Creating a safe and fun play environment for kids is top priority for parents and caregivers. One of the key elements to achieving this is choosing the right play matting. Play mats bring a lot of benefits including safety, comfort and cleanliness and are easy to maintain. Whether you’re setting up an indoor playroom or sprucing up an outdoor play area the choice of play surface can really make a difference to your child’s playtime.
This article looks at the importance of choosing the right play mats and looks at a few options for both indoor and outdoor use.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in Play Matting Surfaces
Benefits of Child Safety Play Mats
Outdoor Playground Safety Options
What to Look for in Play Matting Surfaces
When deciding on the best play matting for your indoor or outdoor play space there are a few important factors to consider:
Benefits of Child Safety Play Mats
Let's look at the many advantages to using child safety mats in more detail:
Safety
Safety is the top priority in any play area. Play mats provide a cushioned, non slip surface that prevents injuries from falls or high intensity play. They absorb impact and minimise the risk of bumps, scrapes or more serious injuries. This is especially important in areas where kids will be engaging in dynamic play like running, jumping or climbing.
Customer Feedback:
"Our junior school love their new floor mats! Especially how soft they are. We are able to organise games for indoor play without worrying about accidents! Definitely would recommend this product"
Comfort
A comfortable play surface encourages kids to play for longer and have more fun. Materials like EVA foam provide a soft, supportive base that’s kind to little knees, hands and feet. This is not just for toddlers who are just finding their feet but for older kids who are always on the go.
Cleanliness
Keeping a play area clean is important for kids’ health. Play mats act as a barrier between the kids and the floor making it easier to maintain a clean play space. Many mats are water resistant and easy to wipe down so spills or messy play items can be cleaned up quickly.
Easy Maintenance
Easy maintenance is a big plus for anyone managing busy play areas. Many play mats are designed for quick installation and removal so easy to clean or replace sections as needed. This means you can maintain a safe and clean environment over time.
Types of Play Matting
Let's look at the various types of play mats available:
EVA Foam Tiles
Used in indoor settings EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam tiles are lightweight, easy to fit and come in a range of colours and patterns to brighten up any play area. They provide great cushioning and are easy to clean thanks to their water resistant properties. One of the best things about foam safety tiles is their simple, interlocking installation. The mats are puzzle shaped so slot together without specialist fitting requirements.
Rubber Floor Tiles
For both indoor and outdoor use rubber floor tiles are a solid option. They’re durable and shock absorbent for high traffic areas. These tiles are also slip resistant which adds an extra layer of safety for active play. The rubber puzzle mats come in a range of designs and colours as well as the plain rubber square tiles which are available in different thicknesses.
Vinyl Matting
Vinyl matting is known for its durability and low maintenance. Available in rolls, tiles or even large mats this type of matting is a practical option for areas like indoor play centres, nurseries and sports halls. It resists moisture and stains well but can be difficult and costly to repair if damaged.
Outdoor Playground Safety Options
Heavy Duty Rubber Playground Mats
Designed for outdoor use, heavy duty rubber playground mats are tested to meet safety standards and can withstand falls and provide stability for heavy play equipment. They offer great shock absorption and are durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions
PVC/Rubber Modular Tiles
Outdoor modular court tiles are easy to install and perfect for creating a stable play surface or outdoor sports court. They snap together securely and are often perforated for water drainage making them ideal for all weather use.
Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf provides a grass like surface that’s soft and comfortable making it suitable for indoor and outdoor play areas. It’s durable, low maintenance and a clean and safe space for kids to play all year round. Artificial play grass is simple to fit and comes in different colours and lengths to suit your specific play space.
Natural Options: Mulch and Sand
Mulch made from shredded wood or rubber provides a natural, cushioned surface that absorbs impacts well but does need regular top ups to stay effective. Sand another classic option is soft and fun for kids to play in but does need regular maintenance to stay clean and safe.
Conclusion
Choosing the right play matting for your child’s play area is a important decision that can make a big difference to their safety, comfort and enjoyment. With so many materials and types to choose from from EVA foam tiles and heavy duty rubber mats to innovative synthetic turf you can turn any space into a safe and fun environment for kids. Investing in high quality play mats not only protects your kids but also adds to their playtime fun.
Ready to refresh your play space? Explore our popular range of play matting for some top choices.
