When it comes to keeping our little ones safe, it's natural to want to create a secure environment where they can explore and play freely. We keep a close eye on them while they climb on jungle gyms, ensure there’s no furniture they could fall off, and even put up baby gates to keep them away from areas we don’t want them to venture into. However, it’s important to remember that kids will be kids—and that means they’re bound to take a tumble every now and then.
That’s where rubber matting comes into play. It’s a fantastic solution to cushion those inevitable falls, helping to reduce the risk of injuries. Not only does it absorb the impact, but it’s also perfect for high-traffic areas where children are constantly running and playing. What’s even better is that rubber matting isn’t just for indoor use—it works wonders outdoors as well, offering a safe surface for children to play on, even in wet or uneven conditions.
If you're planning to create a play area for your children, including rubber mats in the design is a smart move. It might seem like a small detail, but it could make a huge difference in ensuring your kids stay safe while they have fun.
In this article, we’ll explore why rubber matting for play is so important and how it can help create a safer environment for your children.
Table of Contents
Different Uses of Rubber Matting
Advantages of Rubber Matting in Play Areas
Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Rubber Flooring
What Is Rubber Matting?
Rubber matting is a type of flooring made from rubber, designed to be durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean. It’s commonly used in both commercial and industrial settings, and its durability makes it perfect for high-traffic areas. Rubber’s natural slip-resistant properties make it ideal for spaces where people walk or stand frequently, especially in areas where spills or wet conditions are common.
Rubber matting comes in various thicknesses, ranging from around 4mm to 60mm. The thicker the matting, the more cushioning it provides, which is particularly important for play areas. It’s available in different formats, such as tiles or rolls, and comes in a wide range of colours, textures, and designs. There are also different installation methods available, including interlocking tiles, compression matting, and puzzle-style mats.
Different Uses of Rubber Matting
While rubber matting is often associated with play areas, it has a wide range of uses in various settings. Let’s take a look at where else rubber matting can be used:
Wet Areas: Rubber flooring is a popular choice in environments where moisture is present, such as changing rooms, washrooms, and cloakrooms. Its slip-resistant surface helps prevent accidents in wet conditions.
Commercial Kitchens: For commercial kitchens, slip-resistant flooring is essential, and rubber matting is an excellent option. It’s durable, easy to clean, and can withstand the constant exposure to water and food spills.
Gym Floors: Rubber matting is perfect for exercise facilities and home gym flooring due to its durability and shock-absorbing qualities. It can protect both users and equipment while offering a cushioned surface that’s comfortable to stand or exercise on.
Playgrounds: Soft, protective surfaces are essential in playgrounds to prevent injuries from falls. Rubber tiles are often used in playgrounds, and they come in various thicknesses, sizes, and colours to suit the space. For indoor play areas, sheet rubber flooring is a popular option.
Industrial Settings: In factories and warehouses, concrete floors can be hard on the feet and legs. Rubber matting provides a cushioned surface that’s more comfortable to stand on and also helps reduce noise levels.
No matter where it’s used, rubber matting provides a reliable, slip-resistant surface that’s durable and easy to maintain. It’s available in various styles and finishes to suit different needs, whether you're designing a functional workspace or a fun play area.
Advantages of Rubber Matting in Play Areas
Now that we’ve covered some of the common uses for rubber matting, let’s dive into the specific benefits it brings to play areas.
1. Safety First
Safety is the top priority when creating a play area for children. A fall onto a hard surface can result in serious injuries, but rubber matting significantly reduces the risk of harm. Its cushioned surface helps to absorb the impact of a fall, providing a much softer landing than concrete or grass. Rubber matting can help protect children from broken bones, concussions, and other injuries.
Additionally, rubber matting is slip-resistant, which is especially important in wet conditions. Whether it’s raining or the kids are playing with water, rubber matting will keep them safe from slips and falls.
2. Easy to Install and Maintain
Rubber matting is incredibly easy to install. It can be cut to fit any size or shape of play area and can be installed directly over existing surfaces like grass or concrete. Once installed, rubber matting requires minimal maintenance. It’s weather-resistant and doesn’t need any special cleaning products—just a simple wash to keep it looking fresh.
3. Comfortable and Durable
Rubber matting is not only durable but also comfortable underfoot. It’s designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and rough play, making it perfect for high-activity spaces like playgrounds. It provides a cushioned surface that’s comfortable to stand or play on, without the risk of friction burns.
Furthermore, playground rubber matting is tough and resistant to damage. It can endure extreme weather conditions, from direct sunlight to heavy rainfall, without deteriorating, which makes it ideal for outdoor play areas.
Customer Feedback:
"I fitted playground tiles under the swing in our back garden. They were easy to fit (got some pointers from your advisor Stephen) and they look top notch. I'm really impressed with the strength and quality of the tiles and will certainly be buying more as I extend the area"
4. Attractive and Customisable
Gone are the days of dull, grey rubber flooring. Today, rubber matting comes in a variety of colours, sizes, and patterns, allowing you to create a fun and visually appealing play area. Whether you’re aiming for a vibrant space or something more neutral, there’s a rubber mat solution to suit your needs. Opt for coloured play tiles for a bright and engaging backdrop to your play space.
5. Comfortable Underfoot
Rubber matting is soft and comfortable to walk or play on, which can help reduce the risk of injuries during active play. If your child takes a tumble, the cushioned surface will help absorb the shock, making it less likely that they’ll get hurt.
6. Sound Insulation
Another fantastic benefit of rubber matting is its ability to absorb sound. If the play area is located in a residential area or near other buildings, acoustic rubber flooring can help reduce noise levels. This can be particularly useful in schools or community play areas where noise might be a concern.
Additionally, rubber matting helps reduce vibrations, which can make the area more comfortable for both kids and adults and prevent damage to the underlying surfaces.
Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Rubber Flooring
FAQs
What is rubber matting used for?
Rubber matting is widely used in play areas, gyms, kitchens, industrial spaces, and wet areas. It provides a safe, slip-resistant, and durable surface for high-traffic areas.
How is rubber matting made?
Rubber matting is typically made from recycled rubber, such as old tyres, making it an environmentally friendly flooring option.
How long does rubber matting last?
Rubber matting is incredibly durable and can last up to 30 years, making it a great long-term investment.
Can you put rubber mats on concrete?
Yes, rubber mats can be placed over concrete. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry before installing the mats.
Conclusion
Rubber matting is an essential addition to any play area, whether indoors or outdoors. It provides a safe, comfortable, and durable surface that can withstand years of play. By using rubber matting, you’ll create a space where your children can play freely, knowing that their safety is taken care of. So, if you’re looking to build or upgrade your play area, don’t forget the rubber mats—they make all the difference.
Looking for top quality playground tiles for your play project? Explore our range of child safety play tiles for the best options.
