RubbaGrass® vs Sand

Sand is widely renowned for being coarse, rough, and getting everywhere. This statement holds a lot of truth, especially when we realise that sand is a frequently used ground safety surface in children's play areas worldwide, which only exacerbates the issue

How does RubbaGrass® compare?

When making decisions about safety surfaces, the critical fall height stands out as arguably the most crucial factor to consider. Both sand and RubbaGrass® share this similarity, providing tested fall height protection of up to 3 metres. Nevertheless, RubbaGrass® edges slightly ahead as it not only meets but exceeds the 3-metre standard.

Another crucial aspect to bear in mind is the ease with which sand can be displaced. When the area around play equipment is frequently walked over or fallen on, the sand's depth can be compromised, leading to a gradual reduction in fall height safety over time.

Sand exhibits exceptional durability in comparison to materials like wood mulch, which tend to degrade over time. Similarly, RubbaGrass® comes with the added assurance of a 10-year product guarantee.

The key difference between these products lies in their maintenance requirements. RubbaGrass® necessitates occasional mowing. While sand, on the other hand, will almost certainly require regular refilling.

Regrettably, sand poses considerable risks in terms of hygiene and the potential for minor injuries.

It's important to note that sand itself can become a source of potential injuries. It can get into the eyes, be inhaled, and cause abrasions when rubbed against the skin. Moreover, under direct sunlight, sand can become scorching hot, posing an additional hazard.

The list of concerns with sand doesn't end there. It has a tendency to conceal hidden dangers, including sharp objects or animal contaminants, and its resemblance to a cat litter tray makes this even more likely. Identifying these hidden hazards is almost impossible, which is a matter of serious concern.

To effectively reduce the risk of concealed objects, an excellent approach is to cover the sand in a sand pit instead of using it as the primary safety surface itself!

In terms of accessibility, RubbaGrass® emerges as the clear winner. Unlike sand, which often requires a raised area around it for entry, making it less accessible for wheelchair users and individuals with pushchairs, RubbaGrass® offers a more inclusive option. The surface of sand itself can be challenging to navigate with wheels, while RubbaGrass® enhances accessibility by providing a supportive and sturdy surface, especially in high footfall areas where natural grass may become muddy.

While the majority of practical considerations in this comparison strongly favor RubbaGrass®, it's essential to acknowledge that sand holds a somewhat subjective, difficult-to-quantify "fun factor." However, we firmly believe that RubbaGrass® brings forth the following fun factor benefits:

• Playing ball games, as it offers better traction and stability.

• Running around in general, thanks to its smoother and more even surface.

• Engaging in jumps and falls, as it offers softer landings, making it fun and safe to leap off objects onto the surface.

But it's worth mentioning that sand can, of course, be used to:

• Making sand castles and other structures

• Complementing sand-specific play equipment such as diggers, cranes, conveyer belts, and sand chutes, enhancing the play experience.

We think the better play comparison is quite balanced, but by far the most subjective category by far.

Regarding price, RubbaGrass® and sand are comparable, with sand usually having a slight edge. However, this can vary depending on several factors.

The setup cost is the primary factor that puts sand on a comparable level with RubbaGrass®:

• Installing RubbaGrass® requires no specialised tools or expertise.

• The lightweight rolls of RubbaGrass® can be quickly laid and fixed by hand in a short amount of time. In contrast, covering vast areas with sand demands a significant and heavy quantity of sand, often necessitating the rental of excavators and forklifts.

• Sand requires the construction of a container, adding extra costs for materials, labour, and potential maintenance in the future.

In terms of practicality, RubbaGrass® cannot, in our opinion, be beaten by sand.

RubbaGrass® stands out as the superior choice due to its ease of maintenance, unquestionable durability, and significantly higher safety and hygiene standards. It offers reliable fall protection, minimising the risk of superficial injuries.

If your main focus is building sand castles and using sand-specific play equipment, sand could be a suitable option. However, considering the reasons mentioned earlier, we strongly recommend having a separate sand-pit in your play area. This approach allows for covering the sand when not in use, as discussed in the hygiene section above, effectively mitigating the hygiene concerns associated with sand.

We firmly advocate keeping sand confined to the sand-pit. If you have any thoughts or questions about choosing sand over a solution like RubbaGrass®, please don't hesitate to reach out and get in touch. We are more than happy to discuss any other reasons or concerns you might have regarding your play area's safety and suitability.