Safety Rubber Tiles for Playgrounds and Gardens

Rubber Tiles for Playgrounds and Outdoor Areas

Rubber tiles are resilient flooring tiles used for playground surfacing and a variety of suitable indoor and outdoor applications. Depending on the product, they are available in different sizes, thicknesses, colours and technical specifications.

When rubber tiles are used around play equipment, their impact-absorbing performance is particularly important. For other applications, factors such as tile size, substrate, drainage and installation method may be more relevant.

Why Use Rubber Tiles Under Play Equipment?

Suitable impact-absorbing rubber tiles can be used to create safety surfacing around play equipment. The surface helps absorb impact in the event of a fall. The correct tile should be selected according to the required Critical Fall Height and the certified performance of the particular product.

Rubber playground tiles may be used around swings, slides, climbing equipment and other play equipment. For professional playground projects, you can also explore our playground equipment.

What Does EN 1177 Mean for Playground Tiles?

EN 1177 covers impact-attenuating playground surfacing and the determination of Critical Fall Height. This makes it particularly relevant when selecting rubber safety tiles for areas where impact attenuation is required around play equipment.

Not every rubber tile is suitable for every fall height. Always check the certification and technical specifications of the specific tile before selecting it for a playground.

What Does HIC Mean?

HIC stands for Head Injury Criterion and is used when determining the Critical Fall Height of impact-attenuating playground surfacing. The resulting Critical Fall Height helps determine whether a particular surface is suitable in relation to the relevant fall height of the play equipment.

Check both the requirements of the play equipment and the certified performance of the chosen safety surfacing.

What Thickness of Rubber Playground Tile Do I Need?

The required thickness depends on the application and, for playground use, on the certified Critical Fall Height of the specific tile. Although different tile thicknesses may provide different impact-attenuating performance, thickness alone should not be used to determine the permitted fall height.

Intergard offers rubber tiles in different thicknesses. Check the technical specifications and certified Critical Fall Height of the individual product before choosing playground surfacing.

Black Rubber Tiles

Black rubber tiles provide a neutral surface for a variety of suitable applications. Available sizes, thicknesses and technical properties may vary between individual products.

View our complete range of black rubber tiles.

Red Rubber Tiles

Red rubber tiles can add colour to a playground or outdoor area. Different colours can also be used to create a visual distinction between areas, subject to the requirements of the particular project.

Browse our red rubber tiles and check each product for available dimensions, thicknesses and technical specifications.

Green Rubber Tiles

Green rubber tiles offer a colour that can blend well with gardens and outdoor play areas. Select the appropriate product according to its intended use, dimensions, thickness and, where required, impact-attenuating performance.

View our green rubber tiles.

Rubber Tiles for Outdoor Use

Rubber tiles may be suitable for a variety of outdoor applications, depending on the specifications of the individual product. Potential applications include playgrounds, gardens, patios and other suitable surfaces.

The substrate is also important. A level, stable base suitable for the intended use and appropriate drainage should be considered when planning the installation.

Rubber Tiles for Patios and Balconies

For a patio or balcony, choose rubber tiles that are suitable for the specific application and substrate. Measure the available area and check the dimensions and overall build-up height of the tiles, as well as the drainage requirements.

For balconies, the construction and permissible loading of the balcony should also be considered. A rubber tile designed for one application is not automatically suitable for every other situation.

Rubber Tiles with Artificial Grass

A rubber tile with artificial grass combines a tile construction with an artificial grass surface. It can be an option where a green, grass-like appearance is preferred while retaining the convenience of individual tiles.

View our rubber tiles with artificial grass for the available sizes, construction and technical specifications.

If you require artificial grass rather than individual tiles, browse our artificial grass range.

Rubber Stable Mats

Stable mats are rubber flooring products intended for suitable stable and animal-housing applications. They should not be confused with impact-attenuating playground safety tiles.

The construction and properties can differ between products, so select a stable mat according to its intended use and technical specifications.

View our range of stable mats.

Rubber Tiles or Artificial Grass Tiles?

Rubber tiles and artificial grass tiles differ primarily in their construction, appearance and intended applications. A conventional rubber tile has an exposed rubber surface, while an artificial grass tile has a grass-like top layer.

Where impact attenuation is required, always check the certified Critical Fall Height of the specific product rather than assuming that every rubber or artificial grass tile provides the same protection.

How Many Rubber Tiles Do I Need?

The number of rubber tiles required depends on the total area and the dimensions of each tile. First calculate:

Length × width = area in m²

For example, a 50 × 50 cm tile covers 0.25 m². An area of 10 m² would therefore theoretically require 40 complete tiles. Allow for the shape of the area, cutting, edges and the pack or ordering quantity of the chosen product.

If a product is priced per complete square metre, check its ordering and packaging unit before calculating the final quantity.

What Base Do Rubber Tiles Need?

Rubber tiles should be installed on a level, stable base suitable for their intended application. The exact substrate requirements can vary according to the type of tile and its intended use.

A playground, patio, balcony and indoor floor do not necessarily have the same installation requirements. Always follow the installation instructions for the specific rubber tile.

