Playground Safety Flooring Options: Rubber, EPDM, Synthetic Grass

28 Nov 2025

Safety flooring is the most critical component of any playground installation. Falls account for over 75% of playground injuries, making impact-attenuating surfaces essential. This guide covers all available playground safety flooring options to help you make an informed decision.

Why Playground Safety Flooring Matters

Injury Statistics

Falls cause 79% of all playground injuries
Head injuries are most common from falls
Proper surfacing reduces injuries by up to 90%
Hard surfaces (concrete, tiles) are most dangerous

Safety Standards

Standard	Requirement
IS 16620	Indian standard for playground surfaces
EN 1177	European impact attenuation standard
ASTM F1292	American safety standard
Critical Fall Height	Maximum safe fall distance

Overview of Safety Flooring Options

Option	Safety Level	Cost/sq ft	Lifespan	Maintenance
EPDM Poured	Excellent	₹300-450	10-15 years	Low
Rubber Tiles	Very Good	₹180-280	8-10 years	Low
Synthetic Grass	Good	₹190-330	8-12 years	Medium
Rubber Mulch	Good	₹80-120	5-8 years	High
Wood Mulch	Moderate	₹40-60	1-3 years	Very High
Pea Gravel	Moderate	₹30-50	5-10 years	High
Sand	Basic	₹20-40	Ongoing	Very High

EPDM Poured Rubber Flooring

Overview

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber applied as a seamless surface. It's considered the premium option for playground safety.

Specifications

Thickness: 25-50mm
Fall Height Protection: Up to 3 meters
Color Options: 20+ colors
Installation Time: 5-14 days

Pros

Highest safety rating
Seamless surface (no trip hazards)
Custom designs possible
Excellent UV resistance
Low maintenance
Wheelchair accessible

Cons

Highest cost
Longer installation time
Requires professional installation
Not easily relocated

Best For

School playgrounds with tall equipment
Public parks with high traffic
Premium residential projects
Commercial play centers

Cost Example (1000 sq ft)

Component	Cost
EPDM material	₹2,00,000
Base preparation	₹50,000
Installation	₹75,000
Total	₹3,25,000

Rubber Tiles (Interlocking)

Overview

Pre-fabricated rubber tiles that interlock or adhere to a concrete base. A good balance of safety and cost.

Specifications

Thickness: 25-50mm
Tile Sizes: 500x500mm or 1000x1000mm
Fall Height Protection: Up to 2.5 meters
Installation Time: 2-5 days

Pros

Faster installation than EPDM
Easy to replace damaged sections
Good impact absorption
Consistent factory quality
Can be relocated

Cons

Visible seams/joints
Joints can lift over time
Limited design options
May shift on improper base

Best For

Budget-conscious projects
DIY installations
Areas needing easy repair
Temporary or relocatable playgrounds

Cost Example (1000 sq ft)

Component	Cost
Rubber tiles	₹1,50,000
Base preparation	₹40,000
Installation	₹30,000
Total	₹2,20,000

Synthetic Grass with Shock Pad

Overview

Artificial turf with an underlying foam or rubber shock pad. Combines natural appearance with safety.

Specifications

Pile Height: 30-40mm
Shock Pad: 20-30mm
Fall Height Protection: Up to 2 meters
Installation Time: 3-7 days

Pros

Natural appearance
Multi-purpose use
Good drainage
Comfortable for play
Cooler appearance

Cons

Gets hot in direct sun
Requires shock pad for safety
Higher maintenance than rubber
May need infill replacement
Limited fall height protection

Best For

Multi-use areas (play + leisure)
Aesthetic-focused projects
Areas with lower equipment
Sports integration zones

Cost Example (1000 sq ft)

Component	Cost
Synthetic grass	₹1,00,000
Shock pad	₹60,000
Base preparation	₹35,000
Installation	₹40,000
Total	₹2,35,000

Rubber Mulch (Loose Fill)

Overview

Shredded rubber from recycled tires. An economical option with good impact absorption.

