Since its introduction, rubber mulch has been an extremely popular soft surface for playgrounds. Made of shredded pieces of rubber that are compressed and stuck together, this material is known to protect children from fall injuries and knee scrapes. But is it really as good as the manufacturers claim? Let’s take a look at some of its benefits to help us decide.
Benefit #1: Safe and Accessible
The rubber mulch surfacing is safe and shock-absorbent, strictly adhering to industry standards. Typically, around six inches of material are necessary to protect a child from a ten-foot fall. Most soft surfaces experts keep this fact in mind during the installation on playgrounds.
Since rubber mulch is a unitary surface, it has no loose materials that could interfere with wheels. As a result, the material is safe for bikes and rollerblades, and it also makes playgrounds more accessible to children with disabilities. So, it is no wonder rubber mulch is often preferred over other similar surfaces.
Benefit #2: Long-Lasting
Rubber mulch has a shelf life of around ten years, after which it needs to be replaced with a new surface. It is not a material that is easily damaged, so the initial investment (ranging from $8 to $14 per square foot) is well worth it.
Keep in mind that some parts of rubber mulch may require patching up in the meantime, though. After all, it is a surface that frequently absorbs shocks and tremors and is directly exposed to the elements. Some degree of wear and tear is not unusual, but you can rest assured that you will not need to replace the entire surface.
Benefit #3: Non-Toxic Materials
Since rubber mulch is used to cover children’s playgrounds, it is vital that the material is free of chemicals and contaminants. Manufacturers claim that they use only high-grade materials that will not irritate even sensitive skin. And, considering that rubber mulch has a great reputation among soft surfaces, we are inclined to believe that.
Benefit #4: Variety of Colors
Children love bright and fun colors, and playgrounds should reflect that as much as possible. Luckily, rubber mulch comes in many colors that can quickly brighten up any space. And the best part is that you do not have to use a uniform color across the whole playground area. In fact, it is best to play around with different shades and achieve a more exciting and aesthetically-pleasing result.
Benefit #5: Easy Installation
Rubber mulch is one of the easiest soft surfaces to install, and any professional should be able to do it in approximately one day. Of course, if a playground is particularly large, it might take longer. But the area should become fully functional in less than a week.
Summary
Thanks to its durability, ease of installation, and safety, rubber mulch is one of the most commonly used surfacing materials for playgrounds and recreational spots. Parents can rest assured that their children are perfectly safe as they run, fall, and play pretend with their peers.
Not to mention rubber mulch is one of the most aesthetically pleasing surfaces, breathing new life into every space where it’s installed. An excellent choice, through and through!
