ColorPlay journal
Playground surfacing insights
Guides on safety standards, surface choices and design — from the team that builds custom interactive playground surfaces.
- Buying guide
Artificial Grass Playground Lifespan: 8–15 Years
Commercial playground artificial grass lasts 8–15 years. What affects lifespan, what to check in a warranty, and how maintenance extends it.
- Buying guide
Artificial Grass vs Wet-Pour EPDM Playgrounds
Tufted artificial grass vs wet-pour EPDM, compared on safety, design, heat, maintenance, repairability and cost — so you can choose confidently.
- Safety & standards
Inclusive Playground Surfacing: Access Rules
What makes a play surface inclusive — firm, stable routes, smooth transitions and compliant access — plus which materials actually deliver it.
- Safety & standards
How Hot Does Playground Surfacing Get?
Dark playground surfaces can reach skin-burning temperatures in direct sun. Why it happens, how materials compare, and how to keep play safe.
- Buying guide
How Much Does Playground Surfacing Cost? 2026
Real 2026 price ranges for rubber, EPDM, artificial grass and custom playground surfaces — so you can budget your project accurately.
- Buying guide
Playground Surfacing for Nurseries: A Guide
Under-5s need softer landings, no loose particles, easy cleaning and warmth underfoot. How to specify the right nursery play surface.
- Buying guide
Playground Surfacing Tender: RFQ Checklist
What to specify in your RFQ, how to compare quotes on equal terms, and the gotchas that lead to non-compliant bids. For councils and schools.
- Safety & standards
What Is the Safest Playground Surface?
What EN 1177 actually requires, which surface types meet it, and how to choose the safest option for your equipment and children age group.
- Safety & standards
Critical Fall Height: Playground Surface Guide
What critical fall height means under EN 1177, how to match it to your equipment fall zones, and how to specify a compliant surface depth.
- Safety & standards
EN 1177 Explained: Playground Surface Safety
EN 1177 made simple: what critical fall height means, how playground surfaces are tested, and which ones comply. Free design mockup available.
- Design
How a Custom Playground Surface Is Designed
The full process, from design brief to EN 1177-certified installation — and why a free mockup is the right first step for your play area.
- Design
Educational Playground Markings That Teach
Colored surfaces and educational markings shape how children play, move and learn. How to specify a play area that doubles as a classroom.
- Country guides
Playground Surface Rules in France: NF EN 1177
Playground surfacing requirements in France — NF EN 1177, Décret 94-699 and AFNOR — and how municipalities and schools should specify surfaces.
- Country guides
Playground Surface Rules in Germany: DIN 18034
Playground surfacing requirements in Germany — EN 1177, DIN 18034 and DGUV guidance — and what schools, councils and installers must specify.
- Country guides
Playground Surface Rules in Italy: UNI EN 1177
Playground surfacing requirements in Italy — UNI EN 1177, D.Lgs. 81/2008 and the role of UNI — and how comuni and schools should specify.
- Country guides
Playground Surface Rules in Spain: UNE-EN 1177
Playground surfacing requirements in Spain — UNE-EN 1177, the role of AIJU and municipal procurement — plus how to specify a certified surface.
- Country guides
Playground Surface Rules in Portugal: NP EN 1177
Playground surfacing requirements in Portugal — NP EN 1177, ASAE enforcement and DGE school guidance — and how câmaras municipais specify.
- Buying guide
Playground Surfaces Compared: Which Is Best?
Wet pour vs rubber mulch vs EPDM vs artificial grass — compared on cost, safety, lifespan and looks. A buyer guide, with a free mockup.