Affordable Playground Surfacing For Schools

Creating a safe, durable, and engaging play environment starts with the right surfacing. Playground surfacing not only provides a stable, slip-resistant foundation for play equipment, but it also plays a crucial role in child safety by helping to prevent injuries. With over 20 years of experience, Synthetic Turf Management is a trusted playground surfacing company offering a range of solutions to meet the unique needs of schools, parks, and public play areas across the UK.

Playground Surfacing Materials & Options


Artificial Grass for Playgrounds

Artificial grass is a popular choice for playgrounds due to its natural appearance, durability, and minimal maintenance needs. Our high-quality artificial turf is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and adverse weather conditions. For added safety, we offer an impact-absorbing underlay, making artificial grass suitable for a range of play environments, from school playgrounds to public parks.

Benefits of Artificial Grass:

  • Low maintenance with no need for watering, mowing, or fertilising.
  • Soft, safe, and slip-resistant, ideal for children’s play areas.
  • Aesthetic appeal that mimics the look of natural grass.

Wet Pour Playground Safety Surfacing

Wet pour surfacing is one of the most popular options for playground safety due to its seamless, slip-resistant finish and high impact absorption. Made from rubber granules bound together with a flexible resin, wet pour provides a cushioned surface that reduces the risk of injury. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, wet pour surfacing is perfect for customisation, including fun patterns and playground markings.

Benefits of Wet Pour Surfacing:

  • Excellent impact absorption, making it ideal for areas with climbing equipment.
  • Versatile design options, allowing for custom colours and playground markings.
  • Durable and low-maintenance, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Additional Surfacing Options

We also offer rubber mulch and bonded mulch surfaces as eco-friendly alternatives, using recycled rubber materials. These surfaces are durable, shock-absorbing, and provide a natural appearance. Playground markings are available as an add-on to any surfacing option, offering customisable patterns, games, and educational elements that encourage interactive play.

Why Choose STM as Your Playground Surfacing Company


STM stands out as a leader in playground surfacing across the UK due to our expertise, commitment to quality, and history of high-profile projects. Here’s why clients choose us:

  • Extensive Experience: With over 20 years in the industry, STM has a deep understanding of play and sports surfacing. We’ve worked on prestigious projects at locations like Wembley and Twickenham Stadiums, as well as installations for Wigan Athletic and Wimbledon Tennis.
  • Unique Solutions: We developed the STM EPIC (Educational Play in Colour) system, a customisable play surface designed to foster learning through play. Our EPIC system has been installed in schools and play areas nationwide for over 15 years.
  • Certified Safety and Quality: We are committed to providing playground surfaces that meet UK safety standards. Our team includes industry-approved contractors who use only certified, high-quality materials.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: At STM, every project is unique. We tailor our services to each client, ensuring a personalised experience and delivering long-lasting results that enhance safety, aesthetics, and functionality.


Benefits of Installing Playground Surfaces At Schools

Enhanced Safety for Children

Our playground safety surfacing options are designed to reduce the risk of injury by providing a soft, impact-absorbing foundation. Whether you choose artificial grass or wet pour, STM’s surfaces comply with UK safety standards to give you peace of mind.

Durability and Low Maintenance

STM’s surfacing materials are built to last. Both wet pour and artificial grass are highly durable, withstanding heavy use and adverse weather conditions without frequent maintenance. This makes them a cost-effective choice for schools, public parks, and other high-traffic areas.

Aesthetics and Customisation Options

With STM, you can create a playground that’s as visually engaging as it is safe. Our surfaces are available in a variety of colours, allowing for custom designs, playground markings, and thematic elements that enhance the play area’s appeal.

Cost-Effective Solutions

Choosing durable materials like wet pour and artificial grass reduces long-term costs by minimising the need for repairs and replacements. We offer various surfacing options to suit different budgets, making it easier to find a solution that meets both your aesthetic and financial needs.

Supports Child Development and Social Skills

Our playground surfacing provides more than just a safe play area—it creates an environment where children can develop valuable social and cognitive skills. By interacting with others in a safe and engaging space, children learn important skills like communication, sharing, and problem-solving.

Enhances Teamwork and Collaboration

Playground surfacing offers a fantastic platform to encourage teamwork amongst children. With features like custom playground markings and multi-use designs, children are naturally encouraged to play together, cooperate, and build friendships, fostering a sense of community and teamwork from a young age.

Playground Surfaces Near Me


STM provides UK-wide playground surfacing services, meaning we’re always close by, wherever you are in the country. Our local experts work with clients in various sectors, from schools to public parks, ensuring that every play area we design meets the highest standards for safety, quality, and aesthetic appeal. Contact us to discuss your location and specific requirements.

Playground Surfacing Pricing & Packages


Factors Affecting Playground Surfacing Cost

Several factors influence the cost of playground surfacing, including the area size, chosen materials (e.g., wet pour vs. artificial grass), and any customisations like playground markings.

