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Bark for play areas: How to make the right choice
Play area bark isn’t just any type of bark, but one with the essential elements to ensure safety and longevity
Play area bark isn’t just any type of bark, but one with the essential elements to ensure safety and longevity.
Here, we explain how to make the most appropriate choices when it comes to planning a garden bark play area.
Why is bark a popular choice for children's play areas?
First, it’s important to understand what a play grade surface is.
It has to be composed of a bark that’s soft and rounded, and able to absorb impact. After all, it’s inevitable that children are going to take a tumble in the space.
Play bark consists of the outer casing of softwood trees that’s been chipped so that it’s consistent in texture and size. This makes it smoother and more absorbent than other types of bark, which is why it’s a popular choice for children’s play areas (or anywhere kids are likely to fall such as the space underneath swings, climbing frames, and treehouses).
Another reason this type of bark is such a hit is that it’s a natural material that’s sustainable and eco-friendly.
It’s also cost-effective as, if looked after, you won’t have to replace it for several years.
Which types of bark are most suitable for playgrounds?
The best bark for garden play area is one that’s tested for impact, and therefore approved for use on playgrounds as a cushioning material.
The products we supply all meet BS EN 1177, which is a fall height standard.
The bark is made from the soft outer layer of trees, and will provide what’s referred to as a ‘lose impact-absorbing surface’ (LIAS) suitable for every type of play area, including under swings and other equipment.
We’d remind customers that this is a natural wood product, and so if children roll around on it there’s a risk they might get splinters.
What to avoid when choosing playground bark
When choosing bark for a play area, avoid using regular wood chips or bark mulch as these may not provide sufficient cushioning for falls, and could contain chemicals.
You should always choose a play bark product that has been created for the purpose, and which has been tested for safety.
How to put down bark in a play area
Laying bark in a play area is a pretty straightforward task.
Unlike bark you might use to spread around plants and trees, you won’t have to worry about things like smothering roots.
However, you need to be aware of how much you should be using, and how to maintain it.
RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) recommends filling a play area 300mm deep if it’s for public use, or 150mm for domestic use.
It can be spread over a surface that already exists, or be used on an entirely new play space:
- Ensure the area is cleared of rocks or plants
- Make the ground level, using a shovel or rake
- Install a weed membrane
- Rake or shovel over a layer of sand, evening it out as you go
- Tamp down the ground to make it level
- Smooth over any uneven lumps and bumps
- Lay bark chippings
Bark maintenance tips to ensure long-term safety at children's play areas
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your play area not only has longevity, but remains safe to use.
It’s important to inspect the play area on a regular basis to ensure there are no areas that have become uncovered, or compacted.
You should make any adjustments or repairs immediately.
Similarly, clearing away vegetation and debris is vital as any buildup of materials can result in an unsafe surface and risks compromising the bark’s integrity.
And finally, although play bark can last several years, in time it can compress and break down. With that in mind, it’s important the surface is topped up and recovered periodically so that the regulation depth can be maintained.
It’s easily done; just add another layer of bark.
Bark is one of the best and most affordable solutions if you want to cushion any falls, or want a non-slip surface in the garden
If you’re thinking of delighting youngsters with their very own play area check, out our range of play bark.
Unsure what you need, or want to ask a question?
Send an email to hello@forwardbs.co.uk or give us a call by dialling 0151 357 1035.
Alternatively, complete our online contact form and a team member will reply as soon as possible.
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