The importance of playgrounds and children's parks for children to have fun and enjoy themselves is increasing day by day in cities. That's why they are also frequently used in school yards.
Special areas for children are always included in the planning of residential complexes and communities. They are essential in shopping malls, picnic areas, and entertainment centers. Depending on the weather conditions, they can be located in both outdoor and indoor spaces.
Features of Children's Playground Floor Coverings
After providing a safe surface with soft materials to mitigate the risk of falls and collisions for children to safely enjoy their time, the most sought-after features include:
- Durability and long-lastingness
- Impact-absorbing
- Flexibility
- Longevity
- Sound absorption (screams, shouts)
- Water and moisture resistance
- Resistance to chemicals
- Easy to clean
- Stain resistance
- Thermal insulation
- Non-slip surface
- UV resistance for outdoor areas
- Resistance to intense lighting from lighting systems in indoor areas
- Quick and easy repairability in case of any damage.
Models and Materials of Playground Floor Coverings
Wooden parquet, composite deck, sand, grass, rubber, synthetic surfaces, and rubber are the most commonly used flooring materials. Rubber is the most widely used material today.
Grass: It is not suitable for all weather conditions. Depending on the production quality, its anti-slip feature can be good. Depending on its quality, the surface may become slippery in rainy weather. Additionally, it requires regular maintenance. Although it started to be widely used as an alternative to sand in previous years, it has begun to be used less in recent years due to not being suitable for all weather conditions.
Sand: Due to its lack of shock-absorbing properties, it has been used together with other flooring materials in recent years. It is generally used in the playgrounds of very young children along with other materials.
Wooden Parquet: It is a material that almost fully meets all the requirements for park flooring. However, it is not widely used because it has low shock-absorbing properties.
Rubber Material: It is the most commonly used product in entertainment areas for children. Since it is widely used, all its features are detailed below.
General Properties of Children's Playground Rubber Floor Covering Material
Rubber material: It is produced by vulcanizing 35% rubber dough with sulfur and adding pigments and fillers. This flooring material made from polymers and granules provides high comfort.
Renewable and eco-friendly: It is made from renewable natural raw materials and is recyclable. It is also derived from the sap of rubber trees, without causing harm to the tree's growth.
- Bacteria resistant.
- High-quality and economical.
- Available in different colors, patterns, and thicknesses, typically around 2cm. Special orders can be made for thicker options according to project requirements.
- Shock-absorbing: Provides suspension with shock-absorbing properties, crucial for preventing injuries from falls and collisions in children's playgrounds.
- The most common color choices are red and green, but other colors can be produced upon request, albeit at a higher cost.
- The tile rubber flooring model is the most commonly used.
- Aesthetic appearance.
- Does not retain water, making it immediately usable after rain.
- Resistant to electrical currents.
- Can be used in conjunction with sand material, providing a more economical flooring solution when used together.
- Suitable for outdoor use.
- Non-porous and odorless.
- High resistance to wear and tear, supported by antioxidants to prevent color loss.
- Provides a flexible structure to the floor, preventing fatigue and providing high comfort for walking and exercise.
- Resistant to all types of light, including sunlight in outdoor areas and effective lighting systems indoors.
- Easy to clean; maintenance information should be obtained from the installing company.
- Easy to install.
Other Uses of Tile Rubber Flooring
- Running and walking tracks
- Fitness areas
- Nurseries
- Preschools
- Basketball, football, and volleyball courts
- Animal bedding
- Shooting ranges
- Bicycle paths
- Ski resorts
- Animal shelters
- Retirement homes, care facilities, rehabilitation centers
- Garages
- School yards
- Overpasses