When designing a children’s play area, safety is paramount. Wood chippings and bark chippings are popular choices for surfacing these areas, significantly reducing the risk of injury from falls.

These natural materials are a common sight in public parks and school playgrounds, often found alongside pricier options like rubber surfaces used beneath larger climbing frames. This guide will help you navigate the world of children’s play area surfacing, specifically focusing on wood chippings vs. bark chippings.

Choosing the Right Play Area Surface

Several materials offer the crucial impact absorption you need for a safe children’s play area. Each option has its own advantages in terms of price, aesthetics, and durability.

Natural Playground Chippings: Safety and Affordability

Natural mulches and chippings are some of the safest and most cost-effective options for children’s play areas. Both wood chippings and bark chippings are widely available, offering a variety of colours and textures. While the price may vary slightly depending on the specific type, both materials are generally budget-friendly.

Depth of the Play Area Surface (Wood Chippings or Bark Chippings)

The depth of the absorbent surface layer is another key factor to consider. We recommend a minimum depth of 150mm (around 6 inches) for a home children’s play area. If you have tall climbing equipment, you may want to consider an even thicker layer of wood chippings or bark chippings for added safety.

Play-Approved Wood Chippings vs. Bark Chippings

Both wood chippings and bark chippings are excellent choices for creating a natural-looking and affordable children’s play area. They are both play-approved materials, meaning they meet safety standards for impact absorption.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Wood Chippings: These are small chips of wood, offering a more durable and natural aesthetic. They tend to be slightly lighter in colour compared to bark chippings.
• Bark Chippings: Chopped pieces of bark, they provide a softer feel and a darker visual appeal.

Additional Benefits of Wood Chippings and Bark Chippings

Both wood chippings and bark chippings offer the advantage of absorbing water, making them less slippery than rubber surfaces commonly found in public playgrounds. This can help prevent slips and falls during playtime in the children’s play area.

Creating a Safe and Fun Play Area with Wood Chippings or Bark Chippings

By choosing wood chippings or bark chippings for your children’s play area, you can create a safe and stimulating environment that encourages exploration and imaginative play. Remember to consider factors like depth, play area size, and the presence of climbing equipment when making your final decision on wood chippings vs. bark chippings.