Rubber Mulch
November 4, 2026 2026-11-04 17:36Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch surfacing
Rubber mulch for play areas and paths
Rubber mulch looks like bark but lasts far longer, drains freely and does not need topping up every year. It is one of the most popular play surfaces we lay for schools, nurseries and council play areas, especially in green spaces.
We lay bonded rubber mulch, which is held together with resin, and loose rubber mulch, both to the right depth for your equipment.
our work
Rubber mulch we have laid
Play areas, school grounds and paths.
How we lay it
Laid to the right depth
Bonded rubber mulch is mixed with resin on site and laid over a prepared stone base, at the depth needed for the fall height of the equipment above. It sets into a firm, springy surface that stays in place.
We have laid rubber mulch at play areas and schools including Brettas Park and Red City Park in Barnsley, Worsbrough Mill Country Park and Cannon Hall Farm.
Why choose it
Benefits of rubber mulch
- Meets critical fall heights
- A natural look that suits green spaces
- Free draining, so no puddles
- Stays in place in all weathers
- Discourages weeds
- Made from recycled rubber
- Very little maintenance
Schools and councils
Rubber mulch for schools and council play areas
Councils and parishes often choose rubber mulch to replace bark, because it does not need topping up or raking. Schools use it under trim trails and climbing frames, and for paths across grassed areas that turn to mud.
It comes in browns and greens, and colours can be mixed on site.
Rubber mulch explained
Is rubber mulch right for your play area?
Rubber mulch gives a play area the natural look of bark, without the mess and upkeep. Here is how it works, how it compares with other surfaces and what to expect when we lay it.
What rubber mulch is
Rubber mulch is shredded recycled rubber, coloured and bonded together with a resin binder. It is mixed on site and laid by hand to the depth your equipment needs. Because it is bonded, it stays in place instead of being kicked about or washed away like loose bark.
Safe under play equipment
The depth of the mulch is set by the critical fall height of the equipment above it, in line with BS EN 1177. We lay it to suit each piece, so the whole play area is covered properly.
Rubber mulch or bark
Loose bark looks natural but gets kicked out from under swings and slides, rots, hides litter and needs topping up. Bonded rubber mulch keeps the look but stays where it is laid, drains well and needs very little looking after.
Rubber mulch or wet pour
Both are seamless, permeable and hard wearing. Rubber mulch has a softer, more natural look that suits parks, woodland settings and village play areas. Wet pour has a smooth finish and can take games and graphics. We are happy to price both so you can compare.
Colours
Brown is the most popular, and we also lay green, golden and mixed colours, like the green mulch on our Wakefield and Sheffield jobs. Mixing colours can mark out different areas of a play space.
Base and drainage
We dig out, lay and compact a stone sub-base and fix edging so the mulch has a solid, free draining base. Where there is existing bark or loose fill, we take it out first.
Looking after it
Blow or sweep leaves off now and again and keep an eye on the edges. If an area gets damaged it can be cut out and patched with fresh mulch.
Questions we get asked
Rubber mulch questions
Rubber mulch or wet pour?
Rubber mulch has a natural, textured look and suits parks and green spaces. Wet pour is smooth and seamless, with bright colours and graphics. See our wet pour page.
Can it replace our old bark?
Yes. We dig out the bark, prepare a proper base and lay rubber mulch in its place.
Can it be used for paths?
Yes. Bonded rubber mulch makes a good path across grass, and it is soft underfoot.
Is your rubber mulch loose?
No. We lay bonded rubber mulch, so it stays in place and does not get kicked about.
Does rubber mulch drain?
Yes. It is permeable, and we lay it on a free draining stone base so water goes straight through.
Can it go straight over our old bark?
No. Old bark and loose fill need taking out first, then we lay a proper base for the mulch.
Is it suitable for schools?
Yes. It is popular under school play equipment and along trim trails, like our school job in Leeds.
We dig out and lay a compacted stone base so the mulch sits level and drains properly.
The mulch is laid to the depth needed for the highest piece of equipment above it.
Edges are finished to kerbs, timber edgings or the surrounding ground, so the surface stays neat.
