
When planning a new playground, safety surfacing isn't just a finishing touch, it's just as important of a decision as the playground design. Whether you're working with a tight budget, creating an inclusive play space or wanting something low maintenance, the type of mulch you choose plays a major role in how your play space looks, feels, and performs long term.
Two of the most popular loose-fill options are engineered wood fiber, also known as wood mulch or playground mulch, and rubber mulch. When comparing playground mulch vs rubber mulch, both options can be used for any playground project, but have their pros and cons when it comes to maintenance, look, long-term reliability, and accessibility. This about what factors are most important to you when you are choosing your surfacing, and continue reading to learn about the key differences between playground mulch and rubber mulch to help you decide the best fit for your goals and space.
Playground Mulch vs Landscape Mulch: What is Wood Mulch?
Playground mulch is more often referred to as wood mulch, and it's important to note that it is specifically made for playground use and different from landscape mulch. Wood mulch is made from clean, ground, hardwood and designed to create a soft interlocking surface that cushions falls.
What is Rubber Mulch?
Rubber mulch for playground use is manufactured 100% from recycled tires, making it an eco-friendly option that diverts trash from landfills. It comes in two forms, shredded which looks more like traditional mulch, and nugget which are the larger, smooth rubber chunks that are less likely to compact or scatter. Both forms are typically offered in multiple colors from earthy tones to more vibrant colors.
Safety and Impact Absorption
Safety is always the number one priority for new playground projects. The right surface can make the difference between a scraped knee and a broken bone, thanks to its shock absorption capabilities. That's why both options, rubber and wood mulch are designed and tested to meet national safety standards.
Fall Height Protection Ratings
One of the most important factors in surfacing safety is fall height. This is the maximum distance a child could fall from a play structure. The surface beneath must be able to absorb enough impact to reduce the risk of head injury. When installed at the proper depth rubber mulch can protect fall heights up to 10-12 feet, and wood mulch 8-12 feet.
Pro Tip: Always install a little extra to account for compaction, especially for wood mulch.
Compliance with ASTM F1292
ASTM F1292 is the industry safety standard that measures how well a safety surfacing material protects against head injuries from falls through effective shock absorption. This standard requires surfacing materials to:
- Limit the force of impact in a fall from a specified height
- Be tested under both hot and cold conditions
- Provide consistent protection throughout the entire play area
Both wood mulch and rubber mulch meets this standard, meaning that when hey are installed correctly they have passed tests to ensure they can safely cushion a fall from the height of your playground equipment.
Long Term Maintenance Performance
While both options meet initial safety standards, long-term maintenance needs are often the deciding factor when choosing the best fit for your playground. Rubber mulch offers excellent long-term cushioning because it doesn't break down, rot, or absorb water, allowing it to stay resilient and springy for years with minimal upkeep. It also covers the play area consistently over time and is less affected by weather, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy traffic. On the other hand, factors like heavy traffic can cause wood mulch to break down over time. This doesn't make it a bad choice, you can still get 1-3 years out of the surface before it would need to be topped off to restore cushioning.
Accessibility and Compliance
Safety isn't the only standard playground surfaces have to meet—accessibility is just as important. Creating play spaces that are welcoming to all children is quickly becoming the standard, so your surfacing choice needs to support smooth navigation, minimal maintenance and long-term consistency.
Wheelchair and Mobility Device Access
Because both wood and rubber mulch are loose-fill surfacing options, they both must be installed correctly and compacted to create a surface that is stable enough to be considered ADA compliant and inclusive. Rubber mulch's slightly springy surface allows better mobility for wheelchairs and strollers compared to other loose-fill options like sand or pea gravel. Overall, rubber mulch has less displacement in high use areas meaning fewer ruts and uneven paths.
Wood mulch is the most accessible and compliant when it is freshly installed and properly compacted. It offers decent accessibility, but declines over time as it shifts, displaces, and becomes uneven—problems that can be especially challenging for wheelchair users or walkers in areas with poor drainage or heavy use.
Installation and On Going Maintenance
Accessibility is about more than just passing the initial test, it's about choosing and maintaining a surface that will remain navigable, stable, and inclusive over time. Rubber mulch requires minimal compaction and doesn't break down, therefore it remains more accessible over time. Wood mulch can remain just as accessible as when it's initially installed and compacted, but will require more attention by regularly raking and replenishing it when needed.
