Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles – Impact-Absorbing Playground Tiles

Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles for Playgrounds and Outdoor Areas

Rubber artificial grass tiles combine a rubber tile construction with an artificial grass surface. This provides a green finish while retaining the practical tile format of a rubber flooring system.

Depending on the individual product, artificial grass rubber tiles can be used in playgrounds and other suitable outdoor areas. For use around play equipment, appearance is only one consideration: the technical and impact-attenuating performance of the selected surface may also be important.

What Are Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles?

A rubber artificial grass tile consists of a rubber tile base with an artificial grass layer on top. The rubber forms the tile construction, while the upper surface provides the appearance of grass.

This makes artificial grass tiles different from conventional artificial grass, which is normally installed as a separate grass surface. The most appropriate option depends on the intended application, base, required technical properties and preferred appearance.

Impact-Absorbing Artificial Grass Tiles Under Play Equipment

Where a rubber artificial grass tile has been tested and specified for the purpose, it can be used as impact-absorbing surfacing around play equipment. The rubber construction can then contribute to attenuating the impact of a fall.

This can be relevant around swings, slides, climbing frames and other play equipment. The required performance depends on the equipment and its relevant fall height.

Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles and EN 1177

EN 1177 relates to impact-attenuating playground surfacing and the determination of Critical Fall Height. It is therefore particularly relevant when artificial grass rubber tiles are intended to provide impact attenuation beneath or around play equipment.

Check the specifications of the individual product to determine whether it has been tested in accordance with EN 1177 and what Critical Fall Height has been established. A general reference to EN 1177 does not mean that every tile, thickness or installation is suitable for every playground.

What Is Critical Fall Height?

Critical Fall Height, commonly abbreviated to CFH, relates the tested impact performance of playground surfacing to the fall height of play equipment. This makes the certified CFH more relevant than tile thickness alone when selecting impact-attenuating playground surfacing.

A thicker tile may have different impact characteristics from a thinner version, but a specific safe fall height should not be assumed from thickness alone. Always refer to the certified performance of the individual product.

What Does HIC Mean for Playground Surfacing?

HIC stands for Head Injury Criterion and is used in testing involved in determining the Critical Fall Height of impact-attenuating playground surfacing.

For playground applications, the surface should therefore be selected using the tested performance of the specific product and the relevant fall height of the equipment.

Why Choose Rubber Tiles with Artificial Grass?

Rubber tiles with artificial grass combine a green, grass-like finish with the construction of a rubber tile. They can therefore be useful where both appearance and the properties of the underlying tile are important.

• Green appearance: the artificial grass surface creates a grass-like finish.
• Tile format: individual tiles can be used to construct a clearly defined surface.
• Playground applications: suitable tested versions can provide impact-attenuating surfacing.
• Outdoor applications: depending on the product, tiles may be suitable for different outdoor areas.
• Connection systems: certain versions use connectors to join adjacent tiles.

Artificial Grass Rubber Tiles or Standard Rubber Tiles?

The most obvious difference is the artificial grass surface. A standard rubber tile has a rubber upper surface, while an artificial grass rubber tile has a grass-like finish.

If you prefer a fully rubber surface, explore our rubber tiles, including different colours and versions.

If you want a greener appearance while retaining a rubber tile construction, an artificial grass rubber tile may be more appropriate.

Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles or Artificial Grass?

Rubber artificial grass tiles and conventional artificial grass are different surface systems. With an artificial grass rubber tile, the grass finish is incorporated into an individual rubber tile. Conventional artificial grass is installed as a separate artificial grass surface.

For larger decorative grass areas, conventional artificial grass may be the more relevant product category. Where a tile construction or certified impact attenuation is required, suitable rubber artificial grass tiles may offer a different solution.

Artificial Grass Rubber Tiles for Playgrounds

Suitable artificial grass rubber tiles can combine a green playground finish with the technical characteristics of a rubber safety tile. This can make them relevant for playgrounds, schools, campsites, leisure facilities and other play areas.

The surfacing should be selected in relation to the installed play equipment. The base, installation, drainage, edges, inspection and maintenance of the complete surface should also be considered.

Artificial Grass Tiles Under Swings and Slides

A suitable impact-attenuating artificial grass tile can be installed around swings, slides or climbing equipment when its certified performance is appropriate for the application.

Determine the relevant fall height of the equipment first and compare it with the certified Critical Fall Height of the selected surface. The required impact area around the equipment should also be taken into account.

Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles for Gardens and Patios

Depending on the product specifications, rubber artificial grass tiles may also be suitable for gardens, patios and other outdoor areas. Their tile format can be useful for clearly defined areas where a green finish is preferred.

Before installation, check whether the selected product is suitable for the intended application. Pay particular attention to the base, available installation height and drainage.

Can Artificial Grass Rubber Tiles Be Used on Balconies or Roof Terraces?

Use on a balcony or roof terrace should only be considered where both the tile and the existing construction are suitable. Rubber artificial grass tiles should not automatically be placed directly onto every type of roof covering.

Consider the total weight, structural load capacity, drainage, available installation height and the requirements of the existing roof or waterproofing system. Obtain appropriate technical advice where necessary.

Are Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles Water Permeable?

Water permeability depends on the construction and technical specifications of the individual tile. Even where a tile allows water to pass through, the supporting construction must also be able to manage and drain that water effectively.

Drainage should therefore be considered as a complete system, including the artificial grass surface, rubber tile, joints, supporting base and water outlet.

Pin-and-Hole Connections for Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles

Versions equipped with a pin-and-hole connection system can be connected to neighbouring tiles. This helps position the individual tiles together as a continuous surface.

Check the connection system specified for the product and follow the relevant installation instructions. Connecting the tiles does not automatically replace other requirements relating to the base, edge restraint or installation.

