What to Put Under Backyard Swing Set: Our Best Material Under Swing Set Ideas
Posted by SwingSetMall on 16th Oct 2024
When you’re setting up a backyard swing set, the number one thing to think about is safety. It’s not just the assembly you need to think about, it’s also the material underneath the play equipment. A swing set often leads to the occasional fall, so what is the best material to put under a swing set for a soft landing?
In this guide, we’ll explore what to put under backyard swing sets, giving you a few different options to help keep your kids safe as they’re playing in the yard, prevent erosion, promote drainage, and enhance the durability of your backyard swing set.
Why You Need to Implement One of These Ideas for Under Swing Set
Choosing the right ground material to place under your swing set is more than just an aesthetic decision. The right base material helps ensure your kids’ safety, and prevents damage to your yard. Let’s take a look at why finding the best thing to put under swing sets is so important.
Safety First
Deciding what to put under backyard swing sets can have big safety implications. A proper ground covering can cushion falls and minimize the risk of injuries, especially when your kids are playing on higher swings or climbing equipment.
Using materials like rubber mulch, engineered wood fiber, or sand can help absorb impact and reduce the chances of cuts, bruises, or other injuries. Exploring different under swing set ideas to find the right material for your play area can go a long way in keeping your kids safe.
Preventing Erosion
Another major reason to implement a base material under your swing set is to prevent erosion. Without a designated ground cover, the constant foot traffic and swinging motion can cause the ground to wear down quickly, leading to uneven surfaces, muddy patches, or even exposed roots.
This not only diminishes the appearance of your yard but can also create tripping hazards. Installing a material like gravel, rubber tiles, or interlocking mats can help prevent the soil from shifting and keep the play area level and stable.
Enhancing Structure Durability
Figuring out what to put under backyard swing sets doesn’t just protect your kids, it also protects the swing set itself. Placing a sturdy base under the swing set reduces direct contact with soil and moisture, which can accelerate wear and tear, especially on wooden or metal swing sets.
Over time, the right ideas for under swing sets can help prevent issues like rust, rot, or sinking, keeping the swing set in good shape for longer. With a reliable ground covering, you can extend the life of your play equipment and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
What to Put Under Backyard Swing Set: The Best Thing to Put Under Swing Set
So, what is the best material to put under a swing set? With so many options to choose from, it can take a while to find the right solution. Here are some of our favorite under swing set ideas to help you get started.
What is the Best Material to Put Under a Swing Set?
Just like there are many different types of swings, there are also a lot of different ground cover options for your swing set. Let’s go through the best choices and how they measure up in terms of safety, comfort, and longevity.
Different Types of Playground Mulch
In terms of what to put under backyard swing sets, many people choose to go with mulch - it’s cost-effective and safe. There are two main types of mulch to think about - wood mulch and rubber mulch.
Wood mulch is made from shredded hardwood or engineered wood fiber, and is soft underfoot, providing decent impact absorption. However, it requires more frequent topping up and can attract pests or mold in humid climates.
Created from recycled rubber, rubber mulch offers great shock absorption and drainage. Unlike wood mulch, it’s resistant to pests and won’t decompose, making it a low-maintenance option. It’s often more expensive upfront, but it lasts a long time and doesn’t need much maintenance.
Sand
Sand is a classic choice for either a wood vs metal swing set because it’s soft and minimizes the risk of injury during falls. It’s easy to install, inexpensive, and great for sensory play. However, sand tends to scatter easily, which means it might need raking and topping up from time to time.
Sand can also become a breeding ground for insects or be used by pets as a litter box, but as long as you keep it clean, it’s a great choice for families who prioritize safety and want a more traditional playground look.
Pea Gravel
Pea gravel is another popular option due to its low cost and simple installation. Comprising small, rounded stones, pea gravel provides decent cushioning but doesn’t compact easily, making it a stable surface for swing sets.
It’s great for preventing weed growth and erosion but may not offer as much impact absorption as mulch or sand. If you have older children who are less prone to falls, pea gravel is one of the best under swing set ideas.
Rubber Mats or Tiles
Rubber mats or interlocking tiles are great choices for backyard swing sets due to their superior safety and low-maintenance qualities. They provide excellent impact absorption, making them ideal for reducing the risk of injuries, especially in high-impact areas like underneath heavy duty swing sets.
Rubber mats like a beveled swing mat or rubber safety mat are durable, weather-resistant, and won’t move out of place. You don’t need to rake them, and won’t need to spend more money refilling or topping them up like you would with mulch or sand.
Although they may come with a higher upfront cost, rubber mats are long-lasting and easy to clean, making them a hassle-free option for families looking for maximum safety and longevity from their playground swing sets.
Why Shouldn’t You Use Grass or Artificial Turf?
