How do you choose durable materials for a childcare playground?

The most durable material is not necessarily the hardest or most expensive one.

In a childcare environment, durability means choosing materials that can withstand daily use while remaining fit for purpose, maintainable and appropriate for young children.

Quality Area 3 of the National Quality Standard requires premises, furniture and equipment to be safe, clean and well maintained. It also requires spaces, fixtures and fittings to be suitable for their purpose.

Start with how the material will be used

Children interact closely with outdoor materials. They sit, crawl, climb, touch, dig and play directly against surfaces.

Consider:

• intended use
• exposure to weather
• surface temperature
• texture
• slip
• wear
• cleaning
• moisture
• maintenance
• repairability

A material that performs well in one location may be unsuitable in another.

Consider the complete environment

Australian playground requirements may also apply depending on what the material is doing.

Standards Australia identifies the AS 4685 series as covering playground equipment and surfacing, while AS 4422 relates specifically to impact-attenuating surfacing. Where fall protection is required, material selection therefore cannot be based on appearance or durability alone.

• What playground standards apply to Australian childcare centres?

Think beyond opening day

Ask what the material is likely to require after years of use.

• Can it be cleaned?
• Can it be refinished?
• Can a damaged component be replaced?
• Can a small worn area be repaired without removing the surrounding landscape?

Repairability can be as important to long-term value as initial durability.

Use materials for the jobs they do well

Timber, metal, stone, concrete, planting, natural ground materials and suitable synthetic products can all have a role.

A successful childcare landscape does not need one “best” material.

It needs an appropriate material palette, with each material selected for its location, function and expected use.

• Explore Playform for Childcare
• Talk to ULP about designing for long-term performance

Looking for something else?

Related questions

• How often should childcare playgrounds be inspected and maintained?
• What playground standards apply to childcare centres in Australia?
• Is synthetic grass sustainable for childcare centres?
• How can childcare centres reduce heat in outdoor play areas?

About Urban Landscape Projects

Urban Landscape Projects designs and builds outdoor environments for schools and childcare centres across Greater Sydney. We have operated since 1990, with more than 35 years of experience, 1,100+ completed projects and 30+ industry awards. We work with schools and childcare operators from planning and design through to construction and handover.

• About ULP

Published by Urban Landscape ProjectsChildcare guidance, part of the ULP Knowledge Centre.