Slides for Gardens, Schools and Public Playgrounds

Slides for gardens and playgrounds

A slide should be selected according to its intended location, platform height, frequency of use and the applicable safety requirements. Intergard offers different models for private gardens as well as schools, nurseries and public playgrounds.

The range includes slides made from HDPE, glass-fibre reinforced polyester and stainless steel. Each material has different characteristics, and not every model is suitable for every application.

Which slide should I choose?

First determine whether the slide will be installed in a private garden or in a public or communal play area. This distinction is important when selecting the correct product.

• Private garden: choose a slide specifically intended for domestic use and compatible with your play equipment and platform height.
• School or nursery: select a model suitable for the intended environment and consider the requirements that apply to the complete installation.
• Public playground: use only a slide specifically designed and certified for public use.
• Intensive use: consider the construction, material, fixings and expected frequency of use.

Garden slides for private play equipment

A garden slide can be added to a compatible wooden play tower or other domestic play structure. HDPE slides are commonly used for this purpose and, depending on the model, are available in different colours, lengths and designs.

Before ordering, always check the required platform height, slide dimensions, fixing method and the space needed around the installation.

View our wave slides for compatible private play equipment.

HDPE slides

HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene and is commonly used for slides designed for private play equipment. The material can be formed into relatively lightweight slides in different shapes and colours.

Characteristics such as UV resistance, weather resistance and compatible platform height should always be checked for the individual product. These properties should not automatically be assumed to be the same for every HDPE slide.

Polyester slides

Polyester slides made from glass-fibre reinforced material provide a rigid slide construction and can be suitable for different applications depending on the model. Some models may be intended for more intensive or professional use.

Always check the intended application, platform height and any stated certification before choosing a model.

View our polyester slides.

Stainless steel playground slides

Stainless steel slides are particularly suitable for professional and public playground applications when the individual model has been specifically designed and certified for that use. Their metal construction makes them an important option for playgrounds where a robust slide is required.

Stainless steel offers good corrosion resistance under suitable conditions, but this does not mean that it can never develop corrosion or that inspection and maintenance are unnecessary.

View our playground slides for models intended for professional play areas.

HDPE, polyester or stainless steel – which slide material is best?

The right material depends primarily on the intended application and the specifications of the individual slide. Material alone should therefore not determine your choice.

• HDPE: commonly used for slides on private garden play equipment.
• Polyester: rigid construction suitable for different applications depending on the model.
• Stainless steel: frequently used for professional slides and models designed for public playgrounds.

Platform height, dimensions, fixings, intended use and any required certification should also be considered.

What platform height does a slide need?

The platform height must match the specifications of the slide you choose. A slide designed for a particular starting height should not be fitted to an arbitrarily higher or lower platform unless that installation is specifically permitted for the product.

Platform height affects the geometry and angle of the slide. Always follow the specifications and installation instructions supplied for the individual model.

Can I attach a slide to a wooden play tower?

Yes, provided that the slide is designed for this purpose and the play tower, platform height and fixing system are compatible. Many domestic garden slides are specifically intended for installation on wooden play equipment.

The supporting structure must be sufficiently stable and the slide should be installed according to the instructions for the model.

For compatible play structures, view our wooden playground equipment.

Slides for schools and nurseries

A slide for a school, nursery or other communal setting must be suitable for the intended type of use. A product designed exclusively for a private garden should not automatically be considered suitable for a school or nursery.

The supporting structure, access points, free spaces, fall areas and appropriate surfacing should also be considered when planning the installation.

Slides for public playgrounds

A slide installed in a public playground must be specifically intended for public use and incorporated into an appropriately designed play installation. Always check the technical specifications and certification of the individual model.

Explore our public playground equipment for further equipment intended for professional play areas.

EN 1176 playground slides

EN 1176 covers safety requirements for playground equipment and is particularly relevant to equipment installed in public play areas. Where an Intergard slide is stated to comply with or be certified to EN 1176, that information applies to the specified model.

Not every slide in this category should therefore be assumed to comply with EN 1176. Slides intended exclusively for domestic use may be subject to different requirements.

Does an EN 1176 slide make the complete playground compliant?

No. Compliance or certification of an individual slide does not automatically mean that the complete playground installation is compliant. The supporting structure, installation, fixings, foundations, safety areas and surfacing must also be appropriate.