Specifications

Depth: 150-300mm required
Fall Height Protection: Up to 3 meters (at 300mm)
Coverage: 1 cubic foot per 3 sq ft at 150mm
Installation Time: 1-2 days

Pros

Lower initial cost
Easy installation
Good drainage
Doesn't decompose
Recycled material

Cons

Disperses easily (needs containment)
Can hide debris/objects
Regular raking needed
Not wheelchair accessible
May need annual top-up

Best For

Budget projects
Natural settings
Areas with borders/containment
Supplementary to other surfaces

Cost Example (1000 sq ft)

Component	Cost
Rubber mulch	₹70,000
Containment borders	₹20,000
Base preparation	₹15,000
Installation	₹10,000
Total	₹1,15,000

Engineered Wood Fiber

Overview

Processed wood chips designed for playground use. A natural, budget-friendly option.

Specifications

Depth: 200-300mm required
Fall Height Protection: Up to 2.5 meters
Replacement: Every 1-3 years
Installation Time: 1-2 days

Pros

Lowest initial cost
Natural appearance
Easy to install
Biodegradable
Good drainage

Cons

Requires frequent replenishment
Can harbor insects
Molds in humid conditions
Not wheelchair accessible
High ongoing maintenance

Best For

Very limited budgets
Natural/rural settings
Temporary installations
Low-traffic areas

Pea Gravel

Overview

Small, rounded stones typically 6-10mm diameter. Traditional option still used in some areas.

Specifications

Depth: 200-300mm
Fall Height Protection: Up to 2 meters
Stone Size: 6-10mm
Installation Time: 1-2 days

Pros

Very low cost
Good drainage
Long-lasting material
Natural appearance

Cons

Can cause scrapes
Ingestion hazard for small children
Not wheelchair accessible
Disperses easily
Can be thrown

Best For

Budget projects only
Areas for older children (6+)
Where other options unavailable
With adequate containment

Choosing the Right Surface

By Equipment Height

Equipment Height	Recommended Surface	Minimum Depth
Under 1m	Any option	Minimum
1-1.5m	Synthetic grass, tiles	Standard
1.5-2m	EPDM, rubber tiles	Standard
2-2.5m	EPDM, tiles (thick)	Maximum
Over 2.5m	EPDM only	Maximum

By Application

Schools:

- Primary: EPDM (safety priority)

- Secondary: Rubber tiles (budget balance)

- Budget: Synthetic grass + pad

Apartments:

- Premium: EPDM

- Standard: Rubber tiles or combination

- Budget: Synthetic grass

Public Parks:

- High traffic: EPDM (durability)

- Medium traffic: Rubber tiles

- Budget: Rubber mulch with containment

Equipment and Flooring Combinations

Match your OK Play equipment with appropriate flooring:

High Equipment (EPDM Required)

Medium Equipment (Tiles/Synthetic Grass OK)

Merry-Go-Round

Low Equipment (All Options)

Fall Zone Requirements

Standard Fall Zones

Equipment must have safety surfacing extending:

- 6 feet minimum in all directions from equipment

- Swing zones: Arc length front and back = 2× chain length + 6 feet

- Slide exits: 6 feet from end of slide

Calculating Coverage Area

Equipment	Fall Zone Size
Single swing	30 sq m minimum
Double swing	45 sq m minimum
Multi-play unit	50-80 sq m
Merry-go-round	30 sq m
See-saw	25 sq m
Slide (stand-alone)	20 sq m

Maintenance by Surface Type

Surface	Daily	Weekly	Monthly	Annual
EPDM	Sweep	Wash	Inspect	Service
Tiles	Sweep	Wash	Check joints	Replace damaged
Synthetic	Brush	Rinse	Level infill	Deep clean
Mulch	Rake	Level	Add material	Replace
Wood fiber	Rake	Level	Treat	Replace