How are Playground Safety Mats and Tiles installed correctly?
Proper installation is essential to ensure the performance, safety and longevity of Playground Safety Mats and Playground Safety Tiles. The recommended method depends on the intended use, the condition of the sub-base and the specific product type.
Suitable sub-base – stable, level and free-draining
For outdoor installations, WARCO recommends a long-term stable, water-permeable base layer. Proven options include plastic ground reinforcement grids (gravel stabilisation panels) or an existing bound and porous sub-base such as porous concrete. If the base is not permeable, exposed surfaces must include a drainage gradient of at least 1.5 %. Installation on loose materials like sand, gravel or crushed stone is not recommended, as these tend to shift under resilient rubber tiles.
Laying pattern and connection systems
Depending on the product, tiles are installed in a half-bond or cross-bond pattern. WARCO offers two connection systems: plastic alignment dowels or form-fitting interlocking profiles. Especially the interlocking system ensures dimensional stability and prevents lateral displacement of the surface.
Cutting and fitting
Tiles can be trimmed to size using a circular saw or jigsaw (with blades suitable for rubber or wood), or a sharp utility knife. Accurate cuts and clean joins are especially important at edges, transitions and around fixed structures.
Edge finishing and trip protection
All exposed edges should be finished using bevelled or ramp-edge tiles to eliminate trip hazards. In public areas such as playgrounds, edging with kerbstones, frame profiles or flat perimeter barriers is recommended – and mandatory when using systems with plastic dowels.
Adhesive fixing and edge bonding (optional)
On solid surfaces like concrete or asphalt, tiles may be spot- or fully bonded using a single-component polyurethane adhesive. Edge tiles can also be bonded to each other to further stabilise the area. Ramped and corner tiles with bevelled profiles should always be glued down on firm substrates.
Installation under suitable conditions
Installation should be carried out at ambient temperatures between 5 °C and 17 °C. The material must be dry and acclimatised before laying. Avoid installing in direct sunlight or at temperatures above 18 °C, as the tiles may expand during handling and compromise the fit.