Wetpour
Also known as Playground Surfacing, Wet Pour, Rubber Crumb, Soft Surfacing, or Soft Tarmac.
Ground rubber is formed into this impact-absorbing surface. Wetpour is the popular option for finishing a ground surface to add colour, patterns and structure.
A playground will become much more aesthetically pleasing with the addition of Wetpour, and the opportunities it opens up to the playground are also vast. Trackways can be designed and made from the surfacing. Borders, lines and shapes can separate the playground to keep dedicated spaces for different play types. Graphics can be made out of the surfacing to aid learning through play, while other shapes can be made for playing games.
Wetpour rubber surfacing is a type of safety flooring made from a mixture of rubber granules and a polyurethane binder commonly used in playgrounds, sports surfaces, and other outdoor recreational areas. The mixture is poured onto a prepared surface, concrete or tarmac, and then levelled and smoothed to create a seamless, non-slip surface.
Why Schools Choose Wetpour Rubber Surfacing:
- Safety: Wetpour rubber surfacing is designed to provide a safe surface for children to play on, absorbing impact and reducing the risk of injury in case of falls or accidents.
- Durability: Wetpour rubber surfacing is highly durable and can withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions without deteriorating or cracking.
- Aesthetics: Wetpour rubber surfacing is available in various colours and designs, making creating visually appealing and unique designs for playgrounds and other recreational areas easy.
- Maintenance: Wetpour rubber surfacing is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional sweeping and cleaning to keep it looking its best.
Overall, wetpour rubber surfacing is a popular choice for school playgrounds and other recreational areas due to its safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal, despite its higher cost and installation complexity.
Resin Bound Rubber
Also known as Playground Surfacing, Resin Bound, Rubber Bark, Mulch…
Often seen as a more natural and cost-effective surface for school playgrounds and outdoor spaces if vibrant colour and zoning are required.
View our School Playground projects to understand better how the surfacing can be best utilised and fit your outdoor play space.
Synthetic Grass
Also known as Playground Grass, Safety Grass, Artificial Grass…
We have been working with schools and nurseries since 1995 and installing synthetic grass, which has been specially designed for schools and nurseries to create outstanding all-weather outdoor learning environments.
Artificial grass playing surfacing, also known as synthetic turf, is a surface designed to mimic the look and feel of natural grass. It is made from synthetic fibres that are usually made from materials such as polyethylene or nylon and is typically installed over a layer of sand or rubber infill.
Artificial grass playing surfacing is commonly used for school playgrounds because it provides children with a safe and durable playing surface. Unlike natural grass, which can become muddy and slippery when wet, artificial grass maintains traction and remains dry even in wet conditions.
There are several advantages of using artificial grass playing surfacing for schools and playgrounds:
- Safety: Artificial grass provides a cushioned surface that can help to prevent injuries from falls. This is especially important for younger children, who may be more prone to accidents.
- Durability: Artificial grass is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and can last many years with proper maintenance. This means schools and playgrounds can save money on maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.
- Low maintenance: Unlike natural grass, which requires regular watering, mowing, and fertilising, artificial grass requires very little maintenance. This can save schools and playgrounds time and money on maintenance costs.
- Versatility: Artificial grass can be used for various activities, including sports, games, and general play. This makes it a versatile option for schools and playgrounds.
- Environmentally friendly: Artificial grass does not require watering or fertilisers, which can help to conserve water and reduce pollution. Additionally, many manufacturers use recycled materials to produce artificial grass, making it a more sustainable option.
In summary, artificial grass playing surfacing is a popular choice for schools and playgrounds because it provides a safe, durable, low-maintenance, and versatile playing surface that can be used for various activities.
Polymeric Surfacing
MUGA Surfacing, Multi Games Surface…
Our polymeric sports surfacing comprises of rubber granules bound with polyurethane, which is virtually maintenance-free. Our polymeric surface fully complies with the ‘Sport England Type 4 Polymeric Surface‘ or ‘Type 4 MUGA’ standard, giving you total peace of mind when installing your sports surfacing. This type of surfacing is often most popular with multi-use game areas [MUGA] within schools and academies, giving a wide range of activities and uses.
