Rubber crumb play surfaces: all you need to know

Nowadays, play areas need to be more than just places for children to have fun - they have to be carefully designed environments that make use of special materials that not only allow for fun, but also safety, and durability.

Here at Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, we specialise in creating innovative surface solutions that transform how we think about playground design. For example, our rubber crumb DalPlay products - which are perfect for resin-bound surfacing where safety is paramount - represent a cutting-edge approach to creating safe, versatile, and long-lasting play environments.

But how do these materials work and how are they installed? In this guide, we answer both of these questions and more as we take a deep dive into the world of rubber crumb play surfaces.

What is a rubber crumb play surface?

A rubber crumb play surface is a specialised artificial surfacing solution that is designed specifically for safety-critical environments. Unlike traditional playground materials - such as tarmac and bark - these resin and rubber combination surfaces provide more impact absorption, making it a safer choice for children. It's much more durable and can withstand all sorts of weather, meaning play areas using these surfaces can stay open come rain or shine.

Rubber crumb surfaces themselves are made from two key components - small pieces of uniform rubber called 'crumbs' or 'chippings' and specially formulated resin that binds everything together. As we will discuss in more detail below, the resin and rubber are mixed together and then laid on site, creating a seamless, porous surface that is both comfortable and safe for children to play on. This porous nature also allows water to drain through freely, preventing puddles and keeping the surface dry and ready for use.

As well as this, unlike loose rubber or traditional playground bark that needs constant rearrangement and replacement, resin-bound rubber crumbs create a stable, permanent surface. The resin binding ensures that the rubber remains in place, preventing displacement and maintaining the integrity of the play area.

Practically speaking, rubber crumb surfaces offer advantages that traditional playground materials simply cannot match. They are:

• Virtually maintenance-free
• Extremely easy to clean
• Fully compliant with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
• Require no constant topping up or replacement
• Provide a consistent, safe playing environment.

On top of this, all of our rubber crumbs are made from 100% recycled rubber.

What is EPDM rubber?

EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer - a high-quality synthetic rubber commonly used in outdoor applications due to its excellent durability and flexibility. When combined with a resin binder and used in rubber crumb play surfaces, EPDM offers a host of benefits that make it a superior choice for playgrounds.

Why are rubber crumb surfaces ideal for play areas?

Naturally, the primary purpose of rubber crumb play surfaces is safety. For this reason, our EPDM rubber crumbs are designed in a specific way. When combined with a specialised resin binder - such as DalPlay - each of our EPDM rubber crumb products create a solid yet bouncy surface. This means that when children inevitably fall or bump themselves during play - as children naturally do - the surface acts as a protective cushion, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury.

Aside from its highly elastic and resilient properties, EPDM rubber is also highly UV-resistant. This means it retains its vibrant colour even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. This makes it ideal for outdoor play areas. These properties combine to create a long-lasting, vibrant, and safe surface that can handle years of wear and tear while maintaining its protective qualities.

Finally, as mentioned earlier, our rubber crumb surfaces meet Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) requirements, meaning they are specifically tested and designed to manage water runoff and reduce flooding in urban areas.

How can you customise a rubber crumb play surface?

One of the most exciting aspects of rubber crumb play surfaces is their customisability. These surfaces aren’t just functional - they’re also an opportunity to create visually stunning play areas that inspire imagination and creativity.

Can rubber crumbs be coloured?

Absolutely! Rubber crumbs come in a wide range of colours, allowing for vibrant and visually engaging designs. At Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, our DalPlay EPDM rubber crumbs are available in various colours, including primary shades of red, blue and yellow for bright, fun play areas and more neutral tones for environments like schools or parks.

Custom colours and patterns can also be incorporated into the surface. This means you can add playful designs such as hopscotch grids, colourful shapes, or themed illustrations to make the play area truly unique. Beyond aesthetics, colour coding can also be used to designate different zones within a play area, such as quiet zones, sports areas, or active play spaces.

How to lay a rubber crumb surface

Creating a high-quality rubber crumb surface involves a few key steps that must be followed carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This application process ensures that the surface is safe, durable, and visually appealing for years to come.

Step 1: Prepare the base

Start by preparing the area where the surface will be laid. Remove any debris and ensure the ground is level and stable. For areas without an existing tarmac or concrete base, you’ll need to lay a sub-base. The ideal choice for this is MOT Type 1, a compacted material made from granite, limestone, or clean crushed concrete. Its varied particle sizes make it easy to compact while providing excellent load-bearing properties.

Step 2: Mix the rubber and resin

Once the base is prepared, the rubber crumbs will need to be mixed with a specially formulated resin binder, like DalPlay. This mixture must be evenly combined to ensure a uniform application. Precision is key at this stage to ensure that every piece of rubber crumb is coated with resin. Once mixed, the material is ready for immediate application, as the resin sets quickly.

Step 3: Spread and level the surface

The mixed material will then need to be poured onto the prepared base and spread evenly using hand tools such as screeding bars and trowels. A standard thickness of 50mm is recommended, as this provides sufficient impact absorption for falls from up to 2.4 metres. For playgrounds with climbing frames exceeding this height, a thicker layer is advised to enhance safety.

Trowelling ensures a smooth, even finish and allows for design elements, such as patterns or logos, to be incorporated. The material must be shaped and levelled before the resin starts to cure, which typically happens within an hour of mixing. Once laid, the surface requires approximately 24-48 hours to fully cure, depending on weather conditions.

Transform your play area with DalPlay

At Derbyshire Specialist Aggregates, we take pride in providing high-quality rubber crumb solutions for safe and vibrant play areas. Whether you’re looking to revitalise an existing space or design a new playground from scratch, our DalPlay products offer the perfect balance of safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

With our expertise and range of customisation options, you can create a play environment that’s not only practical but also a joy to use. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our rubber crumb surfacing solutions and how we can help you bring your vision to life.