3 of the Safest DIY Playground Surfaces

There are many available surface options for your playground, but which are the safest?

Many factors will be used to determine the one that’s right for you. You’ll want to consider if it’s aesthetically pleasing to you and easy to maintain. You’ll consider affordability and availability. But most importantly, you’ll consider safety. This post will discuss three of the safest playground surface choices. Pea Gravel, Pine Bark Mulch, and Rubber Tiles.

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Pea Gravel

Pea Gravel Safety

Pros of Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is inexpensive and versatile. It’s readily available by the bag at stores like The Home Depot, as well as online through this Amazon link. You can also buy it by the truckload from your local sand and gravel company or even at some nurseries. It comes in many different shades, such as buff, brown, grey, white, and even translucent. Pea gravel has excellent drainage and is easily maintained with some raking.

Cons of Pea Gravel

It can be difficult to remove if you decide to change your playground surface. It’s also difficult to remove snow if for some reason you felt the need to shovel your playground. It will settle over time and become a harder, less shock-absorbent surface. You will most likely have to replenish some every few years. A border is usually necessary to prevent it from spreading out from your play area. I don’t personally think this last one is truly a con. I like a nice border around my playground.

Cost of Pea Gravel

The general range for a cubic yard of plain pea gravel is about $20 to $35. For a colored variety, expect to pay an additional $25 to $50. You can purchase by the ton, prices vary heavily by location I was quoted $42 to $48 a ton on Long Island and delivery charges will apply.

Pine Bark Mulch

Pine Bark Mulch Safety

Pros of Pine Bark Mulch

Like pea gravel, it is inexpensive and versatile. It’s widely available at home stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot as well as from nurseries and online through this Amazon link. It comes in either shredded or nugget form. The nuggets don’t decompose quickly and they hold their color longer than other organic mulches.

Cons of Pine Bark Mulch

The major disadvantage is it’s lightweight. It could easily be washed away in heavy rains. A playground border is definitely necessary with mulch. You will have to replenish with some new from time to time to maintain the desired level. There are fewer problems with mold and fungi over other mulches, however, some children may still be allergic.

Cost of Pine Bark Mulch

You can expect to pay roughly $1.00 per cubic foot, $2.00 per bag, or $26 to $30 per cubic yard for pine bark mulch.

Safety Rule: To avoid injury, never put loose fill like pea gravel or mulch over a hard surface like concrete or cement

Rubber Tile

Rubber Tile Safety

Pros of Rubber Tiles

Rubber tiles are soft and durable. They are low maintenance and can be cleaned with everyday household cleaners. There are many design options available. You can get bright colors for a colorful play area or earth tones for a more natural play area. It’s also handicap accessible, providing a level surface for wheelchairs and walkers. Because it’s made of rubber it won’t attract icky things like bugs, fungi, or mold. It’s available online, at home improvement stores, playground dealers, and specialty flooring centers.

Cons of Rubber Tiles

Rubber has a strong smell, but it will dissipate over time. The surface can get hot on a sunny day. It’s not as DIY friendly as the pine bark mulch or pea gravel. You will need to prepare the surface by leveling the ground before installing it. May be harder to replace a damaged section.

Cost of Rubber Tiles

Determining the cost of rubber tiles is a bit more difficult because of the variety available. You should expect to pay anywhere from $8.00 to $17.00 per square foot.

Click here to see different style ideas available on Amazon.

Quick Comparison Chart

Surface Type	Cost	Lifespan	Maintenance	Thickness	Durability	Appearance
Pea Gravel	$20- $50 per cubic yard	10- 15 years	Medium	12 inches*	High	Small rounded stones in a variety of colors
Pine Bark Mulch	$26- $30 per cubic yard	5- 7 years	Medium	9 inches*	High	Natural look. Comes in shades of brown. Different textures and sizes
Rubber Tiles	$8- $17 per square foot	12-15 years	Low	2 to 5 cm	High	Flat surface. Variety of colors. Can create patterns and designs

My Humble Opinion

Why pea gravel over other types of gravel

There are other small stones and there are other smooth stones. However, pea gravel is the only readily available small smooth round stones. Double-check when buying pea gravel, it must be tumbled to be smooth. Glass gravel, is beautiful and I would use it almost anywhere else in the yard, but not in the play area. Letting the kids play in glass just seems wrong.

Why pine bark mulch over rubber mulch

Shredded rubber mulch is an excellent product and yes, It’s great for protecting kids when they fall. The two reasons I don’t like it are; I don’t want to be finding pieces of rubber all over my backyard long after my children have gone to college and I know at some point, one of the kids is going to eat it. I know it’s non-toxic but I just don’t feel it’s a safe meal. At least gravel and bark are natural and I rather they eat rocks and trees.

Why use rubber tiles over poured rubber

It’s just as safe as rubber tile, but it’s not DIY friendly and it’s not easy to repair. I want things to be easy, it’s generally my second consideration after safety.

Why Not Grass

So many reasons. Grass becomes slick and eventually, with use, your kids will wear it away leaving dirt. Dirt will become mud when it rains. With wear the ground will become uneven. And it’s really hard when you fall on it.

Reasons I Chose Pea Gravel

• I like the natural look and variety of colors
• It’s another thing the kids can play with
• Provides good drainage
• Can be re-purposed in flower beds
• Affordable