Polymeric type 4 MUGA sports surfacing is a popular choice for MUGAs because it is a durable, slip-resistant, and low-maintenance surface. It is made of a rubber granulate mixture that is bound together with a polyurethane resin, providing a cushioned surface that reduces the risk of injury from falls and impacts. Polymeric surfaces can also be customised to suit the specific requirements of different sports, making them a versatile option for MUGAs.
Mile tracks, also commonly found in schools and parks, are running tracks measuring 1 mile in length. They are typically made of synthetic rubber or polyurethane and are designed to provide a consistent surface for running, jogging, and walking. Mile tracks are commonly used for fitness, training, and recreational purposes.
MUGAs and mile tracks are popular sports facilities in schools and parks because they offer a range of sports and fitness activities in one location, making them an ideal choice for community use. They can be used for both competitive and recreational purposes and can help to promote physical activity and social interaction among individuals of all ages and abilities.
A Multi Use Game Area (MUGA) is a type of sports facility designed to accommodate various sports and games such as football, basketball, tennis, hockey, and others. MUGAs are typically made of various materials, including grass, synthetic turf, and polymeric surfacing.
3G Sports Surface
Our professional Third Generation (3G) synthetic surfaces are some of the most popular for sports, including Football, Rugby and Hockey. 3G stands for a Third Generation synthetic surface which consists of three elements; synthetic turf, sand infill and rubber infill. These surfaces are typically between 35mm-65mm in pile height. This combination of materials is sometimes installed with a shock absorbent pad to meet specific performance and testing criteria such as BS-EN, FIFA, World Rugby and National Governing Bodies [NGB] standards and provides a high-quality playing surface for schools and sports venues.
Daily Mile Track
Playground Track, Golden Mile, Daily Running Track.
Traditionally, a Daily Mile Track would go around the perimeter of a school field. At DCM Surfaces, we can deliver exceptionally creative designs and easily navigate existing fixtures and features.
Daily Mile tracks are simple yet effective outdoor tracks designed for schools and parks to encourage children and adults to be physically active. They are typically made up of a flat, marked-out circular path, usually 400 meters in length, which can be completed by walking, jogging or running. The concept of the Daily Mile was started in Scotland in 2012 to improve children’s physical, emotional, and social health and well-being.
The Daily Mile is a simple and inclusive physical activity program that people of all ages and abilities can complete. The track is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their fitness or physical ability. It is commonly used to encourage children to be more active during the school day and to help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
The Daily Mile track is used in various ways. In schools, it is often used to break up the school day and get children moving and active. Children typically complete the Daily Mile in school clothes and shoes to get their heart rate up and burn off excess energy. Some schools use the Daily Mile to improve academic performance, as studies have shown that physical activity can help improve concentration, focus, and memory.
In parks and other public spaces, individuals or groups often use Daily Mile tracks to get some exercise in a safe and controlled environment. They are also commonly used to encourage community engagement and social interaction, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to walk, jog, or run the track. Daily Mile tracks are a simple yet effective way to promote physical activity and improve health and well-being in schools and communities.
Critical Fall Height (for play spaces with playground equipment)
This is the maximum height a child could fall from a piece of equipment. Take a tower as an example; the highest height of the tower itself might be 3.5m, while the highest accessible platform might be 1.5m. The Critical Fall Height of the tower would be 1.5m, as this is the highest point on the product they can access.
Once the Critical Fall Height is determined, finding the required surface depth for your playground is possible. This ensures you use the correct surface depth for each piece of equipment. Don’t forget each piece will have different fall heights, so this is important.
Our surfacing team works on these recommended surface depths based on a measured critical fall height and the type of surface required.
Wetpour Critical Fall Height Certificate – Download
Rubber Mulch Critical Fall Height Certificate – Download