How to Choose the Right Thickness for Playground Rubber Flooring?
Choosing the wrong thickness for playground flooring can lead to injuries, unnecessary costs, and compliance problems.
For safety and compliance, playground rubber flooring thickness should be selected based on fall height, usage zone, and local safety certifications like EN1177.
When designing a safe playground, thickness is not just a technical number—it directly determines how much protection the surface offers in a fall. Let me walk you through how I help my clients make smart thickness choices for playground safety.
Why is thickness so important for playground rubber flooring?
Thinner tiles might look cheaper, but they can lead to painful accidents and expensive lawsuits.
The thickness of playground rubber flooring determines how much impact it can absorb, and it must meet international safety standards like EN1177 to reduce injury risk.
How thickness affects safety, compliance, and comfort
| Thickness | Impact Absorption | HIC Rating Potential | Common Use Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mm | Low | Not for elevated use | Walkways, aesthetics |
| 25mm | Moderate | <1.0m fall height | Kindergartens, patios |
| 30mm | High | 1.0–1.2m fall height | Preschool playgrounds |
| 40mm | Very High | Up to 1.5m fall height | Public playgrounds |
| 50mm | Maximum | >1.5m fall height | Slides, swings, climbing sets |
To ensure compliance, all Lanhefloor playground tiles can be manufactured to meet EN1177 standards for critical fall heights.
What thickness should I choose for different zones?
A 2-year-old in a daycare and a 7-year-old on monkey bars don’t need the same protection.
Choose your rubber flooring thickness based on the height of equipment in each zone.
Matching fall height to certified thickness
We follow this rule-of-thumb chart for our clients:
| Fall Height | Recommended Thickness | EN1177 Certified? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| <1.0m | 25mm | Yes | Daycare, toddler zones |
| 1.2m | 30mm | Yes | Low slides, play panels |
| 1.5m | 40mm | Yes | Swings, ramps |
| >1.5m | 50mm | Yes | Monkey bars, tall slides |
More info on our certified outdoor tiles: https://lanhefloor.com/outdoor-rubber-floor/
Does material type affect your thickness choice?
Not all 30mm tiles absorb shock equally.
Yes, EPDM-topped tiles provide better UV resistance and durability than SBR-only tiles, and material density also affects shock performance.
Comparing structures and performance
| Type | Structure | Shock Performance | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBR Only | Full-body SBR granules | Moderate | Cost-effective zones |
| SBR + EPDM Surface | Laminated EPDM over SBR base | High | Bright, weather-proof areas |
| Full-Color SBR | Uniform dyed SBR granules | Moderate-High | Stable color mid-cost areas |
| Poured-in-place EPDM | Loose granules over cushion base | Customizable | Complex shapes, logos |
Explore our EPDM range here: https://www.lanhefloor.com/epdm-granules/
How does thickness impact installation and maintenance?
A 50mm tile offers great safety—but your installer won’t thank you if access is limited.
Thicker tiles are heavier and may require glue-down or frame support to stay in place, especially outdoors.
Consider logistics, budget, and climate
- 25–30mm tiles can be dry-laid or glued
- 40–50mm tiles often need adhesive or border frame to avoid shifting
- EPDM wetpour requires skilled labor and machinery but allows custom shapes
Learn more: How to Install Rubber Flooring on Concrete
What do different buyers usually prefer?
A contractor and a school principal don’t make decisions the same way.
Different buyer roles care about safety, price, and aesthetics in different proportions.
Buyer behavior insights
| Buyer Type | Priority | Typical Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Owner | Safety & colorful look | 25–30mm |
| Municipal Project | EN1177 certification | 40–50mm |
| School Procurement | Long-term durability | 30–40mm |
| Contractor | Fast install & pricing | 25–30mm (EPDM/SBR) |
We offer OEM packaging and certificates for public bids. Contact us to discuss your tender specs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right thickness means balancing safety, compliance, and cost. It should never be an afterthought.
Related Reads:
- EPDM vs. PU for Outdoor Flooring: Which is Better?
- Do Rubber Tiles Get Hot in the Sun?
- Rubber Playground Flooring Installation Guide
Looking for certified, colorful, and safe outdoor rubber flooring? Explore our full range at Lanhefloor or contact us today to get samples or custom quotes.