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What Is the Best Material to Put Under a Swing Set? Comparing Options
Paying attention to the safety features of a swing set is crucial, but you also need to think about what goes under it. Swing sets provide kids, and even adults, with hours of unlimited fun, but thinking about the best setup is crucial.
Luckily, there are several options to choose from when picking the best material to put under a swing set. This article will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of each one to help you choose.
Best Materials to Put Under a Swing Set
Parents might panic whentheir kids fall. This is why they need to invest in high-quality shock-absorbing material and ensure that it extends beyond the dimensions of the play area for maximum safety.
After ensuring you’ve bought a reliable swing set, it’s time to think of what goes under it.
So, what should I put under my swing set? Here are the best materials to pick.
Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is a type of recycled rubber made of shredded tires after removing the steel bands.
Pros
- Available in different colors to match your landscape.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Requires less maintenance and won’t be scattered by the wind.
- Rubber mulch doesn’t create an inviting environment for pests and insects, so it’s perfectly safe when kids touch it.
- Keeps the soil warm to encourage the early blooming of flowers.
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to the other options.
- In high temperatures, rubber mulch might smell bad.
Wood Mulch
If you have an organic garden and want to avoid synthetic materials, you might consider putting wood mulch under a swing set.
Pros
- An affordable organic material.
- Wood mulch is biodegradable and breaks down over time.
- When it breaks, wood mulch provides your soil with essential nutrients.
- Improves the soil temperature, especially in winter.
- Some types of wood can be used to repel pests.
Cons
- Wood mulch can cause painful splinters.
- Requires more maintenance than rubber mulch.
Engineered Wood Fiber
Engineered wood fiber, or EWF, is made of wood inside the tree, not bark like wood mulch. As a result, it has different properties.
Pros
- Provides good cushioning
- Absorbs water and stays in good shape.
- Doesn’t splinter as easily as wood mulch.
Cons
- You need large quantities to create a cushioning surface under a swing set.
- EWF becomes compressed over time and loses its shock absorbency features.
Sand
Sand is a popular material because it’s fun to play with.
Pros
- Cheap and easy to get.
- Provides additional fun activities.
- Absorbs shocks well.
Cons
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Very difficult to clean and gathers dirt quickly.
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It can be messy and can be easily blown away by the wind.
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Doesn’t absorb water well.
Wrap Up
Choosing the most suitable material to install under a swing set guarantees the safety of your children. Luckily, there are several options to choose from, depending on your landscape setup and budget.
Rubber mulch is probably the best option out there. If you want to avoid synthetic materials, you can choose wood mulch or engineered wood fiber. Sand is another cool budget-friendly option to consider.
