Rubber Mulch vs. Wood Mulch: Which is Best for Your Playground?

Comparing traditional wood mulch to modern rubber mulch is at the forefront of most playground projects. 

While wood mulch is a classic choice, savvy facility managers are increasingly turning to rubber for its superior safety and long-term value.

In this guide, we’ll break down the facts to help you decide which material will create a safe and low-maintenance haven for children.

What is Mulch Made Of?

Before comparing the two, it’s important to understand the composition of your surfacing options.

• Wood Mulch: This is typically made from organic matter, such as cedar mulch, pine bark, or general wood chips. While it looks natural, it is prone to decomposition.
• Rubber Mulch: This is an “engineered” surface made from 100% recycled tire rubber. By choosing rubber, you are actually participating in a sustainable cycle, keeping millions of tires out of landfills and giving them a second life as a protective barrier.

For those looking for a uniform aesthetic, products like our Black Rubber Mulch provide a professional look that doesn’t fade like organic materials.

Is Rubber Mulch Safe?

A common question parents and administrators ask is: Is rubber mulch toxic?

The short answer is no. 

Modern, high-quality rubber mulch is non-toxic and specifically processed to remove wire and harmful contaminants. 

Unlike wood, it doesn’t leach chemicals used in pressure-treating processes, nor does it have heavy metals.

More importantly, rubber mulch is the undisputed champion of “Critical Fall Height” protection. Because it does not compact over time like pea gravel or engineered wood, it maintains its shock-absorbency. 

This significantly reduces the risk of serious head injuries during a fall. 

To see how we prioritize these standards, explore our ASTM Compliant Playgrounds.

Maintenance & Durability

One of the biggest frustrations with organic mulch is that it disappears. Wood chips rot, blow away in high winds, or wash away during heavy rains.

• How long does rubber mulch last? While wood mulch requires a “top-off” every single year, rubber mulch can last 10 years or more with minimal displacement.
• Pest Control: Wood mulch is an open invitation for carpenter ants, termites, and rodents. Rubber mulch is inorganic, meaning it offers no food source or nesting appeal for pests.
• Weather Resistance: Rubber doesn’t absorb water, so it won’t freeze into a hard, dangerous block in the winter or turn into a muddy mess in the spring.

To further reduce maintenance, we recommend installing a professional-grade weed barrier cloth underneath your mulch to prevent unwanted growth from poking through your play area.

Performance in Landscaping & Soil Health

Another common question we hear is whether rubber mulch is bad for plants. Actually, in a landscaping context, rubber mulch can be a major benefit.

Because it doesn’t absorb moisture, every drop of rain goes directly into the soil to nourish your plants rather than being soaked up by the mulch itself. 

It also provides excellent insulation for roots against extreme temperature shifts.

From a safety standpoint, rubber is also less of a fire hazard than dry, aged wood chips, which can ignite easily in hot, arid conditions.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While the initial cost of rubber mulch is higher than wood, the long-term math is clear. When you factor in the cost of purchasing new wood chips every year, the labor to spread them, and the peace of mind regarding injury prevention, rubber mulch is the more cost-effective solution.

It allows you to “set it and forget it,” focusing your budget on new equipment rather than annual maintenance. 

This is why it has become the preferred choice for School Playgrounds across the country.

Create Your Dream Playground Today

Choosing the right surface is the final step in building a world-class play area. Whether you are looking for the classic bounce of loose-fill mulch or the sleek, accessible finish of 2-inch thick rubber tiles, we are here to help.

Ready to transform your play area into a safe, vibrant haven for kids?

Contact our experts for a custom quote, and let’s build something incredible together.