What to Put Under a Swing Set

So, you’ve picked out the perfect swing set, and the kids are already anticipating who will swing higher or make it down the slide first. Of course, before anyone starts playing, there’s one big step left: assembling the swing set. And before that, you’ll need to decide what to put underneath it. As always, safety comes first, and the right ground cover creates a solid foundation for a safe and functional play area.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Ground Cover

A quality ground cover acts as a shock absorber, softening the landing from any tumbles or jumps off the swings. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), falls are a common cause of playground injuries, which is why having a protective surface is so important. A good base not only cushions falls but also helps keep the area under your playset tidy, reduces mud, and can even prevent weeds from growing.

What Is a Fall Zone?

When planning your ground cover, it’s important to include a fall zone. The fall zone is the space under and around play equipment where a child might land if they fall. This area should be covered with an approved protective surfacing material and kept free of obstacles, edging, or other equipment to help prevent injuries.

Follow these basic guidelines when planning your fall zones:

• General climbing equipment: The fall zone should extend at least 6’ in all directions from the outer edge of the equipment.

• Swings:

• Extend the fall zone at least 6’ from the outer edge of the support structure on each side.

• In front and behind the swings, the fall zone should extend a distance of twice the height of the swing, measured from the ground to the top of the swing’s support structure.

What Is the Best Material To Put Under a Swing Set?

The best material for your swing set depends on your budget, backyard, and personal preference. There are several excellent options to choose from, each with its own set of benefits. The goal is to find a surface that provides enough cushioning to keep playtime safe and fun.

Rubber Mulch

The best loose-fill surfacing material for taller swing sets is rubber mulch. It's great for shock absorption, substantially reducing the chances of serious injuries during play. Rubber mulch is approved for decks up to 8’ tall. While the initial cost of rubber mulch is higher than that of other loose-fill materials, it lasts a long time. It does not require the same degree of maintenance because it is made out of synthetic materials.

Wood Mulch or Chips

Wood mulch or wood chips are a nice choice if you prefer a natural look. These materials provide good cushioning and blend seamlessly into most backyard landscapes. Keep in mind that wood mulch will need to be topped up every few years as it breaks down over time.

Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF)

Engineered wood fiber (EWF) is a type of loose-fill playground mulch made from specially processed wood. When installed to the recommended depth, it provides good impact absorption and is ADA-compliant, helping make play areas accessible for children of all abilities. Like other loose-fill materials, it requires regular raking and replenishment to maintain proper cushioning and safety.

Sand

Sand can be a fun option for children; it turns their playset into a giant sandbox! It absorbs shock from a five-foot fall height at most depths. Like wood mulch, it is not prohibitively expensive, and it's readily available. However, like wood mulch, it also tends to get kicked out of the swing set area and end up in other parts of your yard. It also requires regular inspection, as objects can easily get lost or hidden in the sand.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is often used in gardens, dog parks, and other public spaces. You may remember it as the surface material below some of your favorite swing sets in public parks when you were younger. Pea gravel is surprisingly soft to the touch and provides adequate shock absorption under your play structure. 

But this loose-fill material is potentially more of a choking hazard than others. Small rocks can be appealing to toddlers who like to put objects in their mouths. Because of this risk, pea gravel is not compliant with standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for playground surfacing in toddler areas.

How Much Material to Use

You will need to maintain a minimum depth of at least 9” of loose-fill materials (wood mulch/chips, shredded/recycled rubber mulch, or sand/pea gravel) for playset decks up to 8’ high. Keep in mind that the surfacing will compress over time and will require occasional refilling to maintain the 9” depth. Typically, an initial fill level of 12” will compress to a 9” depth over time.

Poured-in-Place Surfaces, Rubber Tiles, and Artificial Turf

If loose-fill materials aren’t your speed, poured-in-place surfaces, rubber tiles, or artificial turf may offer the protection you need for your playset.

Poured-in-Place Rubber Surfaces

As the name suggests, a poured-in-place rubber surface is a type of playset flooring that is poured into place and left to set. The appeal of this type of material lies in its customization options, visual appeal, and protective properties. But keep in mind that pour-in material is not a DIY option – it requires professional installation.

Rubber Tiles

Rubber tiles are another option to consider. They provide both shock absorption and traction to minimize injury during play. You can install rubber tiles on your own or enlist the help of a professional.

Artificial Turf

If you want the look of grass without the maintenance, artificial turf can be a great choice. Just be sure it’s playground-grade and installed with proper safety padding underneath. The turf should meet national playground safety standards for cushioning and fall protection, including ASTM F1292 and CPSC guidelines. This ensures the material provides sufficient cushioning to reduce the risk of injury from falls.

Artificial turf looks great year-round, though it can heat up quickly on sunny days. Adding shade or planning playtime for the morning or evening can help keep it comfortable.

Protective Surfacing Fall Height Guides

Protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most critical safety factor on playgrounds. Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces are also acceptable; however, test data on shock-absorbing performance should be requested from the manufacturer.

Asphalt and concrete do not have any shock-absorbing properties. Similarly, neither natural nor artificial grass should be used. Their ability to absorb shock during a fall can be significantly reduced by wear and tear, as well as environmental conditions.

Fall Height in Feet From Which a Life-Threatening Head Injury Would Be Greatly Reduced

*This data is from tests conducted by independent testing laboratories on a 6” depth of uncompressed shredded tire samples produced by four manufacturers. The tests reported critical heights, which varied from 10 feet to greater than 12’. It is recommended that persons seeking to install shredded tires as a protective surface request test data from the supplier showing the critical height of the material when it was tested in accordance with ASTM F1292.

It should be recognized that all injuries due to falls cannot be prevented, no matter what surfacing material is used.

How to Choose the Right Base for Your Backyard

When selecting your under-swing set material, think about your family's needs. Consider the age of your children, your budget, and the level of maintenance you're willing to undertake. It’s also important to follow swing set spacing and safety guidelines to ensure you have enough clearance and a level surface for your playset. Regardless of which option you choose, a well-prepared base is the foundation for a safe play area.

Build a Safer Play Area With the Right Materials

Building a safe and inviting play space is an investment in years of family fun and cherished memories. Ready to take the next step? Explore Gorilla Playsets’ durable swing sets and create a backyard that’s built for adventure.