Is my playground or pool too small for a poured rubber surface? What are my options?

March 15, 2019

Poured rubber surfacing is a safe, durable and excellent flooring choice for most playgrounds and swimming pool surrounds (also called “rubber pool coping”), but if your surface area is less than 1000 sq. ft. it may not be the most cost-effective option for smaller playgrounds and pools. Sometimes the size of the playground or pool patio is the determining factor in the type of material that is ultimately chosen for the flooring surface.

Poured Rubber Playground Installation at a Daycare in Arizona
Poured Rubber Small Playground Surface

How To Decide if Your Playground or Pool Area is Too Small for Poured Rubber

When building new or upgrading an existing playground or pool, everyone (daycare managers, school officials, and parents) can see the value of poured rubber’s safety and durability. But, depending on the size of the playground or pool area, it might be too cost-prohibitive.

It is our experience that you should have at least 1,000 sq. ft. of surface available for a poured in place rubber playground floor. Why? Because the cost of the materials, preparation of the existing surface, and the labor involved can make a small project expensive to install. (See our article on the cost of poured playground surfacing.) Does that mean you can’t have a rubber safety surface on your small playground? Absolutely not! You do have other options (keep reading).

Small Playground & Pool Surface Options

Installing Rubber Playground Safety Mat Tiles | New York City | adventureTURF
Prefabricated Rubber Tiles on a Small Playground

1. Prefabricated Tile

In addition to our poured rubber playground surface, we also install playgrounds with prefabricated rubber playground tiles or mats. These rubber safety tiles are a great alternative because they come in a variety of colors, they are very durable, they meet fall height requirements up to 8 ft., and they have ADA compliant edges and accessories. They can also be used in hard to reach areas like rooftops and parking areas and especially small playground surfaces. Check out some of the projects where we have installed prefabricated tiles.

2. Self-Install Rubber Mats or Rolls

Found in home improvement stores or hardware stores, with a little DIY effort these can sometimes be a less expensive option for small play areas. Available with both interlocking and adhesive applications, rubber playground mat can be an alternative surface.

3. Poured in Place Rubber

Yes, our poured rubber surface material can be installed just about anywhere, even on small playground surfaces. While we want to give our customers the best options for their playground budget, if a poured surface is what you are looking for, we are happy to discuss your project with you and help determine your best solution (contact us for a free quote).

Still Not Sure?

Our expertise in playground and safety surfacing is something we are proud to share. If you are considering having a new playground surface installed and have questions about the size and viability of your playground surface area, contact us. We’ll answer your questions and help you decide the best, most cost-effective safety surface for your play area.

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