Cost Comparison
Both rubber and wood mulch are on the more affordable side of surfacing options, let's break down the price of each to help you make the best decision for your playground.
Upfront Installation Costs
Wood mulch is the most budget friendly surfacing option. It is about $1.50-$3.00 per square foot, making it ideal for projects that are on tight budgets or are being funded through fundraisers and grants. Rubber mulch is a little more expensive upfront, it runs about $6-$10 per square foot. Both surfacing options will require border timbers to keep the material contained. On the plus side, both are easy to install and can be installed by volunteers rather than needing a professional crew.
Long Term Maintenance and Replacement
Just because wood mulch is the cheaper option, doesn't mean it's the most affordable long-term. Wood mulch will have to be replenished every couple of years, while rubber mulch requires very little replacement. Rubber mulch often pays for itself within five to seven years through reduced labor and maintenance, resulting in a lower cost of ownership and few disruptions to the play area.
Environmental Impact
Both wood and recycled rubber mulch positively help the environment.
- Wood mulch is made from natural hardwoods and is biodegradable and compostable over time.
- Rubber mulch doesn't break down naturally, but is made from 100% recycled tires and helps divert millions of pounds from landfills. Using old tires gives a second life to used products.
Wood mulch is natural, and typically produced from virgin wood, so the way it's sourced is the primary factor in its sustainability. That also means that wood mulch is very safe for the surrounding soil and groundwater. There has been some concern over potential chemical leaching from rubber mulch particularly in areas with poor drainage. However, studies have shown that there is minimal risk especially when playground safe rubber mulch is used because it is free from metals and toxins.
Aesthetic and Functional Differences
When it comes to the appearance of your playground surfacing, the choice really depends on the look and feel you want to achieve—and how it compliments your overall playground design. Wood mulch offers a classic, natural aesthetic that works well in traditional or nature-inspired playgrounds. Rubber mulch on the other hand, provides more versatility. Neutral tones can help it blend seamlessly into the
landscape, while vibrant colors allow you to match school branding or themed equipment. For instance blue rubber mulch makes a striking finishing touch for a pirate ship themed play area.
Temperature is another important factor to keep in mind, especially in hot climates. Wood mulch generally stays cooler underfoot, making it a great choice for open playgrounds with limited shade. Rubber mulch, especially in darker colors, can retain more heat. However, choosing a lighter color or incorporating shade structure can help mitigate this issue.
From a functional standpoint, rubber mulch tends to stay in place better and is less likely to be tracked inside on shoes or clothing. In contrast, wood mulch may scatter more easily and often needs to be swept back into play areas or off nearby sidewalks.
Choosing the Right Fit: Best Use Cases for Each
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to playground surfacing. The best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and environment. Both wood and rubber mulch offer unique advantages—and understanding where each option truly shines can help you make the most informed decision for your project. Here's a general idea of what kinds of projects each option is good for:
Rubber Mulch
- High traffic spaces like public parks and schools that experience daily foot traffic.
- Low maintenance areas like rural churches and parks without a regular groundskeeper.
- Inclusive spaces because it offers a more stable surface.
- Themed playgrounds at schools with mascot colors or parks with themed structures.
- Areas with drainage issues because it is non-absorbent and doesn't hold moisture, create mud or support mold/mildew.
Wood Mulch
- Budget conscious projects like schools with limited funding or churches supported by donations because it is a lower upfront cost making it easier to fund larger play structures.
- Spaces with a natural aesthetic like nature themed parks or campgrounds because it blends seamlessly into outdoor settings.
- Projects being installed by volunteers because it is very easy to install,
- Large play areas because it is cheaper to cover per square foot.
Choosing between wood mulch and rubber mulch isn't about picking a universally "best" option—it's about finding the right fit for your playground's goals, budget, and users. Whether you prioritize natural aesthetics and lower upfront costs or long-term durability and accessibility, each surface brings unique strengths to the table. By weighing factors like safety performance, maintenance, compliance, environmental impact, and overall look and feel, you can make a confident, informed decision that keeps your playground safe, inviting, and fun for years to come. Still unsure which direction to go? Our team at Noah's Park & Playgrounds is here to help evaluate your site and find the perfect solution for your space!