Why Choose Play Grade Bark / Woodchip?

Play grade bark or woodchip is a natural alternative for impact absorbing play surfacing, offering a rustic cosmetic appearance and cost-effective surfacing method for play or leisure areas. Play grade bark and woodchip is carefully screened for any contaminants prior to application.

Applications

Bark and woodchip is popular when a large area requires safety surfacing but the project is hindered by a limited budget. Whilst it is not required, Playscape recommend a low-height retainer around the bark/woodchip zone to minimise spillage onto adjoining areas and surfaces.

Safety

Play grade bark or woodchip can provide a safety surface to play equipment or other structures however the bark / woodchip must be laid to a depth exceeding 300mm. For Critical Fall Heights (CFH) less than 600mm, a thinner layer of 100mm is acceptable. All installations of bark or woodchip as a safety surface are compliant with BS EN1177 standards.

Installation

Bark & Woodchip can be laid directly on top of old play surfacing or soil. When laid onto soil, the area will be covered first with an anti-weed membrane. Bark or woodchip is a loose fill material therefore will require the area to be raked occasionally to maintain consistent depth. Natural degrading of untreated timber and uneven distribution will result in the area requiring a top-up of fresh material as required. Bark or Woodchip is laid on-site by fully qualified, enhanced DBS checked installation teams.

Focus Points:

• Natural materials meaning zero environmental impact
• Rustic appearance
• Medium maintenance – Requires raking and occasional top-up
• Extends the possibility of an area being usable all-year-round
• Natural drainage
• Provides safety for any accidental slips or falls from equipment