While grass or turf may provide a more natural look, it’s not safe and something we never recommend. Wear and other environmental factors can greatly reduce their shock-absorbing capabilities. The same is true of carpets and other thin mats. Stick with one of the other options.
What is the Best Material to Put Under a Swing Set For Your Playground?
We’ve talked about different ideas for under swing sets, but what’s the best thing to put under backyard swing sets in your specific playground? Whether you’ve got a DIY heavy duty swing set for adults or a simple baby swing, here’s what to think about when choosing your ground material.
Prioritizing Impact Absorption
Falls are common around swing sets, and a shock-absorbing base can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries. Rubber mulch, for example, is one of the best options for impact cushioning. It’s soft underfoot and remains resilient even after heavy use, providing a safe landing surface for kids.
Maintenance and Durability
When selecting a base material, consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in upkeep. Some options require regular maintenance, while others are more resilient and long-lasting.
Rubber mats or tiles are highly durable and virtually maintenance-free. They stay in place, resist weathering, and don’t require regular raking or refilling like loose-fill materials like sand, wood mulch, or pea gravel.
Aesthetic Considerations
The visual appeal of your playground can enhance the overall look of your backyard and complement its landscape. The right material should blend well with the rest of your outdoor space while still providing functional benefits.
Rubber mulch can add a vibrant touch, while wood mulch has a rustic appearance, and pea gravel is tidy and minimalist. Think about the materials that are already in your backyard when weighing up different under swing set ideas.
Budget-Friendly Solutions
If you’re on a tight budget, wood mulch and sand are affordable, easy to install, and widely available. However, they may require frequent replacements, which can add up over time. Rubber mats and tiles are more expensive upfront, but have great durability and won’t cost you anything when it comes to long-term maintenance.
Tips on Installing One of These Under Swing Set Ideas
Once you’ve found the best thing to put under swing sets in your backyard, it’s time to think about installing your ground cover. Here’s how to ensure a successful setup for your swing set’s base material.
Leveling the Ground
Whether you’re building a DIY swing set canopy or installing the best swing set for older kids, it’s essential to start with level ground. Decide where to put swing set in yard, then use a shovel and rake to remove any high spots or bumps, and fill in any low areas to create a smooth, even surface.
Creating Borders
Creating a border around your swing set area is key to containing loose-fill materials like mulch, sand, or pea gravel. Borders keep the materials from spreading out of the designated area and enhance the overall appearance of your playground.
You can use wood planks, rubber edging, or stone borders, depending on your aesthetic preference and budget. Make sure the borders are at least 6 inches high to prevent material spillage and are securely anchored to avoid shifting over time.
Drainage Considerations
Good drainage is essential to maintaining the longevity of your swing set surface and preventing water buildup, which can lead to mold, mildew, mud, or erosion. Before installing the base material, check for any drainage issues in your yard.
If your swing set area is prone to water accumulation, consider adding a layer of crushed stone or gravel underneath the surface material to facilitate proper water flow. For rubber mats or tiles, ensure there are small gaps between the mats to allow water to escape.
Ensuring Proper Depth for Safety
For loose-fill materials like rubber mulch, wood mulch, sand, or pea gravel, maintaining the proper depth is critical for safety. The general recommendation for impact-absorbing materials is to have at least 6 to 12 inches of depth, depending on the height of the swing set.
Maintaining Your Surface
No matter which material you choose, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the play area safe and visually appealing. For loose-fill options, rake the surface periodically to redistribute the material evenly, and top up as needed. For rubber mats or tiles, inspect for any signs of damage or wear and clean them occasionally to remove dirt.
Source All the Essentials at Swing Set Mall!
Here at Swing Set Mall, we have all the coolest playground equipment and swing set accessories, as well as durable rubber mats and tiles that make your play area much safer. Regardless of what’s under your swing set, a safety mat gives you extra peace of mind that your kids are safer while playing on the swings.
With fast shipping, the best prices, and expert customer care, we’re your one-stop shop for durable, safe play equipment! At Swing Set Mall, you’ll find:
And so much more! Whether you have questions about what to put under backyard swing sets or want to learn more about any of our other products - reach out any time! Our experts are always here to help.
Final Thoughts on What to Put Under Backyard Swing Set
Hopefully we’ve given you some under swing set ideas to help keep your backyard play area safe and fun! Choose your ground cover based on your budget, your climate, the age and needs of your kids, your backyard’s aesthetics, and how much maintenance you’re willing to put in.
Remember - if you choose rubber mats for extra safety and to protect the ground underneath your swings or slide, you can find high-quality options here at Swing Set Mall. Browse our mats today to find the perfect solution for a safe, fun, tidy backyard swing set.
And make sure you check out our blog for more tips, like how to hang a swing from a tree, how to move a swing set, and swing set add-on ideas!