Whether you are considering wood chips or wet pour rubber for your playground and are still determining the best option, well, you came to the right place, as we will explain in this article which is the best option for your play space.
The best surface depends on your specific requirements. Both wood chips and wet-pour rubber have unique benefits and drawbacks. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compared each based on eight key factors: safety, aesthetic appeal, maintenance, durability, designability, accessibility, surface temperature, and initial cost.
Safety
Safety always comes first in playground design. Wet pour rubber takes the lead here as it stays in place, eliminating the risk of thin spots. Wood chips, however, can disperse over time, leading to unsafe areas if not regularly maintained.
Aesthetic
The beauty of a playground surface is subjective. Wood chips offer a natural look, whereas wet pour rubber allows many colours for a vibrant space. If you’re seeking a natural aesthetic with the robustness of rubber, consider mixing both in your playground design.
Maintenance
Wet-pour rubber surfaces win in maintenance for their seamless design that merely requires occasional cleaning. Wood chips, conversely, need weekly upkeep to maintain their distribution and safety.
Durability
When it comes to longevity, wet-pour rubber outperforms wood chips. Our top-quality wet pour rubber surface, Pour’n’Play, made with Rosehill TPV rubber granules, can last up to 20 years.
Designability
Wet pour rubber, beloved by playground designers, offers the greatest design flexibility. You can create custom shapes and complex designs easily during installation.
Accessibility
If inclusivity is your priority, wet-pour rubber is the go-to surface. Its smooth, seamless nature allows for easy movement, unlike wood chip surfacing, for users of all abilities.
Surface Temperature
Wood chip surfacing performs better in maintaining a lower surface temperature, even under hot sunlight. We recommend considering shade options for wet pour rubber in sunny areas.