What Thickness of Rubber Artificial Grass Tile Do I Need?

The appropriate thickness depends on the intended application and the specifications of the individual product. A garden or patio installation may have different requirements from a playground installation.

Where impact attenuation is required, do not select a tile simply because it is, for example, 30 mm or 50 mm thick. Check the certified Critical Fall Height of that particular tile.

How Many Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles Do I Need?

Start by calculating the total area in square metres. Use:

Length × width = area in m²

You can then divide the total area by the surface area of one tile. For example, a 50 × 50 cm tile covers 0.25 m². Four complete tiles therefore theoretically cover 1 m², while an area of 10 m² would theoretically require 40 complete tiles.

Also allow for the shape of the area, cuts around obstacles, edge finishing and the pack or ordering quantity of the selected product.

What Base Do Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles Need?

A stable, level base suitable for the intended application is important for correct installation. The exact base requirements depend on the tile and its intended use.

A public playground may have different requirements from a private garden or patio. Always follow the installation instructions for the selected product.

How to Lay Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles

Before installation, first confirm that the selected tile is suitable for the intended application. For impact-attenuating playground surfacing, establish the required performance before selecting the product.

1. Measure the area. Calculate the total surface in square metres.
2. Determine the intended use. For playgrounds, establish the relevant fall height and required surfacing performance.
3. Select the correct tile. Compare dimensions, thickness and technical specifications.
4. Prepare the base. Make sure it is stable, level and suitable for the selected installation system.
5. Check drainage. Plan how rainwater will be managed by the complete surface construction.
6. Plan the layout. Position full tiles to minimise unnecessary cutting.
7. Connect the tiles. Use the specified connection system where the product is equipped with one.
8. Finish the edges. Follow the installation requirements for the selected tile and application.
9. Inspect the surface. Check for open joints, movement, uneven areas and raised edges.

Do Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles Need Sand Infill?

Whether sand infill is required depends on the construction and instructions of the specific artificial grass product. Where the manufacturer states that a particular artificial grass tile does not require infill, this step can be omitted.

Check the product specifications rather than assuming that all rubber artificial grass tiles have the same installation requirements.

Can Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles Be Cut to Size?

Some artificial grass rubber tiles can be cut where the product construction and installation instructions allow it. Cutting may be required along edges or around posts and other obstacles.

Before cutting, check whether this could affect the connection system, edge construction or intended performance of the tile.

How to Maintain Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles

Regularly remove leaves, sand and other loose debris from the artificial grass surface. This helps prevent debris from accumulating between the artificial grass fibres.

For more thorough cleaning, follow the maintenance instructions for the specific product. On playgrounds, the surface should also be inspected regularly for wear, damage, movement, open joints and raised edges.

Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles for Public Playgrounds

For public playgrounds, the surfacing should be selected in relation to the installed equipment and applicable requirements. Where impact attenuation is required, the certified performance of the surface should be appropriate for the relevant fall height.

Testing or certification of an individual tile does not automatically mean that every completed playground installation complies with all applicable requirements. Correct installation, impact areas, inspection and ongoing maintenance are also important.

For larger playground projects, explore our playground equipment.

Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles for Trade and Larger Projects

Rubber artificial grass tiles can also be suitable for larger professional projects. Potential users include landscapers, playground installers, schools, campsites, leisure businesses and other professional customers.

For larger quantities or full-pallet requirements, calculate the total area and specify the intended application, preferred dimensions and any required impact-attenuating performance. You can then contact Intergard for further information and a quotation.

Buy Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles from Intergard

At Intergard you can find rubber artificial grass tiles for different outdoor applications. When comparing products, consider not only tile size and thickness but also construction, connection system, intended application and any certified impact-attenuating performance.

Explore our rubber tiles if you prefer a standard rubber surface, or view our artificial grass for other ways to create a green outdoor surface.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rubber Artificial Grass Tiles

What are rubber artificial grass tiles?

Rubber artificial grass tiles are tiles with a rubber base and an artificial grass surface. They combine a rubber tile construction with the green appearance of artificial grass.

Can artificial grass rubber tiles be used under play equipment?

Suitable products tested for this application can be used beneath and around play equipment. Where impact attenuation is required, check the certified Critical Fall Height of the specific tile.

Are all rubber artificial grass tiles impact absorbing?

No, you should not assume that every artificial grass rubber tile provides the same impact-attenuating performance. Check the technical specifications and test information for the individual product.

What does EN 1177 mean for artificial grass tiles?

EN 1177 relates to impact-attenuating playground surfacing and the determination of Critical Fall Height. It is relevant when the tiles are intended to provide impact attenuation around play equipment.

What thickness do I need under play equipment?

Do not choose playground surfacing by thickness alone. The certified Critical Fall Height of the selected product should be appropriate for the relevant fall height of the play equipment.

Are rubber artificial grass tiles water permeable?

This depends on the construction and specifications of the individual tile. Effective drainage also depends on the supporting base and the complete installation.

Do artificial grass rubber tiles need sand infill?

This depends on the specific product. If the manufacturer states that the selected tile does not require infill, it can be installed without this step.

Can rubber artificial grass tiles be used on a balcony?

They may be suitable where both the tile and balcony construction are appropriate for the application. Check structural loading, drainage, the existing surface and the installation requirements before laying the tiles.

What is the difference between artificial grass and rubber artificial grass tiles?

Rubber artificial grass tiles combine a rubber tile with an artificial grass surface, while conventional artificial grass is installed as a separate grass covering. The best option depends on the intended use and required technical characteristics.

How many 50 × 50 cm artificial grass tiles do I need per m²?

Four complete 50 × 50 cm tiles theoretically cover 1 m². Also allow for cuts, the shape of the area and the ordering quantity of the selected product.