Standard Packages and Special Offers

We offer packages to meet a variety of needs and budgets, from basic installations to premium, customised designs. Contact us to learn more about our current promotions and financing options.



Creative Outdoor Classroom and Playground Surface Ideas


At STM, we believe that playgrounds can be more than just play spaces—they can also be outdoor classrooms that foster learning and development. By incorporating interactive and themed designs into your playground surfacing, you can create a dynamic environment that encourages learning, imagination, and physical activity.

Outdoor Classroom Ideas

Transform your playground into an engaging learning environment with custom markings and designs. Our outdoor classroom ideas can be tailored to support early learning and active play:

  • Running Tracks: Perfect for promoting physical fitness and encouraging children to get active with safe, designated paths.
  • Football Pitch Markings: Add mini football pitches to enhance teamwork and introduce children to sports in a safe, inclusive space.
  • Educational Letters and Numbers: Teach literacy and numeracy through play with letters, numbers, and phonics markings embedded in the playground surface.
  • Phonics Patterns: Custom phonics shapes help children learn sounds and letters, creating an engaging phonics learning experience outside the classroom.

Playground surfaces

Playground Surface Ideas

Our custom playground markings can transform any play area into a world of adventure and discovery. Here are some fun and educational playground surface ideas that children love:

  • Butterflies and Bees: Bring nature into the playground with vibrant butterfly and bee designs, fostering a connection with the natural world.
  • Birds and Fish: Add animal markings to inspire curiosity about wildlife, perfect for themed play areas or nature-based learning.
  • Hopscotch: A timeless favourite, hopscotch markings encourage coordination, balance, and physical activity in a fun way.
  • Roads and Traffic Signs: Create a mini road system with crossings, stop signs, and roundabouts, teaching children road safety basics through role play.
  • Underwater Worlds: Spark imagination with sea creatures like fish, seahorses, and coral reefs. Whole underwater worlds can be created with vibrant colours, making the playground feel like a dive into the ocean!

These customisable designs not only add visual appeal but also provide fantastic opportunities for children to learn and explore in new ways. Whether you’re looking for educational elements like letters and numbers or themed play features like roads and underwater scenes, STM can create a playground that’s tailored to your vision.

A well-maintained playground surface extends its lifespan and ensures continued protection for children playing on it. Therefore, choosing the right playground flooring is critical not only for safety reasons but also for long-term cost-effectiveness. The importance of selecting the proper playground flooring cannot be overstated.

With so many options available today, including rubber tiles, poured-in-place surfaces, and artificial turf, there is no excuse for not ensuring that your playground's surface meets appropriate safety standards. Children deserve nothing less than a safe environment to enjoy their childhood memories without any danger or fear of harm!

To download our education brochure for many different artificial grass and playground ideas, just click the link:

Download STM Education Brochure



Our Playground Surfacing Process

Step 1: Site Assessment and Consultation

Our process begins with a thorough site assessment and consultation to understand your needs, budget, and vision. We assess ground conditions and recommend suitable materials.

Step 2: Material Selection and Customisation

Based on the assessment, we help you choose from our wide range of surfacing options, including wet pour and artificial grass. We also offer customisation options for colours, playground markings, and themes.

Step 3: Installation and Quality Assurance

Our skilled team ensures a professional installation with strict adherence to UK safety standards. We conduct quality checks at every stage to guarantee a durable, safe finish.

Step 4: Post-Installation Maintenance Support

To help you keep your playground in top condition, we offer maintenance guidance and optional maintenance packages. This includes tips for cleaning artificial grass, checking wet pour surfaces for wear, and ensuring all areas remain safe and appealing.


Playground Surfaces FAQS


What is the best playground surfacing material?
The best material depends on your needs. Wet pour is ideal for high-impact areas, while artificial grass provides a natural, low-maintenance option.

How long does playground surfacing installation take?
The timeline varies depending on the project size and chosen material. We provide an estimated timeline during the consultation phase.

What maintenance is required for different surfaces?
Artificial grass and wet pour require minimal maintenance, primarily cleaning and occasional inspections.

How much does playground surfacing cost?
Cost depends on the area size, surface type, and customisation. Contact us for a free quote.

Can you create custom designs for playground surfacing?
Yes, we offer custom playground markings and colour options to create a unique play environment.


Related Services

  • Playground Installations: Full playground setups, including equipment and surfacing.
  • MUGA Installations: Multi-Use Games Area installations for schools and community centres.
  • Maintenance Services for Existing Playground Surfaces: Ongoing maintenance to ensure safe, durable play areas.

Request a Free Consultation Today!


Ready to enhance your play area? Email or call us today for a free consultation and quote on our UK-wide playground surfacing services. Whether you’re looking for artificial grass, wet pour, or custom playground markings, we’re here to help you create a safe and inviting space for all to enjoy.