Should you use pea gravel for playgrounds? Yes, as a matter of fact, you should. Pea gravel is an ideal foundation material for your children’s playground, whether it is at your home, school or community playground.
Among many other benefits, it’s easy to maintain, is unable to be used as kitty litter by neighborhood cats and drains well after a storm which keeps your playground functional year round.
What is Pea Gravel?
Pea gravel is a mixture of small, rounded, smooth stones that typically range in size from 1/8-inch to about 1/4-inches in diameter. It gets its name because, on average, the stones are roughly the size of a green pea.
Pea gravel is a popular choice for landscape architects and DIY landscapers for pathways, garden bed drainage and driveways. It can also be used as an aggregate for concrete applications. Its efficient drainage and rounded texture make it an ideal surface for playgrounds.
Because it is made from a variety of different rocks, it is available in a wide range of colors, which makes it an attractive as well as functional option for outdoor use.
The Benefits of Using Pea Gravel for Playgrounds
There are several benefits of using pea gravel for playground applications.
Absorbs a fall. Soil, and even sand, becomes compacted over time. This makes for a hard landing surface as children run around and play on equipment of varying heights. Pea gravel’s atypical structures keep it from becoming compacted, providing a more cushioned landing for falls and tumbles.
Superior drainage. Pea gravel is often incorporated into garden beds to encourage water percolation and prevent root rot. It’s ability to facilitate drainage is a bonus for playgrounds. Your playground remains functional year-round, so your children can go outside and play and you don’t have to worry about the mud.
No cat waste. Everyone loves to play in the sand, and unfortunately the same is true for wildlife as well. Both public and private playground sand is susceptible to becoming a waste receptacle for neighborhood pets and wildlife. Cats are the most notorious for using sand boxes and playground sand as their litter box. In addition to being unappealing, animal waste is a health hazard.
Splinter free. Many homeowners and city planners debate between pea gravel and wood chips when deciding on their playground’s foundation. While wood chips are attractive, they can also cause splinters. This can be dangerous for small, soft hands, feet, and knees, and can also be a hazard if children put the pieces in their mouths and chew.
Fewer replacements needed. Because sand tends to become compacted over time, and wood disintegrates, both of these materials need to be replaced on a regular basis. In high traffic parks and playgrounds, they may require replacement on an annual basis. Pea gravel for playgrounds will need to be touched up from time to time, but it won’t need to be replaced as frequently as other playground options.
Cost effective. Pea gravel is one of the most cost effective products on the market. The more you order, the more cost effective it will be. Most Braen Supply customers choose to order pea gravel for playgrounds by the ton, which gives them a remarkably low price.
Buy Pea Gravel for Playgrounds
Have questions about whether or not pea gravel for playgrounds is the right option for your needs? Give us a call or fill out our contact form. We will be happy to answer all of your questions about pea gravel and other playground surface options. Braen Supply is dedicated to ensuring our customers get the materials they need at a competitive price.
