Our hardwood play grade chips are tested to BSEN 1177:1998 safety standards, offering excellent impact protection while draining freely to stay clean and dry. Longer lasting than the softwood chips,…
Our softwood play grade chips are tested to BSEN 1177:1998 safety standards, offering excellent impact protection while draining freely to stay clean and dry. An eco-friendly alternative to rubber play…
Specifications, Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
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Specifications, Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose, Certifications, Product Comparison, Landscaping Applications, Inspirational Ideas, DIY Guides, Maintenance, Purchasing Tips, FAQs, Related Products,
I’ve been installing play surfacing for family gardens, schools, and community spaces across the UK for more than 15 years, and when it comes to play chips, nothing beats the natural, cushioned feel of properly graded wood chips for safe, fun outdoors. Our Play Chip collection focuses on two high-quality, BS EN 1177-tested options: Hardwood Play Grade Chip and Softwood Play Grade Chip. Both come screened to 10-30mm particle size, ensuring minimal fines for better drainage and durability. Whether you’re creating a back-garden adventure zonen or a school trail our play area wood chips provide a balance of safety, looks, and low-maintenance. Read on to explore each product and their benefits, below.
Specifications
Why Professionals & Homeowners Choose Our Play Chips
Play chips transform muddy, high-wear play zones into soft, forgiving surfaces that encourage active play year-round while significantly reducing injury risk from falls. From dozens of UK jobs using these materials, here are the standout results:
- Outstanding impact absorption: certified to cushion falls effectively at recommended depths, giving parents real peace of mind under climbing frames or swings.
- Excellent drainage: quick drying even after heavy rain, meaning kids can get back to playing sooner without muddy messes.
- Natural, splinter-free: gentle on little hands and knees.
- Long-lasting: I once refreshed a busy Chiswick community playground with hardwood chips, and after three years of constant use, it still looked tidy with no major breakdown.
- Cost-effective: better value safety over rubber or wetpour, easier DIY install and eco-friendly sourcing from British wood.
Here are some examples from previous installations:
Certifications and Technical Information
Our Play Wood Chip Product Comparison
Hardwood Play Grade Chip
This mixed British hardwood play chip, with its hard-wearing texture that’s free from sharp edges, strikes an ideal balance of durability, looks and economy. I’ve laid hundreds of cubic metres of this and it consistently outperforms softer options in busy spots.
- Sizing: 10-30mm
- Superior longevity (4-6 years at 350mm depth).
- Certified BS EN 1177 impact absorption: 1.8m at 100mm, up to 5.2m at 300mm, ideal under higher equipment.
- Free-draining and quick to dry, resisting puddles.
- Minimal dust and settlement (around 8%).
- Versatile and great for allotment paths or chicken runs too.
Softwood Play Grade Chip
Our pine-based softwood play chip delivers a clean, creamy natural colour with uniform particles that create an aesthetically pleasing, woodland-like finish. Slightly more prone to mildew or mold than the hardwood in my experience.
- Sizing: 10-30mm
- Economical choice for play zones — great value without sacrificing BS EN 1177 certification.
- Solid impact performance: 1.6m at 100mm, up to 5.0m at 300mm depth.
- Attractive pine tone that brightens shaded garden corners.
- Free-draining, fast-drying, and low-maintenance.
- Ideal for trim trails or adventure paths; for cost-effective coverage in bigger domestic or school projects.
Applications
Our play chips excel in safety surfacing with their cushioned texture. They are a safe and natural solution at a budget-friendly price point. They’re not suited to heavy vehicular traffic, formal patios, or areas needing a firm, rolled surface. Top uses include:
- Garden play zones under swings/climbing frames: use hardwood for higher falls or heavy use, softwood for lighter family setups (200-300mm depth).
- School or nursery adventure trails and trim paths: softwood for economy over large areas.
- Community playgrounds in high-traffic spots: hardwood chips for extended lifespan.
- Around trampolines or seated log circles: both work well at 150-200mm for cushioning.
- Woodland-style pathways or dog runs: softwood’s lighter colour brightens shady routes.
- Chicken runs: hardwood type at 100-150mm for effective moisture absorption.
Inspirational Ideas
Primer for Planning a DIY Mulch PathwayBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur GeologistBuilding a DIY wood chip path
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Natural, Safe and FunBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Children’s play areas can be a magical place offering
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DIY Guides
Introduction Welcome to our blog section delving into the art of landscape gardening with a focus on utilising wood chippings in
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By Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur GeologistA Proper Floor is no Paltry MatterMy family have successfully farmed hen
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the Basics of Wood Chip for DIY LandscapingBy Ben Parrot – Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist Overview Welcome to “Wood Chip 101,”
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Maintenance
Keep your play chip area performing at its best with minimal effort: rake lightly each spring and after leaf fall to redistribute and fluff up the surface, removing any debris. Top up every 1-2 years (or as needed) to maintain critical fall safety depth—aim for an extra 10-20% on initial install to account for settling. Lay over a permeable membrane to suppress weeds long-term, and ensure good edging to contain the chips.
Purchasing Tips
Batches can vary slightly, so it’s best to be prepared for some natural variation. Try to get what you need in the one load. Measure your area in square metres, pop them into our calculator and also factor in a bit extra for settling and top ups.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between hardwood and softwood play chips?
Hardwood play grade chip, made from mixed British hardwoods, offers greater durability (4-6 years) and a richer chestnut brown colour, making it better for very busy or higher-fall play areas. Softwood (pine) play chip is lighter creamy-toned, more economical, and still fully certified for safety – great for larger spaces where cost is key.
What depth do I need for play chips under garden play equipment?
For domestic gardens with swings or frames, 100-150mm provides good cushioning; for higher equipment or added safety, go to 200-300mm. Both products are BS EN 1177 tested-hardwood reaches up to 5.2m critical fall height at 300mm, softwood up to 5.0m.
Are play chips suitable for wet UK weather?
Yes – both drain freely and dry quickly, avoiding puddles or slipperiness even after rain. I’ve seen them perform brilliantly through soggy South West winters with no issues, as long as depths are maintained.
How long do play area wood chips last before needing replacement?
Hardwood typically lasts 4-6 years at full depth with occasional top-ups, while softwood holds for 2-4 years. Regular raking and edging extend life significantly in most setups.
Can I use play chips for anything besides playgrounds?
Absolutely, as both work well for woodland paths, chicken runs, dog areas, or muddy patch cover. Just avoid heavy traffic zones; they’re designed primarily as loose impact-absorbing surfacing for play.
Is one better for schools or commercial play areas?
Hardwood play grade chip is my preference for schools and public spaces due to its extra toughness and longer lifespan in constant use.
Pine Play Bark
Price range: £135.00 through £450.00 inc. VATHardwood Play Grade Chips
Price range: £113.00 through £320.00 inc. VATDecorative Bark Chippings
Price range: £130.00 through £185.00 inc. VATHardwood Chips
Price range: £115.00 through £324.00 inc. VAT
