Jun. 09, 2025
Customer's often call our company asking for our advice on what is the best playground flooring surface for them. Truth is: it depends. Choosing your rubber playground is a big decision. Here are 10 tips to choose your rubber playground when deciding between recycled rubber mulch and playground tiles:
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Okay, you have your equipment all figured out, you have your location and you're all ready to go with your new (or improved) playground, but WAIT! What the heck are you going to put it on?! Your two options for rubber playground flooring are rubber mulch and rubber tiles. Choosing your playground flooring can be intimidating, especially if you've never done any research into the world of rubber flooring or playground flooring. That's okay, we're here to guide you and help you choose the rubber flooring for your playground that is best for you, but first, let's start with a few questions.
The thickness of tiles or depth of the mulch will determine the fall height rating as described in ASTM F (<--- ASTM F sets the standards and specification for playground equipment).
More area = more surface to cover. The cost per square foot can drastically affect the initial price of your job when very large.
Initial cost vs. life time cost. Cost of rubber mulch is lower to begin with but will require periodic maintenance and filling in of areas washed, blown or carried away. Play ground tiles are more expensive initially. However, they are more permanent, require little maintenance and have a much longer life, meaning lower cost in the long run.
Weather, temperature, rainfall? While mulch doesn’t float, it is still loose and can be displaced by high winds or flowing water. Tiles will stay in place and better handle the elements.
While both rubber tiles and rubber mulch can be installed by the end user, the tiles will require a little more prep and labor to install correctly.
Uneven surfaces can be masked by the rubber mulch (the down side is this may hide hazards like roots, sticks or glass). Rubber tiles are best laid over cement, asphalt, or 3-4 inches of level, crushed and tamped aggregate covered with landscape fabric.
Many public playgrounds must be insured or have zoning requirements. While both rubber mulch and rubber tiles will provide certified fall height ratings, the rubber tiles are a more consistent playground flooring since they cannot be displaced.
While durability is not the issue for either rubber mulch or rubber tiles, rubber mulch can be displaced in the highest playground traffic areas, reducing the fall height protection. Most playground tile manufacturers have the option for a dense EPDM virgin rubber top layer, adding durability and easy clean up.
Both rubber mulch and rubber tiles have the option for basic colors (usually black, gray, blue, green, red) but premium playground tiles with an EPDM virgin rubber surface are available and can be customized for exciting designs and nearly limitless color combinations.
The rubber mulch is being produced continuously and can usually be shipped in 3 to 8 business days, while rubber tiles are made to order and usually have a lead time of 5 to 15 business days.
Rubber mulch = quick and inexpensive. Rubber tiles = more consistency and more options.
We know many of you have even more questions. This post is a starting point to get you in the right direction. Everyone’s area and usage will be different and unique. Whichever rubber playground surface you choose, you will have years of protection for those visiting your area and the peace of mind knowing you did your part to keep waste tires from landfills.
Are you on the hunt for the best foam rubber suppliers? Choosing the right factory can make all the difference in quality and cost. By comparing top options, you can save money and ensure superior products. Dive in to discover the leading suppliers and make an informed choice!
Product Details: Custom foam fabrication and full contract manufacturing services, including design, prototyping, and final assembly.
Technical Parameters:
– Conforms to ISO : Quality Management Systems
– Conforms to ISO : Medical Devices Quality Management
Application Scenarios:
– Gasketing, Gap-filling, Buzz, Squeak, and Rattle applications
– Packaging, Filtration, Cushioning, Sound dampening
Pros:
– Quick turnaround times for quotes and samples
– Responsive customer service with real person interaction
Cons:
– Limited information on specific foam types and specifications
– Potentially high complexity in selecting the right material
Product Details: Monmouth Rubber & Plastics manufactures Durafoam™, Duraflex™, and Bondaflex™ materials, including closed cell sponge rubber and plastic foam, solid rubber and plastic sheeting, and recycled rubber & plastic composites.
Technical Parameters:
– ISO - Certified
– UL Listed Rubber Products
Application Scenarios:
– Gaskets and seals
– Insulation and cushioning
Pros:
– Custom made to the highest standards
– 98% of all waste generated is recycled
Cons:
– Limited information on specific product specifications
– Potentially higher cost due to custom manufacturing
Product Details: Sponge and Foam Rubber products including EPDM foam rubber tubing, sponge rubber vibration isolators, and various types of foam and sponge rubber materials.
Technical Parameters:
– Flexible foam rubber has an open cell structure; sponge rubber has a closed cell…
– Foam types include Cross-Linked Polyethylene Foam, Polyurethane Foam, and Microc…
Application Scenarios:
– Dust seals for HVAC access doors.
– Automotive trim and refrigerated transport vehicles.
Pros:
– Lightweight materials with excellent cushioning and impact deadening performance…
– Cost-effective compared to other materials with a range of compressibility avail…
Cons:
– Sponge rubber can be vulnerable to oils and fuels.
