Why Safety Comes First with Modern Playground Flooring

Children will jump and tumble. You can control what they land on. Specify playground flooring to the right CFH, build in falls for drainage and protect the edges. That reduces risk at source and keeps the space open day after day.

Incidents are uncommon, yet you should be ready. If something happens, insurers and governors ask for three items: your CFH plan, the test certificates and a named sign‑off. The steps below help you have these ready before pupils return.

We select and install playground flooring to match each area’s Critical Fall Height (CFH) and we test it to EN 1177.

Why does playground flooring matter most for injury prevention?

Most equipment‑related injuries happen when children fall onto the surface. You cannot control every jump or mis‑step, but you can control the performance of the surface that receives the impact. Modern Playground Flooring, also called playground surfacing or safety surfacing, attenuates impact, sheds water and maintains slip resistance in real‑world conditions. When you prioritise surface performance early in the design, you cut risk at source and avoid retrofitting after incidents.

What do EN 1176 and EN 1177 require from playground flooring?

Two standards matter on most public play sites:

• EN 1176 covers play equipment and associated safety requirements.
• EN 1177 sets the method for testing impact‑attenuating surfacing and determining CFH.

In practice, your chosen Playground Flooring must be tested at the thickness that matches the free‑fall height of the equipment, and you include the evidence at handover. The simple rule is simple: match the certified build‑up to the play height on your drawings.

Specification checklist

• Confirm the CFH for each item of equipment.
• Map CFH zones and thicknesses onto your layout.
• Specify edging/retainers that protect the surface from ravel and trip points, with flush transitions for wheeled access.
• Require certificates that match the exact product and depth you are buying.

Common miss we see: certificates that prove EN 1177 performance at a different thickness to the one installed. For sign‑off, ask for the test certificate that matches the exact product and depth on your drawings, plus a CFH zone plan that shows where each thickness was laid.

What documents prove my playground flooring is compliant?

At sign‑off, file four items: the EN 1177 certificate for the depth you installed, a CFH zone plan, the post‑installation report and the inspection schedule. Insurers and governors expect that pack. You may also see BS 7188 test methods referenced; make sure the certificate matches the play height shown on your drawings.

How do I choose the right playground flooring for my site?

Start by mapping CFH by zone, confirm porosity and base falls, choose an aliphatic binder for colour stability, pick EPDM granule size, then lock colours and graphics.

The right playground flooring balances impact performance with durability and day‑to‑day usability. Use these five decision points:

1. Critical fall height (CFH): Start here. Match surface type and thickness to the tallest free‑fall in each zone.
2. Porosity and drainage: Wet‑pour rubber and resin‑bound systems allow water to pass through the surface to an engineered base. For playgrounds, RubbaFlex® SG’s 1–4 mm EPDM granules increase porosity so surfaces clear water quickly after rain. That keeps surfaces usable after showers and helps control algae growth.
3. UV and chemicals: Specify aliphatic polyurethane binders where colour retention matters; aromatic binders are common but will fade in UV.
4. Footfall and wear: Busy routes from gates and classrooms need robust, seamless surfaces that resist scuffing, heel abrasion and scooter use.
5. Maintenance access: Plan edging and falls so cleaning is quick and safe. Build a routine that includes debris removal, gentle washing and spot repairs.

How we choose, in five steps

1. Map CFH for each item, then set minimum thickness by zone.
2. Confirm porosity and base falls so water leaves play lines and entrances.
3. Select binder (aliphatic where colour must hold; aromatic if UV fade is acceptable).
4. Pick granule size (1–4 mm EPDM on SG for durability; fine blends for comfort areas).
5. Lock graphics and colours for wayfinding and learning zones.

