What to use for outdoor play area flooring?

[georgia49]

Hi, I need some help with what type of flooring to use in this outdoor space. I am turning it into a kids play area. I was wanting to use rubber tiles, however the ground is constantly moist and can get waterlogged with lots of rain, so I am worried about mould growing under the tiles. I was going to use gravel underneath to try and prevent this however as the area gets no sun I think it will still be too damp to prevent mould. Do you have any suggestions for what I can use? 
Thank you

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @georgia49 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your play area project.

I propose the following changes to your proposed play area:

• Remove the Colorbond sheets and store them in a safe dry area. This is just in case you decide to cover the area again in the future. Replace the cover with Coolaroo 3.66m Beech 90% UV Heavy Duty People Cover Shade Cloth - Per Metre which will still allow heat, light and wind to pass through allowing the are to dry off even when enclosed. Plus, it keeps the area private and prevents the children from passing through.
   
• Observe carefully if water sits or puddles in the lower area. If it does, I suggest installing a socked Agi-pipe below the soil to divert any water that may be gathering in that spot. 
   
• Adding gravel and sand to level the area is a good idea. If the soil dampness and possible puddling have been addressed, you should be able to cover the area with the rubber tiles. My best advice is to use a compacter to level the gravel.

The other idea that comes to mind is to build a basic raised platform and use Formply on top along with the rubber tiles. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations. 

If you have any other questions, we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @georgia49 

I still like the idea of a gravel base being used, whether in conjunction with @EricL 's sugestion of the shade cloth or with the panels still insitu. Maybe half way, so just one side with the shade cloth?

I would remove the concrete slabs if possible, and then find the lowest point that water naturally flows to. Lets call it the rear right for this exercise. Have three trenches 150mm deep dug that lead to that point (like a fan), then lay Reln Stretch Ag-Pipe 100mm x 8m Slotted and Socked,  in the trenches and join them together, make sure the trench then continues outside and further down the slope to freely drain.

This way you can lay the gravel (I like 8mm size) with at least 40mm in height across the top. You could then lay the rubberised surface you want as the area under it should freely drain down to that lower point. Or just stay with outright gravel with a few rubber mats for particular sections?

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @georgia49 

Once you have prepared some of the groundwork as @EricL and @Dave-1 have suggested, have you considered soft-fall mulch (brand name) also known as playground mulch?  It's primarily made from very fine pine bark and is specifically designed to be a safe and impact-absorbing material for playgrounds. The mulch is fine screened to remove any sharp pieces or contaminants, making it safe for kids.It's also available in different colours but then becomes expensive.

A good thick layer would prevent water coming up through and no worries about mould etc. Just Google "Playground or Soft-fall (this is actually a brand name) near me"

Nailbag

[georgia49]

Thank you all for your great ideas! We’ll get drainage sorted first with the Ag pipes, and go from there