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Ask the Expert Series: How to Choose the Right Poured-in-Place Playground Surface
Insights from William Stafford, Director of Sales and Innovation at FlexGround. With more than 25 years of experience in playground safety surfacing, William has helped develop innovative surfacing solutions, holds multiple industry patents, and serves on both the IPEMA Board of Directors and ASTM F08.63 committee.
With multiple surfacing systems available on the market, selecting the right poured-in-place playground surface can feel overwhelming. To help simplify the decision-making process, we asked Bill Stafford, Director of Sales & Innovation at FlexGround, what owners should consider when evaluating their options.
One of the most common questions Stafford receives is whether poured-in-place rubber is worth the investment compared to other playground surfacing materials.
His answer is simple: yes.
Unlike loose-fill systems, poured-in-place rubber eliminates many ongoing maintenance expenses, including annual refilling, redistribution, and routine raking. According to Stafford, many owners see a return on investment within four to six years due to reduced maintenance costs.
Choosing the right surface also means choosing the right installation partner.
Stafford recommends looking for contractors with IPEMA-certified systems, relevant installation experience, and the financial stability necessary to support customers long after a project is completed.
"Every company is good to work with when things are going well," Stafford says. "You find out who will be there and has the resources to stand behind their customers when things don't go as well as they could have."
Material quality should also be part of the evaluation process. Stafford explains that premium systems often utilize TPV and aliphatic binder combinations, while more traditional systems use EPDM and aromatic binders.
While both options have their place, he emphasizes the importance of selecting high-quality materials. Some manufacturers use fillers to reduce costs, but doing so can negatively impact both aesthetics and long-term durability.
Ultimately, choosing the right poured-in-place surface requires balancing budget, performance, durability, and the reputation of the company standing behind the product.
About the Expert
William Stafford is Director of Sales and Innovation for The Surfacing Group and a recognized leader in the playground safety surfacing industry. With more than 25 years of experience, he began his career with Robertson Industries before founding FlexGround in 2010, growing it into one of the nation's leading poured-in-place safety surfacing companies.
Today, William leads national growth strategy, research and development, and product innovation initiatives for The Surfacing Group. He holds several proprietary patents for high-performance surfacing materials and is actively involved in shaping industry standards as a member of the IPEMA Board of Directors and a voting member of ASTM International's F08.63 Playground Surfacing Systems committee.