Outdoor Playground Flooring

Options for Outdoor Playground Flooring

When installing a playground in your backyard, at a school, or somewhere in between, most people focus on the equipment. However, don’t forget about finding the best possible outdoor playground flooring options that match the equipment. Outdoor playground tiles from Greatmats can withstand tough weather and constant foot traffic from kids playing.

You can use our outdoor playground mats under swing sets and at the end of slides. We also offer outdoor playground flooring designed to cover the entire area where kids may run and play, protecting them in case of a fall. Our flooring stays in place better than gravel, mulch, or rubber crumbs while resisting weed growth and limiting the amount of maintenance you have to do. When you get the flooring right, your outdoor playground will be safe, fun, and the neighborhood gathering place!

Types of Outdoor Playground Flooring

Matching the right type of outdoor playground flooring to your property and planned use case is easier when you rely on the variety of products Greatmats offers.

Rubber Playground Tiles

Rubber playground tiles offer the highest level of durability, giving you good value. They have a little bit of cushioning. Although most rubber tiles are black, a variety of colors are available.

Playground Safety Mats

You can use Greatmats’ playground safety mats underneath the swings on a playground set or at the end of the slide. These areas wear away faster because kids drag their feet, but the mats keep the area intact.

Artificial Turf Playground Surfacing

Artificial grass creates a space that resembles natural grass without the maintenance headaches and muddy spots. Our rolls of turf stay green all year, bringing vibrancy to your playground.

Perforated Outdoor Tiles

Perforated outdoor tiles made from PVC plastic are ideal in playground areas that see a lot of rain. The water drains off the surface of the flooring to the concrete underneath, making the area safe for play much faster after a rainstorm.

Materials for Outdoor Playground Flooring

All of our outdoor playground flooring materials offer a reasonable price and excellent durability. However, understanding the advantages of each material can make it easier for you to choose.

Recycled Rubber

Recycled rubber is a popular selection for outdoor playground tiles. It is extremely durable, offers water resistance, and delivers a high level of traction for kids who are running, even when it’s wet.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf rolls quickly cover a large space, giving your playground an appearance that matches green grass without the hassle of mowing, watering, and fertilizing.

PVC Plastic

PVC plastic tiles are an ideal DIY option for creating outdoor playground flooring. These tiles often interlock to simplify installation. They frequently have perforations that allow rainwater to drain away from the surface.

Sizes and Thicknesses of Outdoor Playground Flooring

If you’re trying to decide whether to do a DIY installation of your outdoor playground flooring or hire a professional, pay attention to the size, thickness, and format of the materials. Smaller tiles are easier for a DIY installation than hefty rolls, for example. Outdoor playground flooring that’s thicker can be tougher to install and cut to fit than thinner options. However, thicker materials should deliver more durability and, potentially, some extra cushioning to protect against falls.

Tiles

Outdoor playground tiles are usually sold in 2-by-2-foot sizes, although slightly smaller and larger options are also available. This size is easy to handle for someone working alone on a DIY installation project.

Mats

Outdoor playground mats usually measure 2-by-4 or 4-by-6 feet. They often consist of rubber and are designed to fit under a swing or slide to provide extra cushioning when landing and to prevent ruts from forming in these high-stress areas. They can be heavy, but one or two people can do a DIY installation.

Turf

Outdoor playground turf is usually available in rolls, which may require some power equipment to install, making it tougher to do DIY work. These rolls may need special techniques to secure them to the ground as well. Many people like the vibrant colors of turf that resemble healthy, green grass all year long.

Features and Benefits of Outdoor Playground Flooring

Some of the key features and benefits found with outdoor playground flooring include:

• Kid-safe commercial-quality materials
  
• Designs meant to provide excellent durability
  
• Some products offer a fall-height rating & meet ADA requirements
  
• Resists wear and damage from weather
  
• Materials are water-resistant or waterproof
  
• Surface provides excellent traction for kids who are running
  
• Many products are made for a DIY installation
  
• Less maintenance required compared to grass or dirt
  
• Some products contain recycled materials

Outdoor Playground Flooring Use Types

Our customers who purchase and install outdoor playground flooring use these products in many different areas.

School Playgrounds

School playgrounds need maximum durability from their outdoor playground floors to stand up to the constant foot traffic from kids of all ages.

Daycare and Preschool Play Areas

When younger kids and toddlers at daycares and preschools are using the playgrounds, they need protection against falls.

Public Parks and Recreation Areas

Installers use our outdoor playground flooring at public parks and recreation areas to protect kids and visitors, even when supervision is not present.

Church and Community Playgrounds

Playgrounds at churches and in community neighborhoods are often installed by volunteers, meaning you need affordable materials made for DIY work.

Residential Backyard Playgrounds

Keep your children and any of their friends safe while playing in the backyard by installing our outdoor playground flooring. Our materials work for both small and large installation areas.

Swing Set and Slide Landing Zones

Ruts commonly form under swings and slides. To protect these areas that undergo a lot of stress from kids playing, consider installing outdoor playground mats with some thickness.

Outdoor Playground Flooring Q&A

How much does it cost to install rubber playground flooring?

The cost to install rubber playground flooring is often more affordable than other materials. Rubber tiles typically have a cost range of about $1,000 to $1,700 for a 75-square-foot coverage area.

How do I keep my playground surface from getting hot?

To prevent a playground surface from getting hot, consider using light-colored materials instead of black or a dark color that absorbs sunlight. A perforated tile will remain cooler than a solid product. If you can add shade to the area by building it near trees or under a covering, it also helps.

How do you know when your rubber playground flooring needs replacing?

Signs that it’s time to replace rubber playground flooring include areas that are cracking, showing significant wear, losing elasticity and cushioning, and showing signs of standing water on the surface.

What are the best outdoor playground floor tiles?

Some of the best outdoor playground floor tile products include those that provide fall protection, offer maximum durability, and are affordable. One of the best options for a residential installation is the StayLock Perforated Tile, while the 5-inch thick Sterling Playground Tile maximizes durability.

What are some tips for purchasing playground flooring?

Some key tips for purchasing playground flooring include selecting the material that will fit your needs, determining how much fall-height protection is required, and deciding which products will fit the budget you have. You should also consider whether you want materials you can install yourself or if you have the budget to hire a professional installer.