How To Choose Outdoor Play Mats According To Site Requirements

The safety and comfort of outdoor playgrounds depend largely on the play mats laid on the ground. Suitable play mats can not only effectively reduce the impact of falls, but also improve the durability and environmental adaptability of the site. However, different types of sites have different requirements for play mats, so when choosing, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as materials, thickness, anti-slip performance, and weather resistance. This article will introduce how to choose suitable outdoor play mats according to site requirements.

1. Choose the right material according to the usage scenario

The material of the play mat directly affects its safety, comfort and service life. Common outdoor play mat materials include:

EPDM rubber mat: made of synthetic rubber particles, with good elasticity, wear resistance and anti-slip performance, suitable for children's activity areas such as playgrounds, amusement parks, kindergartens, etc.

Recycled rubber mat: made of recycled tires, environmentally friendly and durable, suitable for public playgrounds with high traffic.

EVA foam mat: soft texture, good cushioning effect, suitable for small playgrounds or family outdoor play areas, but poor weather resistance, not suitable for long-term exposure to the outdoors.

Artificial turf mats: suitable for parks and leisure and entertainment venues, beautiful and natural, with a certain cushioning effect, but not as strong as rubber mats in terms of protection.

2. Choose the appropriate thickness according to the height of the amusement equipment

The thickness of the amusement mat determines its cushioning effect on falls. The appropriate thickness should be selected according to the height of the amusement equipment to reduce the risk of injury. The commonly recommended thickness standards are as follows:

Equipment height less than 1 meter: 10-20mm rubber or EVA foam pads can be selected to provide basic protection.

Equipment height 1-2 meters: 25-40mm EPDM rubber pads or recycled rubber pads are recommended to enhance the cushioning effect.

Equipment height exceeds 2 meters: High-elastic rubber pads of more than 50mm should be used to ensure that fall injuries are minimized.

3. Consider anti-slip and drainage performance

Outdoor playgrounds are often affected by rain and climate change, so the amusement mat must have good anti-slip and drainage performance.

Anti-slip: The surface needs to have anti-slip texture or particles to reduce the risk of falling in slippery environments. EPDM rubber mats and recycled rubber mats are excellent in anti-slip performance.

Drainage performance: Playground mats should have good water permeability or drainage design, such as rubber mats with drainage holes or modular splicing mats with drainage systems, to avoid rainwater accumulation and affect use.

4. Weather resistance and durability

Outdoor playground mats need to be exposed to sunlight, rain and temperature changes for a long time, so it is particularly important to choose materials with strong weather resistance.

Anti-ultraviolet ability: EPDM rubber mats and artificial turf usually have strong UV resistance and are not easy to age due to long-term sun exposure.

Temperature difference resistance: In cold or hot areas, materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, such as high-density rubber mats, should be selected to avoid cracking or deformation due to temperature changes.

Wear resistance: For playgrounds with large traffic, wear-resistant rubber mats should be selected to extend the service life.

5. Pay attention to environmental protection and safety

Choosing environmentally friendly and non-toxic playground mats helps protect children's health and is in line with the trend of sustainable development. It is recommended to give priority to:

Low VOC materials: avoid harmful volatile organic compounds and reduce air pollution.

Lead-free and heavy metal-free: ensure that the product meets international safety standards, such as EN1177 (European standard) or ASTM F1292 (American standard).

Recyclable or degradable materials: such as recycled rubber, PET recycled materials, etc., to reduce environmental pollution.

6. Consider both aesthetics and customizability

In addition to safety and durability, the appearance design of the play mat also affects the overall effect of the venue. Many playgrounds use colorful EPDM rubber mats, and even customized patterns, such as cartoon characters, animals or road signs, to increase fun and attraction. In addition, modular splicing mats can be flexibly combined according to the needs of different areas, which is convenient for replacement and maintenance.