Playground Borders and Access Ramps

Choosing your desired safety surfacing is an integral part of the playground planning process and along with that are (you guessed it)…playground borders! Depending on the type of surfacing you choose, borders may be necessary. For example, loose-fill materials require borders to keep contained within the designated area through weather and traffic.

We offer different types of borders so you can choose the one that works best for your project.

Benefits of Playground Borders

Playground borders enhance the look of the play area while serving a valuable (and multi-functional purpose). As mentioned previously, one of the primary purposes of landscape edging is to keep wood and rubber mulch in place. But playground borders are also helpful in reducing cleanup time and help keep walkways safe and clear of mulch.

In addition to retaining loose-fill materials, borders can also be used to divide play areas. If your playground will have separate areas for different age groups, using borders is a great way to create visual and physical separation those areas. Having signs present will also help let parents know which areas are appropriate for their children.

Types of Landscaping Edging Borders

Playground borders are available in 3 main styles: rubber, plastic, and wood. Since the costs are fairly comparable to one another, the type of mulch borders (also referred to as timbers or landscape borders) you choose will depend primarily on the desired aesthetic.

Rubber

If your goal is to create an organic, flowing design, you’ll want to use rubber playground borders. Because the rubber is bendable, it’s possible to create curved designs that are not achievable with plastic or wood borders.

Plastic

Plastic landscape borders create a classic, well-maintained playground aesthetic. They are solid, black timbers that spiked to one another and into the ground. These are best for square or other geometric-shaped play areas.

Wood

If you prefer a less pronounced border appearance, natural wood timbers may be the way to go. Our 6”x6” treated wood timbers are perfect for play areas with a nature-theme, or designs that benefit from a down-played border.

Access Ramps

Along with borders, your play area will also need access ramps. These do exactly what their name suggests: they allow easy access to the play area for wheelchairs and strollers. If you choose a loose-fill surfacing material, access ramps are crucial to ADA compliance. However, if your playground will be heavily trafficked by guests with wheelchairs, we recommend choosing a more ADA friendly surface, such as rubber tiles or poured in place rubber.

We have been bringing smiles to children’s faces in and around the Indianapolis area for over 25 years. If you have questions about rubber landscaping edging or any of our surfacing options, contact us (317) 776-7830. One of our knowledgeable project managers will be happy to answer your questions and create a custom quote for you.

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