What Is The Best Material To Put Under A Swing Set? - Backyard Boss

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Menu Follow Followed Like More Action Sign in now Winter Trends Garden Tools Tips & Guides Close By Vanessa Serrao Updated Oct 5, 2023 Vanessa is a 31-year-old freelance writer for Backyard Boss. She is a segment writer for backyard content. Vanessa has been freelancing for over 5 years and has a strong passion for writing. Vanessa has been involved in DIY backyard projects, such as collecting rocks to use as outdoor decoration.  Sign in to your BackyardBoss account Add Us On follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Summary

• Safety is key when choosing a material for underneath swing sets. Consider factors such as shock absorbency, maintenance, cost, and edging.
• Wood chips are aesthetically pleasing and provide slip resistance. Use engineered wood fiber for cushioned protection and remember to maintain the proper depth.
• Rubber mulch is durable and has double the shock absorbency of wood chips. Be aware of its tendency to get hot in direct sunlight and its higher cost compared to other materials.

Safety is critical for backyard swing sets, especially when choosing which material to place underneath them. Kids often fall when playing, so they need a soft place to land. A cushioned surface with good shock absorbency is excellent. But there are other things to consider, such as cost, edging, and maintenance.

Discover four of the best materials to put under your swing set!

Measuring Shock Absorbancy

In a playground setting, shock absorbancy refers to how well a surface "cushions the blow" and protects from injuries. Every material requires a certain fill depth to protect from a fall at a certain height.

Material	Fill Depth (inches)	Fall Height (feet)
Wood Chips	9	10
Rubber Mulch	6	10
Sand	9	4
Artificial Turf (with pad)	varies	varies

Wood Chips

You'll often see wood chips or mulch in playgrounds at childcare centers and public parks. They are aesthetically pleasing and provide slip resistance because they absorb moisture. Wood chips are also a multipurpose material, as they decrease the growth of weeds, mesh well with border plants, provide soil nutrients, prevent heaving, and ward off erosion.

One crucial factor to remember with wood chips is that maintenance is essential for safety. Use engineered wood fiber because it won't cause splinters and is the best for cushioned protection. Remember, the surface must be topped up yearly as this material is known to thin out with children playing and running on it.

Wood chips require a few steps for installation. Since this material does need to be replenished, ensure that you maintain the proper depth for your swing set. Keep up maintenance by leveling the area with a rake, which will also help reduce compaction.

Landscaping underneath your swing set should include some edging so that surface materials remain in place and will also help reduce weeds.

Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is an environmentally friendly surface material made from recycled tires. It is known for its durability and can last up to 10 years. Rubber has nearly double the shock absorbency of wood chips. It also comes in different colors, which is handy when designing your playground space.

One aspect to be mindful of with rubber mulch is that it will get uncomfortably hot if directly in the sun. In addition, rubber mulch is known to be more expensive compared to other materials, such as wood.

Before laying out your rubber mulch, lay out landscape fabric to reduce any possible production of weeds. Then, pour the rubber mulch and distribute it evenly throughout the area.

Sand

Sand is a commonly used surface material and natural resource for landscaping outdoor swing sets. It doesn't have high shock absorbancy relative to other materials, but sand still reduces the likelihood of a severe injury if a child falls. What's more, children love playing in the sand, and it helps promote their fine motor skills. Sand does need to be replenished somewhat frequently because when children play with sand, it gets kicked and moved around. It can be messy and make its way into pockets or shoes.

To use sand as a base material, level the ground using a rake. Then, pour the sand and spread it out evenly throughout the area. To sustain its compactness and prevent children from tripping, consistently rake and level the sand.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is an excellent surface material under swing sets because it requires less upkeep than natural grass. Natural grass requires mowing and fertilizing and can cause unwanted grass stains. Artificial turf is made from polyethylene or polypropylene, a fiber that will provide durability under your swing set. It will last several years, even in harsh weather conditions.

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However, for it to be a good base material under a swing set, you must use a shock pad under the artificial turf. Shock pads are a foam material that will provide impact absorption and are used to lower the probability of an injury occurring after a fall.

Keeping your turf edged will help eliminate weeds and keep your turf evenly surfaced. While the initial investment with turf is expensive, you will receive a return on investment with lawn care, as you won't need to water it and spend more money on maintaining it than regular grass, sand, and mulch.

All About That Base

There are various materials to choose from when deciding what is best to use under swing sets. Choosing the best surface materials that prioritize safety protocols will bring you closer to sustaining a safe, bountiful, and welcoming backyard.

So sit back, relax, and watch your children have fun while you're enjoying the beauty of your newly renovated swing set with a vibrant border. Which material will you choose under your swing set? Share your thoughts below in the comments.

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