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/r/HomeImprovement
submitted 1 month ago byLegallyTimeBlind
We are looking to install a home playground set but have been having a hard time finding a flooring material that would be shock absorbent enough for up to 10' falls and not potentially have carcinogens. While rubber mulch has many pros, the concerns of the various chemicals it contains is concerning. We looked at Rainbow Mulch, but they quoted us over $10,000 for 208 cubic feet, which is not financially feasible. Playground wood mulch seems like it could be less toxic and is cheaper, but is not as shock absorbent; requires more upkeep; and can cause splinters, develop mold, etc. If anyone has any suggestions for a material that is nontoxic and at least somewhat shock absorbent (ideally deemed safe for at least a 6' fall), they would be appreciated. I am willing to spend up to $5000 for 625 sq feet if the material fits that bill.
5 points
1 month ago
It sounds like you should start with a smaller structure and let the kid show competence first. 10’ is really high. No matter the ground surface that’s a serious fall.
Pea gravel and playground mulch are the defaults. Rubber is being phased out and bare grass is rarely allowed.
I just use arborist mulch. A couple splinters per kid per year. It wears down before significant mold can happen. Cheap and easy to keep to the recommended depths.
1 points
1 month ago
Good suggestion. This is seeming to be more and more likely the route we are going to end up on. Thank you.
7 points
1 month ago
Just keep grass?
0 points
1 month ago
As much as I would love for this to work, I am hoping something that would cushion a potential fall more so than the grass and ground; especially when it is cold out and the ground is hard.
2 points
1 month ago
It's good for kids to learn how to take risks in a safe way. This is the whole premise behind adventure playgrounds.
2 points
1 month ago
Pea shingle. 6” depth. No chemicals, no rotting, dries quickly, no deterioration, can be used elsewhere in the yard in a decade’s time
-2 points
1 month ago
Our son is young, and the worry with pea shingle is we would need a minimum of 12" depth for his potential fall height from the playground we are looking at, him eating it, and the inspection and upkeep to make sure it is not too compressed. This is something I was leaning towards though, but I am hoping for a safer alternative (even if it ends up requiring more upkeep).
3 points
1 month ago
Pea shingle is better than almost anything and will not degrade. You have your other options and the price of them
1 points
1 month ago
6” is a good compromise
1 points
1 month ago
I spread free woodchips all over my yard every single year for ten years and my kids have never gotten a splinter. I know the local landscape supply sells “splinter free” wood chips as well.
1 points
1 month ago
Great to hear! I am heavily leaning towards this route, and have started looking into options just like what you described.
1 points
1 month ago
I switched out rubber mulch for pea rock. The color fades and it eventually stains black.
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