Today, playground builders and managers have numerous options for playground surfacing. One of the most common choices is mulch, which comes in two main varieties — rubber mulch and wood mulch.
Both types contribute to creating a safe playground environment by offering protective, impact-resistant surfacing for kids to play on. The right playground surfacing can also help play equipment last longer, as it reduces force and wear and tear.
If you’re considering rubber mulch versus wood mulch, explore our quick guide to help you make an informed decision for your playground.
What Is Rubber Mulch?
This type of mulch is made from discarded, recycled rubber, typically from old tires. It’s often used in landscaping, but rubber mulch is also a popular loose-fill playground surfacing material. Some of the main rubber mulch pros and cons include:
- Wear resistance and shock absorption: Because of its durability and flexibility, rubber mulch provides resistance against wear and exceptional shock absorption, which is ideal in high-foot-traffic spaces like playgrounds.
- Pest resistance and recyclability: This mulch is also pest-resistant, helping keep bugs away from play spaces, and eco-friendly since it’s a recycled material.
- Cost and potential environmental impact: Rubber mulch can be expensive, and some industry professionals are concerned about its potential for leaching chemicals.
What Is Wood Mulch?
This classic mulch option is created from wood chips or shredded bark. Some common types of wood mulch include pine and cedar, giving a playground with wood chips an appealing natural look. Top wood mulch pros and cons to note include:
- Affordability: Since mulch comes in many different varieties, you can find low-cost options that suit your budget. On a large playground, wood mulch can be an especially affordable surfacing option, as you can purchase it in bulk at discounted rates.
- Soil enrichment: Naturally, wood decomposes over time. When wood mulch breaks down on a playground, it supports soil enrichment and the surrounding environment.
- Shorter lifespan and maintenance needs: The main downsides to wood mulch are its shorter lifespan compared to other surfacing materials like rubber mulch, as well as its maintenance needs — playground managers must occasionally refill the mulch, rake it and treat it for pests.
How Playground Surfacing Impacts Safety
When considering your playground surfacing options, understanding their impacts on safety is essential. The right surfacing will provide impact-absorbing qualities that help reduce injuries. When kids play and navigate around the playground, they should be protected by a “cushion” underneath them — thick, durable surfacing that absorbs the impact of falls.
There are various materials to avoid for playground surfacing, such as:
- Asphalt
- Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood mulch
- Concrete
- Dirt
- Grass
Fortunately, rubber and wood mulch are both safe for playgrounds, providing essential impact resistance.
Around 6 inches of rubber mulch provides sufficient height protection for falls from 10 feet. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, playground managers should use at least 12 inches of wood mulch around playground equipment. All protective surfacing should also extend a minimum of 6 feet around play equipment.
Review ASTM F1292 for additional specific impact attenuation information, as well as ASTM F1951 for accessibility.
3 Main Differences Between Rubber Mulch and Wood Mulch
When considering whether rubber mulch is better than wood mulch, or vice versa, note the following differences to help narrow down your options.
1. Material Composition
While rubber mulch comprises recycled rubber, wood mulch is made of small pieces of natural wood, sometimes a by-product of the lumber industry.
Due to its contents, some industry professionals have raised concerns about potential chemicals and toxins in rubber mulch — it may contain heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons. However, federal research has found that recycled rubber tire used as infill material generally doesn’t create health problems. A different material composition issue to consider is the potential for leaching, where the rubber may release harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment.
At the same time, wood mulch may create health risks if treated with certain chemicals to make it resistant to decay and pests. In particular, CCA-treated wood can pose serious health issues. Using natural wood is an option, but untreated wood mulch can attract bugs, mold and fungi and requires frequent replacements.
2. Impact Absorption
Compared to wood mulch, rubber mulch offers better impact absorption capabilities, thanks to rubber’s natural elasticity and ability to disperse force as it compresses under impact. Overall, rubber mulch cushions falls well and often features greater critical fall height ratings than wood mulch. For young, curious children who may take a tumble, rubber offers a trusty barrier that keeps them protected amid all the fun.
Using wood mulch for impact absorption is still an option, but splinters and the potential for pests and mold can make the play space less safe altogether. This type of mulch offers moderate impact absorption, especially compared to rubber. The best way to maximize impact absorption with wood mulch is to ensure sufficient depth when laying it.
3. Environmental Considerations
Since most rubber mulch is made from recycled rubber, it can be a relatively eco-friendly surfacing material for playgrounds, especially compared to products made from new rubber. Still, rubber can take several years to break down in the environment. It can also leach harmful toxins and metals into the surrounding soil.
In comparison, wood mulch is 100% biodegradable, supporting soil health as it breaks down in the environment. If a playground has landscaping, wood mulch can strengthen the soil and prevent moisture loss, which is essential for healthy plants and trees. Remember that wood mulch must be replaced periodically, increasing resource use.
Consult With Our Safety Experts When Comparing Rubber Mulch vs. Wood Mulch
The best playground surfacing option will depend on various factors, including your budget, environmental concerns and more. If you’re trying to decide between rubber mulch or wood mulch for your play area — whether for a school, day care or HOA community — we can help. River Valley Recreation is a full-service playground company with a team of experts who can help you build the best play space possible.
As you are weighing your options, our team can help you navigate different play surfacing types, factoring in crucial safety and compliance aspects. When you make your decision, we will be ready to assist — we offer complete playground design and installation services, as well as options like playground mulch blowing. Let us help you create a fun, visually appealing play space for your community!
Contact us today to get started, and see what our clients have to say about working with us.
