Playground Surfacing Calculator

Calculate how much surfacing material you need for a safe playground — compare engineered wood fiber, rubber mulch, poured rubber, and rubber tiles with CPSC fall-height guidance.

Area Length (ft)

Area Width (ft)

Depth (inches)

Waste Factor (%)

Pricing (edit to match local rates)

EWF ($/cu yd)

Rubber Mulch ($/cu yd)

Poured Rubber ($/sq ft)

Rubber Tiles ($/sq ft)

Total Area

600 sq ft

30' × 20'

Volume Needed

18.3 cu yd

9" deep + 10% waste

CPSC Critical Height

~10 ft

At 9" depth (loose fill)

Best Total Cost

$828.00

Engineered Wood Fiber

Purchase Option	Quantity	Est. Cost
Engineered Wood FiberBest value	18.4 cu yd	$828.00
Rubber Mulch	18.4 cu yd	$1,564.00
Poured Rubber	660 sq ft	$7,920.00
Rubber Tiles	660 sq ft	$5,280.00

Cheapest option: Engineered Wood Fiber at $828.00Engineered wood fiber is the most common and affordable playground surfacing. It meets ASTM F1292 for impact attenuation when installed at 9" depth. It requires periodic replenishment as it decomposes and compacts.

CPSC Fall Height RequirementsThe Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends surfacing depth based on the highest platform or fall height of playground equipment. At 9" of loose fill, the critical height (maximum fall height for adequate protection) is approximately 10 ft. Equipment taller than this requires deeper surfacing. Poured rubber and tiles are engineered to specific thicknesses for their rated fall heights — consult the manufacturer's specifications.

This is a material estimate only. Actual costs vary by supplier, region, and installation method. Always verify CPSC and ASTM F1292 compliance for your specific equipment fall heights. Professional installation is recommended for poured rubber surfaces.