Children deserve to experience the joy of exploration and play in a safe place free from unnecessary risks. One of the best ways schools and communities can protect kids is with carefully designed and installed safety surfacing.

Playworld Preferred is your commercial playground surfacing distributor for North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. Along with playground and fitness equipment, we specialize in professional safety surfacing installation that offers protection and peace of mind.

Why Playground Safety Surfacing Matters

The type of safety surfacing you choose for your school, park or recreational facility has a meaningful effect on the people who use these spaces. The right surface can:

Help protect kids from serious injuries during play.
Cushion the impact of falls.
Reduce hazards like slips, trips and drainage issues.
Create a more inclusive environment for kids of all abilities.

Types of Playground Surfacing

When selecting safety surfacing for outdoor spaces, such as playgrounds, schools or parks, there are two major categories to choose from — unitary and loose-fill surfacing.

Unitary Safety Surfacing

Whether fixed in place or made of poured material, unitary playground surfacing creates a smooth play surface. This is a better option for truly inclusive playgrounds, as the unitary flooring makes it easier for kids with mobility equipment to join in the fun.

At Playworld Preferred, we carry poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surfacing, which we can professionally install at your play site to meet the proper depth and safety guidelines. This unitary surface is made from bonded rubber granules. It offers excellent shock absorption and the ability to customize your playground surface.

Loose-Fill Surfacing

Loose-fill safety surfacing is a more traditional option. Made up of small pieces in bulk, these surfaces must be installed and maintained at the proper depth to meet crucial safety standards. We offer a few loose-fill options, including:

Engineered wood fiber (EWF): EWF is the most cost-effective surfacing solution for your playground. We use wood fiber certified by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) and specifically made for playgrounds, as it’s tested to meet and exceed equipment fall height standards. The depth can be maintained using our Recycled Plastic Border Timbers, while our Accessible Entry Ramp helps provide access into the play area.
Loose-fill rubber mulch: Rubber mulch is a more durable alternative to engineered wood fiber while remaining cost-effective. The material is excellent at absorbing impact from falls. Plus, it comes in fun colors for a more vibrant play experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Playground Flooring

At Playworld Preferred, we’re here to help you select the best playground surfacing for your needs. Here are some key factors we can help you consider:

Critical fall height: Playground flooring must be rated to cushion falls from the maximum height of your equipment.
Impact absorption: This is how well the surfacing cushions a fall to help prevent injuries. It must be up to ASTM and CPSC standards.
Durability and maintenance: Choose playground surfacing that lasts and is easy to maintain.
Accessibility needs: A smooth and stable surface allows children with disabilities to access your play area.
Budget considerations: It’s important to consider both the upfront installation cost and the ongoing maintenance expenses.
Aesthetic appeal: Some playground surfacing allows you to choose colors and designs that enhance the appearance of your play area.

Choose Playworld Preferred for Safety Surfacing

The team at Playworld Preferred looks forward to bringing your playground project to life. We would be happy to help you select the best safety surfacing for your school, park or specific application. We also offer expert site preparation and surfacing installation.