubber.com, or send a message via our contact form.