– Silicone sponge rubber may not achieve flame ratings beyond UL94HB.
Product Details: Foam Products Corporation offers a wide range of foam products including DuPont Styrofoam™, Polystyrene Foam, Polyethylene Foam, Polyurethane Foam, PVC Foam, EPS Foam, Whisper Foam, Specialty Foam, Pit Foam, Flotation Foam, Flexible Urethane, and Rigid Urethane.
Technical Parameters:
– Custom cut options available
– Various foam types for different applications
Application Scenarios:
– Insulation for commercial and industrial use
– Packaging solutions for various products
Pros:
– Low-cost alternative to expensive materials
– Customizable foam solutions to meet specific needs
Cons:
– Limited information on specific technical specifications
– Potential variability in product availability
Product Details: Federal Foam Technologies offers a wide range of foam, fiber, plastic, composite, and rubber materials for various industrial applications.
Technical Parameters:
– ISO : certified manufacturing processes
– Diverse material options including polyurethane, closed-cell foams, and composit…
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Application Scenarios:
– Used in agriculture for safety foam solutions for machinery operators
– Applied in medical devices for cushioning and support
Pros:
– High-quality materials with precise engineering
– On-time delivery and commitment to customer satisfaction
Cons:
– Potentially limited availability of certain specialized materials
– Customization may require longer lead times
Product Details: Industrial foam and rubber products sold by Canal Rubber Supply Co., Inc.
Technical Parameters:
– Made in the USA
– Custom designed options available
Application Scenarios:
– Mil-spec requirements in hose and rubber
– Specialty foam applications
Pros:
– Knowledgeable expert technical staff
– No minimum purchasing requirement
Cons:
– Prices listed are subject to change
– In-store pricing may vary from online pricing
Product Details: Foam rubber molding is a process that combines foaming agents to create flexible, air-filled products, primarily using polyurethane.
Technical Parameters:
– Types: Open cell and closed cell foam
– Common materials: Polyurethane
Application Scenarios:
– Automotive industry for seat padding and trim material
– Healthcare settings for orthopedic braces and surgical scrubbers
Pros:
– Versatile applications across various industries
– Customizable to meet specific production requirements
Cons:
– Potential limitations in density and insulation properties depending on foam typ…
– Requires specialized equipment for production
Product Details: Foam Factory, Inc. offers a wide selection of foam products including foam futon mattresses, memory foam toppers, and custom cushions.
Technical Parameters:
– Temperature-sensitive memory foam
– Custom cutting capabilities for 2-D and 3-D shapes
Application Scenarios:
– Residential use for mattresses and cushions
– Commercial use for acoustical and packaging foam
Pros:
– Wide range of foam products available
– 110% price match guarantee
Cons:
– Limited information on specific product dimensions
– Shipping costs for orders under $75
Product Details: Clark Foam Products offers a variety of foam products including Crosslink Foam, Polyethylene Foam, Polyurethane Foam, and Filter Foam, each designed for specific applications and industries.
Technical Parameters:
– Closed-cell structure
– Versatile material properties
Application Scenarios:
– Packaging fragile electronics
– Medical manufacturing
Pros:
– High quality and durability
– Custom fabrication options available
Cons:
– Limited information on specific technical specifications
– Potentially higher cost for custom solutions
Product Details: Foam rubber is a flexible, air-filled product manufactured using foaming agents, with polyurethane being the most common type used.
Technical Parameters:
– Open cell and closed cell varieties
– Manufactured through a polymerization process involving mixing and curing
Application Scenarios:
– Automotive industry for seat padding and trim material
– Construction for insulation and thermal management applications
Pros:
– Versatile product used in various industries
– Available in different densities and configurations
Cons:
– New carbon-based rubber is expensive to manufacture
– Not readily available in the market
1. What types of foam rubber do factories typically produce?
Foam rubber factories create various types, including memory foam, polyurethane foam, latex foam, and viscoelastic foam. Each type has unique properties for different applications like mattresses, furniture, packaging, and automotive parts. The choice depends on your specific needs for comfort, durability, and cost.
2. How do I choose the right foam rubber supplier?
Look for suppliers with:
1. Quality certifications (ISO)
2. Good reputation and customer reviews
3. Range of foam types
4. Customization options
5. Competitive pricing
6. Reliable delivery times
Visit their facility if possible to assess their operations.
3. What factors affect foam rubber pricing?
Pricing depends on:
– Type and quality of foam
– Quantity ordered
– Customization requirements
– Delivery location
– Market conditions
– Raw material costs
Larger orders usually get better pricing.
4. Can foam rubber be customized for specific applications?
Absolutely! Many factories offer customization options like:
– Density variations
– Color changes
– Shape cutting
– Special coatings
– Printing
– Packaging solutions
Discuss your needs with the supplier to get the perfect foam for your project.
5. How do I ensure the foam rubber meets safety standards?
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