For a public playground, the complete installation must therefore be considered rather than the slide in isolation.

What safety surfacing is needed under a slide?

The required surfacing depends on the play equipment and its applicable critical fall height. There is no single rubber tile thickness or other safety surface that is suitable for every slide and every installation.

Where impact-attenuating surfacing is required, its certified performance should be suitable for the critical fall height of the installed equipment.

View our rubber tiles and check the product-specific performance before selecting surfacing for a particular installation.

Can stainless steel slides get hot in the sun?

Yes. Metal surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can become hot. The position and orientation of a stainless steel slide should therefore be considered when planning the playground.

Surface temperature can be affected by direct sunlight, ambient temperature, orientation and local conditions.

How do you install a slide?

A slide should be installed according to the instructions for the individual model and attached to a compatible supporting structure. Installation requirements for a domestic garden slide can differ considerably from those for a public playground slide.

1. Determine the intended use. Private garden, school, nursery or public playground.
2. Check the platform height. It must be compatible with the chosen slide.
3. Check the supporting structure. The play tower or platform must be suitable for the slide.
4. Follow the fixing instructions. Use the fixing method specified for the model.
5. Allow sufficient space. Consider access, the slide exit and required safety areas.
6. Select appropriate surfacing. Where necessary, take the required impact attenuation into account.
7. Inspect the installation. Check the structure and fixings before the slide is used.

How should a playground slide be maintained?

Slides should be inspected regularly for wear, damage and loose fixings. The appropriate frequency depends on the type of installation and how intensively it is used.

Check the sliding surface, sides, fixing points, starting section and run-out area. Public playground equipment should also be inspected and maintained in accordance with the procedures applicable to the installation.

Buy slides from Intergard

Choose your slide according to its intended location, material, platform height and type of use. This makes it easier to distinguish between a domestic garden slide and professional equipment intended for schools or public playgrounds.

Explore our complete range of playsets and playground equipment.

Slides for trade, projects and larger quantities

Do you require multiple slides for a playground project, school, public organisation or resale? Provide the intended application, required models, quantities and delivery address so that an appropriate quotation can be prepared.

Check your slide on delivery

Inspect the slide as soon as it is delivered and before installation. Check the number of packages and inspect both the packaging and the product for transport damage in accordance with the applicable delivery conditions.

Check the sliding surface, sides, top and underside for scratches, dents or other damage. Any missing packages or visible transport damage should be described accurately on the transport documentation and, where possible, photographed before installation.

Frequently asked questions about slides

Which slide is suitable for a private garden?

Choose a slide specifically designed for domestic use and compatible with the platform height of your play equipment. HDPE slides are commonly used with private wooden play towers.

Which slide should I choose for a public playground?

Choose only a slide specifically designed and certified for public playground use. Check the certification, platform height and installation requirements of the individual model.

What is the difference between HDPE, polyester and stainless steel slides?

The main differences are the material, construction and intended application. HDPE is commonly used for private garden slides, while certain polyester and stainless steel models are designed for professional or public applications.

Are all Intergard slides EN 1176 compliant?

No. EN 1176 compliance or certification must be checked for the individual model. The standard is particularly relevant to equipment intended for public playgrounds.

What platform height do I need for a slide?

The required platform height depends on the individual slide. Only install a slide at a platform height compatible with its product specifications.

Can I fit a slide to a wooden play tower?

Yes, provided that the slide is intended for this application and the play tower, platform height and fixings are compatible. Always follow the installation instructions for the model.

What safety surface is needed under a slide?

The required surfacing depends on the equipment and the applicable critical fall height. Where impact-attenuating surfacing is required, its certified performance must be appropriate for the installation.

Can a stainless steel slide get hot in direct sunlight?

Yes. Stainless steel surfaces exposed to direct sunlight can become hot. The location and orientation of the slide should therefore be considered during playground design.

Does an EN 1176 slide make the entire playground EN 1176 compliant?

No. Compliance of one component does not automatically establish compliance of the complete installation. The structure, installation, foundations, safety areas and surfacing must also meet the applicable requirements.

How often should a playground slide be inspected?

Slides should be inspected regularly for damage, wear and loose fixings. For public playgrounds, inspection frequency and maintenance should also follow the requirements and inspection programme applicable to the installation.