How To Install Rubber Mulch for Your Playground

Step 1 - Grade the Surface Area

Grade over the surface area with a rake to ensure the safety of children and the durability of the rubber mulch.

Step 2 - Debris Removal and Digging

Remove all sticks, rocks, and debris from the area where the mulch will be placed.

Step 3 - Flatten Terrain

Use a pick to soften the dirt, and use a shovel and a hose to evenly distribute the dirt. Dig at least 6 inches. The area must be flat and have a drop of roughly 1 inch for every 10 feet in order to secure the flow of water.

Step 4 - Lay Landscaping Fabric

Stretch a cloth landscaping fabric over the surface where the mulch will be placed. With either a scissor or a knife, cut an X where you will erect playground objects.

Step 5 - Secure Landscaping Fabric

Use staples or liquid nails to attach the edging of the landscaping fabric to ensure the mulch stays in place and to prevent the formation of air pockets which allows weeds to grow under the rubber mulch, making it very unstable.

Step 6 - Shovel Mulch

Shovel the rubber mulch to install it. Whenever you need to create an elevation or a slope, just add soil. After the rocks and the soil have been added, use the fabric to cover the surface area.

Step 7 - Choose Depth

Evenly distribute the rock and soil. It should be around 2 inches deep in all surface areas. Whenever the mulch is part of a playground, make sure to make it 6 inches deep in order to add an extra cushion in order the break children's falls more easily. Walkways or running tracks do not need to be this deep.

Step 8 - Smooth Terrain for Safety

Once the rubber mulch is installed, use a rake or a hoe to make the mulch even to avoid trips or falls, and to make the ground safer for children.