Soft Surfaces logo

20+ Years Experience

Free Site Visit

School Playground Groundworks

Building a solid foundation is a vital part of any play area construction project with the school playground groundworks being a key part, as well as facilitating good drainage for the surface. We can provide various different specifications for wetpour surfacing groundworks which suit each individual project and provide the best final result.

Macadam Sub Base

We typically install wetpour rubber surfacing onto a macadam sub base. This provides the most stable school playground groundworks as well as being porous. Having a permeable sub-base for a play area is advised because it allows water to soak through it instead of puddling on top of the surface and making the area slippery.

This helps to prevent children getting injured and ensures the recreational facility may be used in all weather conditions. Our specialist installers can lay a smooth and strong sub-base for your play area. This provides an ideal foundation for the chosen surfacing and will last a long time.

If you would like information regarding the installation of a macadam sub base prior to the works beginning, please speak to us using the contact form provided. We will respond with details on the preparation works needed and the costs involved. We also offer tarmacadam surfacing construction as a finished surface for play areas and sports courts.

A number of factors need to be considered during school playground groundworks and construction planning, most recreational safety surfaces require a well-draining sub-base and it is, therefore, key to determine how and what your specific site requirements are. Wet-pour safety surfacing is a porous system and should be laid on either an existing or newly constructed free draining sub base.

We carry out groundworks if necessary, so please make sure to get in touch with us for details on costs. We will also be pleased to offer you information regarding the sub base specification we require in the event you wish to get the groundworks done separately.

Preparation Work Costs

The preparation work costs can vary depending on a number of different factors. Obviously, one big factor that can affect the price is the area size. If you have a bigger area then the price of groundwork prep will cost more than the price for a smaller area. However, you may find that the price per metre is considerably lower for larger areas. This is due to the economies of scale as we have to factor in the price for travel and accommodation.

Another thing that can have an effect upon the preparation work costs is the existing condition of the surface. Obviously, if we have the excavate the existing surface as well, the costs will be more expensive. This is why we ask to see photos of the area before quoting so we can give a more accurate price.

Our team aim to offer you the very best value for money. We’ll try to make the whole installation as cost-effective as low as possible. Since we only make use of premium materials, you may find that there are cheaper contractors out there; however, you will need to make certain that they offer quality installations.

Playground Construction Groundworks

We have various playground construction groundworks specifications for wetpour playground surfaces to fit most budgets. We can supply the full works including laying foundations, kids’ playground fencing, supply of equipment and installing the safety surfacing. The various groundworks specifications range from a well-compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base with timber edges to an open textured porous binder course of macadam with Pre Cast Concrete (PCC) edges, which would be our preferred sub-base where budgets permit.

We undertake a number of playground construction groundworks to meet up with your individual needs and requirements. It all depends the surface you would like and what works best with your project. As we are experts within the industry, you can be sure you will be getting the perfect sub-base and play area system.

SBR Shockpad Base Course

Once the school playground groundworks are in place, we can lay out the wetpour surfacing. We’ll do this in your chosen design, colours and specification. The first part of the process is to install the SBR shockpad base course which is the part of the wetpour system that absorbs impact and gives the surface its safety qualities. We can install this shock absorbing base layer at varying depths depending upon the required safety qualities for any play equipment within the area.

Next we will lay out the EPDM wearing course to the correct area. This is available in either plain black or in a range of bright colour options. We could also include preformed wetpour graphics within surface to give your playground a bespoke look.

Our experienced team can create a unique design and specification for your playground construction groundworks. We’ll do our best to meet your budget requirements where possible. We understand that every project is different so we work with you to help make a school playground facility which is ideal for the children using it. There are so many advantages to children playing outside and we aim to make great facilities where they can enjoy this. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your groundworks or playground construction requirements.

Get In Touch

You can find out more information regarding school playground groundworks if necessary by getting in touch with our team. Simply fill in our contact form and we will get back to you at the earliest opportunity. We would be happy to provide details of our product range as well as our previous work.

Get expert advice, today call us on

Get a FREE quote from our award winning team