What do you put on ground under climbing frame?

A climbing frame can provide hours of entertainment and exercise for children, but when installing one, it's important to consider the safety of the area underneath it.

Some of the most popular ground covers for climbing frames include wood chips, rubber mulch, sand, and pea gravel. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific needs of your family.

Without the right surface, children can be at risk of injury if they fall off the frame.

In this guide, we will discuss what you should put on the ground under a climbing frame to ensure the safety of your children.

1. Grass

Grass is a popular choice for a climbing frame's ground cover. It's soft, natural, and easy to maintain. However, it's important to keep the grass short and well-maintained to ensure it remains safe for children to play on. Additionally, grass can get worn down and compacted over time, which can make it less effective at cushioning falls.

2. Wood Chips

Wood chips are a popular choice for playgrounds because they are affordable and provide good cushioning. They can also be visually appealing and create a natural-looking play area. However, it's important to choose the right type of wood chips. Softwood chips, such as cedar or pine, are best because they are less likely to cause splinters. Hardwood chips, such as oak or maple, can be too hard and cause injuries. Additionally, wood chips can attract bugs and other pests, so it's important to keep them well-maintained.

3. Rubber Mulch

Rubber mulch is a newer option for playground ground cover, but it's gaining popularity due to its safety features. It's made from recycled rubber and is designed to cushion falls. It's also non-toxic and can last for many years without needing to be replaced. Additionally, rubber mulch doesn't attract bugs or other pests, which can be a concern with other ground covers. However, it can be more expensive than other options, and some people don't like the look of it.

4. Sand

Sand is another popular choice for playgrounds because it's inexpensive and provides good cushioning. It's also fun for kids to play in and can be used to create sandboxes or other play areas. However, sand can be messy and requires regular maintenance to keep it clean and free of debris. Additionally, sand can get into children's eyes and cause irritation, so it's important to keep it well-maintained and covered when not in use.

5. Gravel

Gravel is a good option for playground ground cover because it's affordable and provides good drainage. It can also be visually appealing and create a natural-looking play area. However, it's important to choose the right type of gravel. Pea gravel is best because it's smooth and won't cause injuries. Larger gravel can be too hard and cause injuries. Additionally, gravel can be uncomfortable to play on and can be difficult to walk on for some people.

6. Rubber Tiles

Rubber tiles are another option for playground ground cover. They are easy to install and provide good cushioning. Additionally, they are non-slip and come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them visually appealing. However, rubber tiles can be expensive and may not be as natural-looking as other options. Additionally, they can be difficult to clean and may require regular maintenance to keep them looking good.

7. Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is a newer option for playground ground cover. It's designed to look like real grass but requires less maintenance. It's also soft and provides good cushioning. Additionally, it doesn't attract bugs or other pests and can last for many years without needing to be replaced.

However, artificial turf can be expensive and may not be as natural-looking as real grass. Additionally, it can get hot in the sun and may not be comfortable to play on during the summer months.

In addition to choosing the right ground cover, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when preparing the area under your climbing frame:

1. Depth

The depth of the ground cover is crucial to ensuring your child's safety. The recommended depth will vary depending on the type of ground cover you choose. For example, the recommended depth for wood chips is 6-12 inches, while the recommended depth for sand is 12 inches. Make sure to research the appropriate depth for your chosen ground cover and ensure it's evenly distributed throughout the play area.

2. Drainage

Proper drainage is essential to ensure that the ground cover remains effective at cushioning falls. If water is allowed to pool on the ground under the climbing frame, it can cause the ground cover to become compacted, reducing its ability to cushion falls. Make sure to choose a location with good drainage, and consider installing a drainage system if necessary.

3. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep the ground cover in good condition and ensure its safety. For example, if you choose wood chips, make sure to rake them regularly to maintain their depth and remove any debris or sharp objects.

If you choose sand, make sure to sift it regularly to remove any sharp objects or debris. Whatever ground cover you choose, make sure to inspect it regularly for signs of wear or damage and repair or replace it as needed.

4. Location

The location of the climbing frame is also important to consider. Make sure to choose a location that is level and free of obstacles. Avoid placing the climbing frame near trees or other structures that could pose a hazard if a child falls. Additionally, make sure the play area is well-lit and visible from your home or other nearby buildings.

5. Accessibility

Finally, consider the accessibility of the climbing frame and the ground cover underneath it. Make sure there is enough space for children to move around safely, and consider adding ramps or other accessibility features if necessary. Additionally, make sure the ground cover is level and free of tripping hazards.