Guide to Surface Installation: Securing Play Area Edging

When designing outdoor spaces, being aware of how the different materials, elements, and pathways connect and meet is important. Over time, wear and tear can cause issues with surfaces separating if not installed with proper fixings and securing. Additionally, certain materials like wet pour rubber can shrink away at the play area edging, creating gaps in your surfaces.

Our surfacing experts have over 20 years of installation of a wide range of surfacing materials. Our patented installation technique to secure grass mats involves a dedication to creating a longstanding secure surface. Additionally, for more details on our patented technique visit our blog.

How to Edge Artificial Grass and Hybrid Grass

We install artificial grass and hybrid grass in individual rolls secured to the ground or pre-prepared sub-base. Screw-type fixings seucre the edges of these rolls into the existing ground. Then, we add a polymer adhesive to surfaces installed adjoining other types of surfacing.

Our installation team use Everedging where there is an adjoining existing hard surface, fixing artificial grass to its surroundings. In the sub-base, this process creates a shelf. This maintains a small area for shock-absorbing material along the edge of the installation. Therefore, this method allows for movement of the surface without breaking down the new or old surface.

Diagram of the installation of artificial grass and sub-base using everedging

Our team can install artificial grass and other surface options with timber or other material frames. Although this depends on the surface requirements. We install wooden play area edging edging for artificial grass with fixings built into the sub-base. Therefore, keeping the frame edge pressed flush to the artificial grass surface.

Smart Edge diagram of artificial grass installation with timber edging and fixings

We recommend securing Artificial Grass Installations with fixings designed to last. This limits the movement, sliding, and lifting of the rolls of artificial grass. This ensures a flat, secure surface for play and sports in areas with artificial or hybrid grass installations. Also, for artificial grass over a shock pad, smart edges create a curved edge, disguising edges with no outer frame.

Smart Edge diagram of artificial grass installation with smart edge
Gaps and Widening Cracks in Wet Pour Solutions

Wet pour rubber is a common flooring available in a range of colours and patterns. The installation requires each colour to be placed individually, with different colour blocks adjoining one another. However, over time, overuse or temperature changes can cause these blocks to shrink and pull away from one another.

If this occurs in your outdoor play area, we recommend playground refurbishment to prevent the cracks and gaps from widening. Therefore, this process helps to maintain the integrity of your surface and the patterns and images on it. EPDM rubber edging trim strips with higher tensile strength secure these weak points as part of your playground refurbishment.

EPDM is a virgin rubber surface solution that does not shrink as much as other rubber options. Available in a range of colours and widths, you can incorporate EPDM into the existing colour theme and playground design. This can provide extra security for your surface edgings without sacrificing the vibrancy and fun of your play area.

Edge of wetpour rubber surfacing shrinking away from edge
Colourful EPDM edging strips used at the edges of wet pour rubber play flooring
Accessibility of Play Area Edgings

Non-trip, ramped rubber edges or ‘Smart Kerbs’ are available on request for any surface installation. This creates a clean and safe transition between different parts or surfacing even if they are at different height levels. This is key to keeping your outdoor areas accessible to wheelchairs and buggies, and slo to reduce tripping risks.

Artificial grass with a SmartPlay shock pad underlay will naturally sit slightly higher than the surrounding surface. In playgrounds where only one area needs safety surfacing, a small ramped strip can make the difference negligible.

PlaySmart Provides Security and Safety for your Playground Surfacing

Are you looking for a reliable, professional surfacing company for your outdoor flooring project? PlaySmart is the place to go.

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