You are ready to take the leap and install a play structure in your backyard – exciting! When it comes to our kids and their surroundings, safety is always a top priority. So ensuring that your new play structure is on a firm and kid-friendly base is key. Before you get your play structure up and running, Greely Sand and Gravel has all the options you need to create the perfect area for your little ones to adventure!
There are three main options when it comes to products used in playgrounds and Greely Sand and Gravel offers all of them.
Playground Sand
Playground Sand is the most commonly used product for playgrounds. Soft and fine in texture, playground sand is a popular option and has undergone an impact surface test to ensure that it is safe for children.
Playground Stone
Playground Stone is composed of small, round stones (5/16” – ⅜” in size) that have undergone impact testing to ensure the safety of the playground’s users. The stone moves when stepped or jumped on in order to reduce the impact, making it a safe option for a playground project.
Playground Mulch
Our third option, playground mulch, comes highly recommended by staff and customers alike. Greely’s Adventure Playground Mulch is a fibrous mulch that is soft and tested for cushionability and accessibility. This mulch has gone through rigorous testing that ensures a soft yet stable foundation for your playground. Our Adventure Playground Mulch is certified by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA), making it an excellent choice for your play structure base. The advantages of this product over sand and stone are increased accessibility (due to excellent compaction) and injury prevention (surface remains soft and cushioned).
You can use our cubic yard calculator (found on every product page on our website) to determine how many cubic yards of mulch you will need. We recommend installing your mulch at least 12” in depth, compacting the mulch in layers, in order to achieve maximum safety and stability. When you have determined how much mulch you need, you can place your order for delivery either online or over the phone and select the delivery method you prefer (dump truckload or Greely Gardening Bag).
To install this mulch, it is important that the area is contained and has been dug to a depth of at least 12”. Once your area is excavated, and you’ve ensured there are no rocks, roots, or stumps approaching the surface, we recommend covering the ground below with a geotextile cloth to prevent the mulch from working its way down into the subsoil. You are now ready to fill the area with Adventure Playground Mulch. It is very important to install the mulch in 4” increments, raking, leveling, and thoroughly compacting each layer. Continue this process until your desired depth is achieved, and then ensure your mulch is leveled off. Your playground base is now ready for use!
At Greely Sand and Gravel, we strive to offer the very best quality products to provide your children with a safe and fun area in which to play. Adventure Playground Mulch is a perfect choice, combining safety, durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal. If you would like to learn more about this product or our other options for playgrounds, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our knowledgeable team members. You can get in touch with us today at 613-821-3003!