Play Chip Range Explained and Compared
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Hardwood play grade chips last 4 to 6 years, so they are more durable under daily use. Softwood lasts 2 to 4 years and costs a bit less, and both are tested to BS EN 1177:2018 Tested by Labosport Ltd, Test report: LSUK.21-0107-G1.
Hardwood chips are my pick for schools and busy play areas. They last about two years longer than softwood.
10 to 30mm · Lasts 4 to 6 years · BS EN 1177:2018
Softwood chips carry the same safety certificate for less money. The sensible choice over a big area.
10 to 30mm · Lasts 2 to 4 years · BS EN 1177:2018
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 economical play surfaces, play chips provide the natural, cushioned feel that only properly graded wood chips can when having fun outdoors. Our play chip range focuses on two top-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 zone 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.
Hardwood Play Grade Play Chips & Softwood Play Grade Chips Quick Comparison
| Hardwood Play Grade Chips | Softwood Play Grade Chips | |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Mixed British hardwood | British pine |
| Colour | Rich chestnut brown | Light creamy pine |
| Size | 10 to 30mm | 10 to 30mm |
| Safety standard | BS EN 1177:2018 | BS EN 1177:2018 |
| Critical fall height | Above 3m at 100, 200 and 300mm | Above 3m at 100, 200 and 300mm |
| Lifespan | 4 to 6 years | 2 to 4 years |
| