Why Playground Surfacing Matters More Than You Think
Most people think about playground surfacing in terms of colour, texture, or price. But the reality is: it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
The wrong surface can create compliance issues, maintenance headaches, and safety risks that only show up after installation. The right surface can improve drainage, reduce long-term costs, and help your equipment last longer.
We take surfacing seriously — because we’ve seen what happens when it’s done badly.
Here’s what every school, council and contractor should know before choosing their next play surface.
1. Surface Failures Are One of the Most Common Reasons Sites Don’t Pass Inspection
We’ve worked on dozens of sites where the equipment was fine, but the surfacing failed. The most common issues?
Shrinking wet pour that creates trip hazards
Bark or mulch that’s compacted or thinned beyond safe levels
Puddling in poorly drained zones
Hard edges or raised joins
Inadequate fall zones around equipment
These problems aren’t always visible — but they’re almost always avoidable with better planning and upkeep.
2. The Surface Doesn’t Just Affect Safety — It Affects Usability
If a playground can’t be used for two days after rain, what’s the point?
We think about usability all year round:
Will the surfacing drain quickly in winter?
Will it be slippery when wet?
Is it too hot to touch in summer?
Will it cope with scooters, bikes, or heavy footfall?
It’s not just about ticking a box — it’s about making the space usable, every day, by everyone.
3. Not All Surfacing Is Equal — Even If It Looks the Same
Two sites might both specify wet pour — but the difference in finish, edge detail, and sub-base preparation can be dramatic.
We’ve seen new surfacing:
Laid directly over grass
Laid too thin
Laid on top of crumbling concrete
Installed without expansion joints
These shortcuts usually aren’t obvious at first — but they cause cracking, lifting, and safety issues within a year.
We’ll always flag if a spec doesn’t match the environment. Because once it’s in, you’re stuck with it.
4. Good Surfacing Makes Maintenance Easier
Well-installed surfacing:
Is easy to inspect
Doesn’t collect debris or trap water
Has clean joins and durable edging
Can be patched or topped up, not fully replaced
We also look at how the surface will wear alongside the equipment — particularly around swings, trim trails, or high-use paths.
When clients come back to us years later, it’s almost always the quality of surfacing and groundwork that determines whether they’re still happy with the install.
5. The Cheapest Surface Isn’t Usually the Cheapest in the End
It’s tempting to go with the lower quote — especially on large areas. But short-term savings often mean:
Thinner layers
Weaker base preparation
Poor drainage
No edge restraints
No contingency for reinstatement
We’re not in the business of overselling, but we are honest about where it's worth spending slightly more upfront to save significantly later.
Final Thought
You can’t see drainage once it’s in. You can’t see compaction layers. You can’t always tell whether a surface has been laid properly until the first frost, or the first hot summer, or the first complaint.
That’s why we take it seriously.
If you’re planning a new playground — or seeing issues with an existing one — we’re happy to advise on what will work for your site, your users, and your budget.
Because great surfacing isn’t about what you see. It’s about what you don’t have to deal with later.