How to Lay Rubber Tiles

Correct preparation of the base is essential when laying rubber tiles. The following steps provide general guidance; always follow the installation instructions supplied for the specific product.

1. Measure the area. Calculate the length and width to determine the required quantity of tiles.
2. Check the intended application. For playground use, select a product with the required certified Critical Fall Height.
3. Prepare the base. Ensure that it is level, stable and suitable for the intended application.
4. Consider drainage. Ensure that the complete floor construction allows appropriate water management where required.
5. Plan the layout. Position some tiles before final installation if necessary to determine the layout and required cuts.
6. Lay the tiles. Install them according to the instructions for the specific product.
7. Connect the tiles where applicable. Some products use connector pins or another joining system.
8. Finish the edges. Only cut tiles where the product construction and instructions permit this, using suitable tools.
9. Inspect the finished surface. Check that the tiles are stable and that there are no unwanted raised edges or significant level differences.

Do Rubber Tiles Need to Be Glued Down?

Whether rubber tiles need adhesive depends on the tile, substrate and intended application. Some products use a connecting system, while other installations may require a different fixing method.

Do not assume that all rubber tiles can simply be loose-laid or that every installation requires adhesive. Follow the instructions for the individual product.

Can Rubber Tiles Be Cut to Size?

Some rubber tiles can be cut to size where their construction and installation instructions allow it. Use appropriate tools, accurate measurements and a stable working surface.

Before cutting, check whether doing so could affect connectors, edge details or the intended performance of the tile.

How to Clean and Maintain Rubber Tiles

Routine maintenance generally involves removing loose dirt and cleaning the tiles in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A broom or soft brush may be suitable for regular cleaning.

For further cleaning, only use methods and cleaning products suitable for the particular tile. Avoid aggressive or abrasive products unless they are specifically approved for the material.

On playgrounds, maintenance also involves regular inspection. Check the tiles for damage, movement, wear, open joints or other changes that could affect the performance of the surface.

Rubber Safety Tiles for Public Playgrounds

For public playgrounds, the surfacing must be selected in relation to the play equipment and the applicable safety requirements. Where impact-attenuating surfacing is required, choose a product with a certified Critical Fall Height suitable for the specific situation.

Correct installation, inspection and maintenance also remain important. Certification of an individual tile does not by itself mean that every possible installation automatically complies with all requirements applicable to a complete playground.

Rubber Tiles for Trade and Larger Projects

Intergard can also supply rubber tiles for larger commercial requirements and projects. This may be relevant to resellers, contractors, landscapers, schools, leisure organisations and companies involved in playground construction.

For larger quantities, please contact Intergard with the required tile, colour, thickness, quantity and intended application so that your enquiry can be assessed accordingly.

Buy Rubber Tiles from Intergard

At Intergard you can buy rubber tiles in a choice of colours, sizes, thicknesses and specifications. Choose from black rubber tiles, red rubber tiles and green rubber tiles, or explore our artificial grass tiles and stable mats.

If the tiles are required as impact-attenuating surfacing around play equipment, always check the relevant fall height and the certified Critical Fall Height of the selected product before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rubber Tiles

What are rubber tiles used for?

Rubber tiles are used for playground surfacing and a range of suitable indoor and outdoor applications. The exact uses depend on the specifications of the individual product.

Can rubber tiles be used under play equipment?

Rubber tiles with suitable certified impact-attenuating properties can be used as safety surfacing around play equipment. Their Critical Fall Height must be suitable for the particular play equipment and installation.

What is the Critical Fall Height of a rubber tile?

Critical Fall Height is the maximum fall height for which a particular impact-attenuating surface meets the relevant test criterion. Check the certification of the individual product for its stated Critical Fall Height.

What does EN 1177 mean?

EN 1177 relates to impact-attenuating playground surfacing and the determination of Critical Fall Height. It is therefore relevant when selecting safety surfacing for use around play equipment.

What thickness of rubber tile do I need for a playground?

The required tile should be selected according to its certified Critical Fall Height rather than thickness alone. Check the requirements of the play equipment and the certified performance of the specific tile.

Are thicker rubber tiles always better?

No, a thicker rubber tile is not automatically the best option for every application. Choose according to the intended use, substrate, technical specifications and any required impact attenuation.

Are rubber tiles permeable?

Water permeability depends on the construction and specifications of the individual rubber tile. The complete substrate and floor build-up also affect how effectively water can drain away.

Can rubber tiles be used outdoors?

Rubber tiles specified as suitable for outdoor use can be installed outdoors in appropriate applications. The substrate and drainage should also be suitable for the installation.

How many 50 × 50 cm rubber tiles do I need per square metre?

Four complete 50 × 50 cm tiles theoretically cover one square metre. Each tile covers 0.25 m², although cutting, edges and the shape of the area should also be taken into account.

How do I maintain rubber playground tiles?

Remove loose dirt regularly and clean the tiles according to the product's maintenance instructions. On playgrounds, also inspect the surface periodically for damage, wear, movement and open joints.