How To Choose The Right Playground Surfacing

Choosing the right surface for your playground is a big decision. It affects safety, cost, how the area looks, and how easy it is to look after.

Whether you're a school, nursery, or council planning a new play space, the surface you pick needs to suit your setting. At STM, we specialise in synthetic turf playgrounds, and we know how important it is to get it right.

Why the Right Surface Matters

Playgrounds are used every day by children of all ages. The surface under their feet plays a big part in keeping them safe. It also affects how long your play area lasts, how it looks over time, and how much work it takes to keep it clean.

Some surfaces are softer. Some cost less upfront but need more care. Others are colourful and low maintenance. So how do you choose?

Key Factors to Consider

Here are the main things to think about when choosing your playground surface:

1. Safety and Critical Fall Height (CFH):
You need a surface that meets safety standards and protects children from falls. Check the equipment height and make sure the surface meets CFH ratings.

2. Age Group:
Younger children need softer, more cushioned surfaces. Older children using MUGAs or sports courts might need something more durable.

3. Budget:
Some options are cheaper at the start but cost more to maintain. Others, like artificial grass, may cost a little more upfront but save money in the long run.

4. Maintenance:
Ask yourself: how much time and money can you put into looking after the surface? The easier it is to maintain, the better for most schools and councils.

5. Use of the Space:
Will it be used for PE? Free play? Sports? The surface should suit your day-to-day needs.

Types of Playground Surfaces (and Which is Best)

There are a few surface types commonly used across UK playgrounds. Here's a quick look at each - and why artificial turf is a top choice for most schools and public spaces.

Artificial Grass (Synthetic Turf)

Great for: Schools, nurseries, community play areas
Benefits:
- Soft, safe, and slip-resistant
- Looks green and natural all year round
- Drains quickly, so it’s usable in all weathers
- Low maintenance -no mowing, no mud
- Customisable with line markings, games, or colours
Best for: Multi-use areas, play zones, and general playground use

At STM, this is our speciality. We install synthetic turf surfacing designed just for schools and playgrounds.

Wet Pour Rubber Surfacing

Great for: Areas under climbing frames or high equipment
Benefits:
- Seamless, impact-absorbing surface
- Comes in different colours and thicknesses
Consider: Can fade over time and needs regular cleaning

Rubber Mulch Surfacing

Great for: Natural-looking parks or woodland play areas
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly look
- Soft and bouncy
Consider: Can move around over time and hold moisture

Tarmac Surfacing

Great for: Older children’s sports zones
Benefits:
- Hard-wearing
- Good for ball games and marked courts
Consider: Not soft enough for young children and needs repainting

Matching the Surface to Your Setting

Different settings have different needs. Here’s what we usually recommend:

Schools: Artificial grass is ideal — soft, versatile, low maintenance, and great for both play and PE.
Nurseries: Go for softer synthetic turf with a shockpad underneath for extra safety.
Parks and public spaces: Artificial turf or rubber mulch depending on the environment and use.
Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs): Durable synthetic turf with sports markings is best.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a surface based only on cost (cheap options can be expensive to maintain)
Not checking safety requirements (CFH is key under play equipment)
Ignoring long-term maintenance needs
Picking a surface that doesn’t suit the setting (e.g. tarmac in a nursery)

Our Recommendation

At STM, we believe artificial grass is the best all-round playground surface. It's safe, clean, and works for a wide range of activities. Plus, it looks great and lasts for years with very little upkeep.

If you’re planning a new playground, we’d love to help.