At Flexflooring, we typically recommend:

• RubbaFlex® SG for school playgrounds, trim trails and multi‑use areas where durability and consistent CFH coverage matter. Using 1–4 mm EPDM granules, SG offers higher porosity and is installed deeper than FG where CFH requires it. The seamless wet‑pour build‑up supports logos, numbers and multi‑colour graphics. Typical lay‑ups are 15–20 mm on asphalt or concrete, or SG on a 25 mm SBR base over a compacted stone base. Final thickness is set by your CFH map.
• RubbaFlex® FG for wet‑play, paddling and pool surrounds where comfort underfoot and wet‑slip resistance are priorities.

Need a quick answer? Book a short site review and we will map CFH zones, check drainage, and give you a clear specification with options.

What does a compliant installation and handover include?

A professional install should feel structured from first visit to sign‑off. Here is the baseline we work to:

1. Survey & base works: Mark CFH zones on the ground. Check gradients, thresholds and drainage outlets. Build a stable base and lay to falls away from gates and steps.
2. Shockpad & wearing course: Where CFH dictates, install an SBR base course to thickness, then wet‑pour the EPDM wearing course (an EPDM wet‑pour finish). Manage cold joints at day‑ends so appearance and performance stay consistent.
3. Edges & transitions: Fit edge retainers and finish flush transitions for buggies, wheelchairs and scooters.
4. Cure & return to use: Protect during cure. Many SG installs reopen in around 24 hours, subject to depth and temperature; we confirm timings at survey. We also plan programmes around term dates and can phase works, so parts of the play area remain open where possible. We draft cone layouts, routes and temporary signage so drop‑off and pick‑up stay orderly.
5. Handover pack: Supply the EN 1177 certificate at the specified depth, a CFH coverage map, maintenance guidance and the first‑year inspection schedule.

What goes wrong (and how we prevent it)

Common issues include ponding, edge ravel, UV fade on aromatic binders, shrinkage in hot wind and under‑thickness CFH. Prevent them with built‑in falls, edge retainers, aliphatic binders, planned pours and mapped thickness.

• Ponding from flat bases → we design surface falls and confirm outfalls.
• Ravel at edges where there is no protection → we specify retainers and flush finishes.
• Colour fade on sunny sites → we recommend aliphatic binders for exposed, graphic‑heavy areas.
• Shrinkage on hot, windy days → we plan pours and joints to avoid rapid cure at edges.
• CFH misses from under‑thickness → we map zones on drawings and record thickness at install.

How do you keep playground flooring safe year‑round?

Keep it safe year‑round by cleaning debris weekly, rinsing seasonally, repairing cuts early, checking edges and monitoring shade or UV wear. Trigger actions after storms, algae or any edge lift.

Safety is not a one‑off event at installation. Put these simple habits on the calendar:

• Weekly debris removal: Leaves, sand and soil increase slip risk. Keep the surface clean and dry.
• Seasonal wash‑downs: Use a low‑pressure rinse and a mild cleaner that will not attack binders or pigments.
• Spot repairs: Address cuts, vandalism or shrinkage early to prevent water ingress.
• Edge care: Check that edging remains seated and flush, especially where scooters and buggies pass.
• Shade and UV checks: Expect different wear rates between sun and shade; plan for periodic colour refresh or patching on graphics.

Trigger‑based care: rinse after storms; spot‑repair as soon as you see exposed base; if algae appears in shade, review drainage and cleaning frequency; if edges lift, re‑secure the retainer before traffic breaks the joint.

Where does Flexflooring fit in?

Flexflooring designs, supplies and installs seamless systems for schools, nurseries, councils, theme parks and holiday parks across the UK. Our teams focus on the details that keep play spaces safe and open: correct base works, drainage, colour‑fast EPDM granules, and tidy edges. We also provide clear documentation so you can evidence your decisions.

Can we keep parts of the playground open during term time?

Often yes. We can phase works and routes, and many RubbaFlex® SG projects reopen in around 24 hours, subject to depth and temperature.

Plan your playground flooring with safety at the core!

We can visit your site, map CFH by zone, check drainage and edges, and recommend a surface that fits your programme and budget. You will receive realistic cure windows and the documentation your insurers expect. To start, request a quote at or speak with our team.