August 30th, 2016
Pea gravel has been a popular choice for surfacing playgrounds for several decades; while not an inherently unsafe option like concrete or grass, there are many other affordable safety surfacing alternatives that can offer better fall protection and require less attention.
Overall, pea gravel can be very inconsistent in regards to how safe it is as a surface. Pea gravel can shift and move causing level displacement which can dramatically shift the minimum fall height requirements for fall protection. Under one condition set, a child could fall six feet and be relatively unhurt, whereas a fall from four feet under a different condition set could lead to a serious injury.
The National Playground Safety Institute lists pea gravel as an acceptable playground surface in its “The Dirty Dozen: 12 Playground Hazards” guide. Because of its relatively low cost, it is a viable option as a residential playground surface or for a public playground with low-height equipment.
The safe depth of the gravel is contingent on the height of the playground equipment. Loose-fill materials like pea gravel can compress around 125 percent over time which decreased the safe falling range. Because of this, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends using fill height 33 perfect higher than recommended. For example, Pea gravel requires a fill height of nine-inches to protect from a fall off equipment at five- feet. Therefore, a playground that has a five-foot equipment fall height should use a least 12-inches of pea gravel fill to safely work.
Since the pea gravel fill needs to maintain a minimum height and is prone to displacement and compression, it has a vital upkeep component to using it as a safety surface. Pea gravel can shift around in high-use areas which can alter a specific areas fill level underneath the safe range. Because of this, pea gravel could be a safe option at the start of the day, but after a few hours of play, it can develop hazard spots. Marking equipment to designated the safe fill level can be helpful when monitoring pea gravel. If the material falls below the safe fill range you can decompress it by shoveling or raking into the surface. Replacing the gavel also works. It is common to add more gravel every one or two years.
According to a study published by the medical journal BMJ, pea gravel does not fare well against other playground surfacing materials including sand, wood chips, artificial turf and rubber concerning the maximum safe fall height. Pea gravel actually functions worse at moderate temperatures than it does at extreme temperatures. For example, a 12-inch filled uncompressed pea gravel playground surface has a critical fall height of 5-feet at 72 degrees while that fall height improves to 8-feet when the temperature raised to 120 degrees and 9-feet when the temperature drops to 30 degrees. Pea Gravel also performs inconsistently at different fill and compression levels, which makes it an unpredictable surface.
Why Safety Surfacing is a Better Long Term Choice
Compared to pea gravel, modern safety surfacing options are designed to meet strict standards for shock and absorption, accessibility, and long term performance. Wood mulch, poured in place rubber, rubber mulch, and artificial turf are just a few examples of materials that deliver better fall protection, lower maintenance requirements, and a cleaner, more uniform appearance.
One of the biggest advantages of using professional safety surfacing is predictability. Unlike pea gravel which can shift and compact unevenly, engineered materials are tested to meet industry standards such as ASTM F1292 for impact attenuation. This ensures consistent protection across the entire play area, sometimes pea gravel struggles to maintain.
In addition, many types of safety surfacing meet ADA requirements, allowing children of all abilities to enjoy the playground equally. Poured in place rubber, rubber tiles, and turf create smooth, slip-resistant surfaces that accommodate mobility devices like wheelchairs and walkers.
Maintenance is another key benefit. While pea gravel requires frequent raking and replenishing, safety surfacing systems are engineered for durability. Poured in place rubber can last for years with minimal upkeep. Even loose-fill alternatives like wood mulch tend to stay in place better than pea gravel and offer better cushioning.
Safety surfacing also excels in appearance and cleanliness. It doesn’t harbor debris, shift with the wind, or create muddy spots during rainy weather. Most surfaces are available in a range of colors and designs that can enhance the overall aesthetic of a playground, creating a fun and welcoming environment for kids and families alike.
Long Term Value of Safety Surfacing
While the upfront cost of safety surfacing like poured in place rubber or rubber tiles may be higher than pea gravel, the long term value often outweighs the initial investment. These surfaces typically last 10 to 15 years or more with minimal upkeep, making them cost-effective over time. Pea gravel, on the other hand, may require frequent replenishment, redistribution, and monitoring, costing more in labor and materials year after year.
Moreover, choosing a high-quality safety surfacing options can reduce liability risks for schools, churches, municipalities, and childcare centers. A well-maintained, certified surface can help demonstrate compliance with federal safety guidelines and industry standards, which is especially important in the case of playground injuries.
If you’re building a new playground or upgrading an old one, taking time to evaluate long-term durability, accessibility, and safety can ensure you choose the best safety surfacing for your space and community.
Advantages of Pea Gravel:
- Comparably lower initial cost
- Safe for low-height equipment
- Easy install process
- Effective draining which prevents rainwater build up
- Sanitary: does not support microbial growth
- Smooth stones won’t poke at playground users
- Animals don’t like it and tend to leave it alone
Disadvantages of Pea Gravel:
- Higher maintenance requirements
- Regular inspections are necessary
- Limits the mobility of individuals with disabilities; pea gravel is not ADA compliant
- Problematic for high-height playground equipment
- Not appropriate for young children, swallowing of small stones could be a hazard
Noah’s Park & Playgrounds offer a variety of safety surfacing for all of your park or playground needs. Go to our Safety Surfacing Product Page to learn more about what we offer, or contact us today to find learn which surfacing option is the best choice for your project!