Is turf actually safer than mulch?

With a shock pad underneath, yes, and more consistently so. Mulch only provides fall protection at its rated depth, and it displaces from exactly the high-traffic spots where children land most. A bonded pad doesn't move.

What fall height rating do I need?

It depends on the tallest accessible platform on your equipment. Residential sets usually need modest padding; commercial installations are governed by ASTM F1292 and we specify to the equipment.

Is it hot for kids in summer?

It runs warmer than grass in full sun. Shaded play areas stay comfortable, cooling-technology turf reduces surface temperature, and a rinse cools it in seconds.

Yes. It rinses with a hose, and we use antimicrobial infill in daycare and school installations to handle accidents hygienically.

Do you work with schools and daycares?

Yes. We build to ASTM F1292 with IPEMA-certified systems where required, provide documentation for inspections, and schedule around operating hours.

Playground Turf & Safety Surfacing

Mulch under a play set is a recurring chore. It scatters, breaks down, needs topping up every year, hides things you would rather find, and washes out of the low side of the yard every time it storms. Turf with a shock pad underneath solves all of it permanently.

Fall height ratings, and why they matter

Playground surfacing is rated by critical fall height — the drop from which a fall onto that surface is unlikely to cause serious head injury. The rating comes from the padding beneath the turf, not the turf itself.

Shock pads are specified in thicknesses that correspond to different fall heights. Higher equipment needs thicker padding. For a residential back yard set the requirement is usually modest; for commercial equipment it is determined by the tallest accessible platform and is not optional.

For daycares, schools and public installations we build to ASTM F1292 standards with IPEMA-certified systems. If your facility is inspected, tell us at the estimate and we will specify accordingly and give you the documentation.

Residential play areas

For a back yard swing set or climbing frame, a moderate pad under quality turf gives you a surface that is safer than the packed dirt most sets end up sitting on, stays put, drains fast, and does not need topping up every spring.

It also means the play area is usable an hour after rain rather than the next day.

Daycares, preschools and schools

Commercial play surfaces get punished. We specify higher face-weight turf with reinforced backing, and design drainage for cleaning as well as rainfall — these surfaces get hosed down, and the base has to handle that volume routinely.

Installation is scheduled around your operating hours, and phased if the space has to stay partly open.

Cleaning and hygiene

Turf rinses clean. For facilities we specify antimicrobial infill, the same approach used for pet surfaces, which handles the accidents that happen wherever small children play. No mulch means nothing to harbour insects and nothing for a child to put in their mouth.

What it costs

Padded playground surfacing runs higher than standard lawn turf because of the shock pad. A 500 square foot residential play area typically falls between $6,000 and $11,000 depending on pad thickness. Commercial installations are quoted per project against the fall height requirement. Pricing detail here.