How to Determine the Cost of Poured-in-Place Rubber for a Playground

If your park is ready for a new playground surface, determining the cost can feel a bit daunting. There is a lot of information out there, and how do you know what’s applies and what doesn’t? The truth is, the cost of poured-in-place rubber can vary greatly project to project. So, let’s jump in and discuss how to best calculate it. 

Site Preparation

Every playground project will require site preparation to ensure a safe, stable foundation for your new poured-in-place surfacing. The goal is to create an environment that supports proper drainage, prevents uneven settling, and meets the necessary safety standards. Preparing your playground area for new surfacing can add up, so be sure to discuss this ahead of time with your installer to properly plan your budget. 

Material Costs

At the heart of poured-in-place rubber lies the essential component – TPV rubber granules or EPDM granules. These rubber granules come in a variety of different sizes and colors, which are responsible for forming the resilient poured-in-place surfaces we know and love for playgrounds. Depending on these factors, the price of poured-in-place rubber ranges anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot. The more depth you add to your rubber surfacing, the higher the cost (and the safer the playground). 

Here are a few poured-in-place rubber options we offer at FlexGround:

• Traditional Poured-in-Place - This safety surface, also known as the FlexGround Standard, is a two-layer system consisting of a high-quality recycled cushion layer base and a top layer made of ½” urethane-adhered EPDM rubber granules. Each granule size is 1-3mm in size.
• Superior Poured-in-Place - Our EnduraFlex line consists of two layers: a cushioned base and a surface layer of TPV granules (each granule being 1-4 mm).
• Highest-Quality Poured-in-Place - This system is the highest quality, longest lasting rubber safety surface on the market. Our UltraFlex line is a two-layer system that uses a small granule (0.5-1.5mm) TPV for the top surface wear course.
• Durable Poured-in-Place - Using a blend of industry-recognized rubberized surfacing infused with a proprietary mix of thermoplastic urethane and chemically resistant color coat, our Xtreme Playground line is your best defense against early-onset cracking and granulation.

Our high-quality poured-in-place rubber is suitable for play areas of all age groups. Get in touch with our team to get a better idea of costs today.

Installation 

Not all playground surfacing suppliers are installers. Installation involves skilled labor to properly mix, pour, and finish rubber flooring for playgrounds. These labor costs can vary based on factors such as location, expertise, and project complexity. Be sure to plan ahead for this by talking with your poured-in-place supplier or getting a quote from professional installers.

Maintenance 

Once your poured-in-place rubber has been installed, it’s important to implement a long-term maintenance plan. Fortunately, poured-in-place surfaces are easy to maintain. Regular cleaning and occasional inspections to address any minor issues will help ensure the longevity of your surface. Factoring in these maintenance costs allows for a more accurate budget projection over the lifespan of the playground.

Repair 

While poured-in-place rubber is known for its durability, being aware of potential repair costs ensures proactive maintenance to help extend the life of your playground surface.

Here are few examples of rubber surface repair options we offer at FlexGround:

• Grouting Repairs - FlexGrout is a grouting compound that works itself deep into the core of the rubber in order to reinforce the strength of the surface in areas subject to the most use and abuse.
• Protective Coats - This rubber surface repair option offers a protective layer made of urethane that helps the rubber granules stick together, allowing them to last longer. FlexCoat is recommended as a preventative maintenance application for your poured-in-place surface.
• Hole Repairs - Using FlexFix, you can make small repairs to holes using a range of designs and colors to help restore areas that have granulated or cracked.
• Rubber Reapplication - FlexTop is the solution for widespread and severely damaged rubber. It consists of reapplying the EPDM or TPV top surface (and cushioning where needed).

Get a Quote for Poured-in-Place Rubber

Ready to transform your playground with the safety and durability of poured-in-place rubber? Don't let cost uncertainties hold you back. Reach out to our team to get started today.