Planning a safe, engaging play area starts with the right surface. Falls are a regular part of active play, so choosing a soft-fall for playgrounds that cushions impact and meets compliance standards is critical.
Different types of spaces require tailored approaches. For example, a public park, preschool playground and schoolyard have different traffic levels, user needs and environmental considerations. Learn more about these requirements and tailored recommendations in our industry-specific playground solutions.
It’s also essential to ensure any playground safety surfacing chosen meets the requirements of AS 4422:2016, the Australian Standard for playground impact attenuation. This standard outlines how surfacing materials must perform under critical fall height conditions for adequate protection. You can read more about this standard from Standards Australia.
FAQs
Why do you need to think about playground safety surfacing?
Most play equipment allows children to scramble and climb, jump and explore above ground level, which can lead to falls. Therefore, it is essential to provide a safe landing surface.
What types of safety surfacing are available?
What types of safety surfacing are available?
Playground safety surfaces typically fall into two categories:
Organic (natural) materials, such as mulch, bark chips or sand, are cost-effective and blend seamlessly with natural environments. They tend to stay cooler in summer conditions but do require more frequent maintenance to remain compliant with safety standards.
Non-organic (manufactured) materials, including rubber surfacing, synthetic grass, soft-fall tiles and safety mats, offer greater design flexibility with integrated colours, patterns and embedded play features. These surfaces typically involve a higher upfront investment but deliver lower maintenance requirements and long-term durability. However, they can retain heat and become hot to the touch in direct sunlight, which may influence surface choice in warmer climates or fully exposed areas.
Which is the best playground safety surfacing for your project?
Different soft-falls for playgrounds have different strengths; the best choice depends on your budget, maintenance preferences and design goals. It’s important to balance safety, durability, appearance and usability, especially in high-traffic playgrounds or educational settings.
ORGANIC PLAYGROUND SURFACE
Mulch/Bark Chip
Lower cost and higher maintenance. Blends in with surroundings and softens the appearance.
Sand
Medium/lower cost and higher maintenance.
Great for coastal locations, can be heat affected.
NON-ORGANIC PLAYGROUND SURFACE
EPDM/Rubber
Higher cost and lower maintenance with options for pattern and colours.
Synthetic Grass
Medium cost and lower maintenance.
Grass look with less pattern.
Soft Fall Surface Pricing Guide
| Type | Cost |
| Inorganic soft-fall (man-made) | $280m2 – $550m2 |
| Organic soft-fall (natural) | $90m2 – $120m2 |
| Timber border edge | $90m – $150m |
| Concrete border edge | $150m – $250m |
These are not UrbanFiT prices. These are generic industry rates as a rough guide.
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