Safety, durability, and aesthetics are key considerations when choosing playground surfaces. Two popular Rubber Chipping options, Wet Pour and Bounce Bond, offer a range of benefits, but each is suited to different types of areas and specific needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both Wet Pour and Bounce Bond, helping you determine which surface best fits your project.
What is Wet Pour?
Wet Pour is a rubber playground surface made from a mixture of rubber granules and a polyurethane binder. It’s poured on-site and trowelled to form a smooth, seamless surface. Available in various colours, Wet Pour is ideal for creating fun, vibrant play areas with custom designs.
Advantages of Wet Pour
- Safety and Impact Absorption
Wet Pour is known for its excellent impact absorption, which makes it ideal for playgrounds, parks, and schools. It meets the required safety standards, reducing the risk of injury when children fall, making it particularly effective around high-activity equipment like climbing frames or swings. - Customisation Options
One of Wet Pour’s biggest advantages is its flexibility in design. You can create vibrant, colourful patterns, educational games, and themed areas, making it perfect for visually engaging playgrounds or brand-specific designs for public spaces. - Low Maintenance
Wet Pour surfaces are durable and easy to maintain. Once installed, they require little upkeep beyond occasional cleaning. This makes it a cost-effective solution for public play areas where durability and long-term performance are essential.
Disadvantages of Wet Pour
- Initial Cost
The upfront cost of installing Wet Pour can be higher than that of other surfaces like Rubber Chipping or bark. This is due to the materials and the on-site installation process, which requires skilled labour. However, the long-term durability often offsets these initial costs. - Shrinkage and Repair Issues
Wet Pour can experience shrinkage at the edges, which may create a trip hazard over time. Although this can be repaired, it doesn’t completely prevent the surface (or even the repaired section) from shrinking again. - Surface Slipperiness
If not properly maintained, Wet Pour surfaces can become slippery, especially when exposed to moisture. Regular cleaning is essential to ensure the surface remains safe for play.At Playbark, we have a number of Wet Pour surfacing options available, with a range of colours and designs to suit your style!
What is Bouncy Bond?
Bouncy Bond is a bonded rubber mulch surface made from recycled rubber chippings. Unlike Wet Pour, which is a seamless surface, Bouncy Bond has a textured, more natural appearance while still offering a high level of impact absorption.
Advantages of Bouncy Bond
- Natural Look
Bouncy Bond provides a rustic, natural look that blends seamlessly with outdoor environments. It’s an excellent option for parks, nature reserves, and woodland play areas where aesthetics are important. - Cost-Effective
Bouncy Bond is generally more affordable than Wet Pour while still offering excellent safety features. This makes it appealing for projects with tighter budgets that still require high-quality surfaces. - Quick Installation
Installation of Bouncy Bond is faster than Wet Pour, reducing downtime for play areas. This is beneficial for community projects or areas that need to be reopened quickly.
Disadvantages of Bouncy Bond
- Less Design Flexibility
While Bouncy Bond is durable, it lacks the design flexibility that Wet Pour offers. If your project requires intricate designs or custom patterns, Wet Pour is the better option. - Potential Wear in High-Traffic Areas
Bouncy Bond can wear down more quickly in high-traffic areas, and it may require more frequent maintenance to keep it in good condition over time.At Playbark, we have a number of Bouncy Bond surfacing options available, with a range of colours to suit your aesthetic!
Best Suited Areas for Each Rubber Chipping
Bouncy Bond is perfect for natural play areas, parks, and nature trails where a more rustic, eco-friendly appearance is desired. It’s also a great choice for budget-conscious projects that still require safe, durable surfaces, particularly in community or rural spaces. On the other hand, Wet Pour is ideal for areas where safety is paramount, such as school playgrounds, parks, and public play areas. Its excellent shock absorption properties make it perfect for spaces with climbing structures or equipment where falls are more likely. Its customisable design also makes it a great choice for themed play areas or locations requiring specific aesthetics.
Why Choose Rubber Chipping Surfaces?
Both Wet Pour and Bouncy Bond are great options for playground surfaces, but the best choice depends on the specific needs of your project. Wet Pour is ideal for urban playgrounds and schools where safety and design flexibility are top priorities. However, Bouncy Bond is more suited to natural environments or cost-sensitive projects. Whether you need a custom-designed surface or a natural, budget-friendly option, both offer the impact absorption and safety features essential for any play area.
For more information about these surfaces and other Rubber Chipping options, visit PlayBark.
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