How to Build a DIY Rubber Playground Surface

Poorly designed playground surfaces contribute to numerous accidents and injuries each year. Rubber playground surfaces provide excellent protection from falls and can significantly reduce injuries on playgrounds.  A rubberized surface is soft and better able to cushion a fall than sand or regular mulch.

How to Build a DIY Rubber Playground Surface

Items you will need:

• Edging or border


• Scissors


• Landscaping fabric


• Rubber mulch


• Landscape staples or nails

Instructions:

1. Level out the ground for the area of your intended playground.  You should allow a one-inch drop in grade for every 10 feet away from the house.   This will allow proper drainage to occur as needed. Improper drainage can potentially create hazards in times of excess precipitation.


2. Install your playground border around the edges and construct the playground equipment inside this border as desired.


3. Cut the landscaping fabric, covering the complete playground area.  Do not allow any gaps in fabric as this will allow for weeds to grow through and the mulch to dissipate beneath the fabric.  


4. Secure the fabric using the staples or nails to prevent it from dislodging and to discourage weed growth.  Insert staples every few inches to firmly secure it.


5. Install rubber mats in high frequency use areas such as bottom of slides and under the swings. 


6. Disperse the rubber mulch evenly throughout the entire playground surface.  You should make the mulch at least four inches deep.  For taller pieces of equipment, a thicker coating of mulch should be applied to better cushion a fall.