Safer Surfacing

Comprehensive Safety Surfacing Systems – Designed for Performance, Protection & EN1176 Compliance

Safety surfacing plays a critical role in reducing the risk of injury in playgrounds, schools, parks, and public spaces. At Playquip leisure, we offer a wide range of high-quality surfacing systems, each designed with specific environments, usage levels, and safety requirements in mind—particularly in line with EN1176 playground equipment standards and the associated impact attenuation requirements of EN1177.

Our selection includes several types of safety surfacing, each with distinct benefits and applications:

Wet Pour Rubber Surfacing

A seamless, two-layer system made from rubber granules, wet pour surfacing is one of the most popular choices for playgrounds. It provides excellent critical fall height protection, making it ideal beneath climbing frames, swings, and multi-play equipment. Its smooth, durable finish is wheelchair-friendly and fully compliant with EN1176 when installed to the correct depth.

Rubber Mulch & Rubber Bark

Designed to replicate the natural look of loose-fill bark while offering greater longevity and lower maintenance, rubber mulch is bonded in place to prevent displacement. It delivers effective impact absorption and is commonly used in natural play areas, trails, and informal play spaces where aesthetics and safety must work together.

Artificial Grass with Shockpad

Artificial grass systems, when combined with an appropriate shockpad underlay, provide a softer, more natural-looking surface with built-in fall protection. These systems are suitable for playgrounds, nurseries, and recreational areas, offering good drainage, year-round usability, and compliance with EN1176/EN1177 depending on the specification.

Resin Bound Surfacing

Primarily used for pathways, access routes, and surrounding areas, resin bound surfaces offer a smooth, permeable, and slip-resistant finish. While not typically used as a primary impact surface, they are ideal for improving accessibility and creating safe, compliant transitions between play zones.

Bonded Rubber & Spray Coatings

These systems are often applied to existing hard surfaces to improve slip resistance and enhance safety in high-traffic areas. While they may not provide critical fall height protection, they are useful for walkways, ramps, and recreational zones where grip and durability are key.

Loose-Fill Options (Play Bark, Sand, Gravel)

Traditional loose-fill materials can still be used effectively in certain settings, provided they are installed and maintained at the correct depths to meet EN1177 requirements. They are typically more cost-effective but require ongoing maintenance to ensure consistent safety performance.

Understanding EN1176 & EN1177 Compliance

EN1176 focuses on the safety of playground equipment, while EN1177 specifically addresses impact-absorbing playground surfacing. Together, these standards ensure that surfaces beneath and around play equipment reduce the severity of injuries from falls. Key considerations include:

• Critical Fall Height (CFH): The maximum height from which a child can fall without sustaining serious injury—surfacing must be tested and certified to meet this requirement.

• Surface Depth & Specification: Different materials require specific installation depths to achieve compliance.

• Durability & Maintenance: Surfaces must maintain their performance over time to remain compliant.

Whether you're designing a new playground, upgrading an existing facility, or specifying materials for a commercial project, choosing the right safety surfacing system is essential. Our range ensures that every project can meet the necessary standards while delivering long-term performance, visual appeal, and user safety.