You have a space you wish to convert into a playground. However, choosing the right surfacing material for your playground can be a daunting task. It is seen that people are often confused or in doubt when it comes to choosing between different flooring options for their playground surface.
Should you prefer rubber flooring tiles in place of artificial turf, or choose artificial turf over rubber tiles, or choose a mix of both?
It is often seen that the confusion arises because people take into consideration a number of important factors like safety, cost, aesthetics, and maintenance, along with the longevity and lifespan of the product, before making a final purchasing decision.
If you are one among those trying to figure out which surfacing material will work out best for your playground, then this is the right blog for you. Here we will discuss both the pros and cons of rubber tiles for playground surfacing in the UK.
Rubber Tiles for Playground Surfacing
Pros:
Rubber tiles score top marks on the important parameters of safety. In fact, they are a popular choice because of the additional level of safety provided by them. When properly installed, rubber tiles are:
Right choice for those with chemical sensitivities – Some children are sensitive to chemicals used in rubber, as they can trigger reactions and allergies. Parents and administrators often worry about this factor. This fear can be negated by using high-quality, premium rubber (EPDM) that is made from wholly natural materials free of harsh chemicals, metals, and other harmful or irritating compounds.
Also, reputable firms offer tiles for outdoor rubber flooring that are resistant to vagaries of weather, i.e., they do not crack when exposed to high temperature or other harsh weather conditions. Also, good-quality rubber tiles keep the surface flat and supple.
Easily absorbs shock – A playground surface inevitably means that children will jump, fall and indulge in all different sorts of physical activities on it. It is therefore imperative for children’s safety that the surface is shock absorbent. It is important that as a parent or instructor, you choose tiles that have been certified by the concerned authority for their ability to withstand falls from specified distances for tiles of specific thicknesses.
Ideal for heavy foot traffic—rubber tiles from a reputable firm come with a guarantee of strength and durability. What it means is that the tiles are not likely to develop cracks even if there is heavy foot traffic in extreme-use areas.
Higher level of safety—Rubber tiles are highly recommended for playground areas that are more likely to come in contact with water and be wet when being utilised. You can think of playground areas located near pools or in places prone to heavy rainfall. Rubber tiles are known for their non-slip qualities, which means they significantly reduce the chances of slipping and falling when the surface is wet.
Low maintenance – Rubber tiles are low maintenance. The tiles boast of high durability. They are not easily damaged, and even if they are damaged, they can easily be repaired. Also, they are easy to clean and most likely to last for many years before any maintenance is required.
Cons:
Proper installation is important – If rubber flooring tiles are not properly installed, there’s likely to be edges and uneven surfaces that could cause children to trip and fall, leading to injuries. Extra care as such needs to be taken for proper installation.
High upfront cost—The cost incurred for outdoor rubber flooring could be on the higher side as compared to other playground flooring materials like sand and wood chips. However, the quality and strength of rubber tiles more than makes up for the high upfront cost.
Conclusion
Based on your design goals, budget, and desire for aesthetics, rubber flooring tiles are a good option. Seamlessly combining durability, aesthetics, versatility, eco-friendliness, safety, and comfort, rubber tiles deliver a fun, safe, and comfortable play area. Rubber tiles offer greater comfort and shock absorption.
You can also visit the project gallery of reputable sellers to browse through some fabulous designs that you can choose for your playground.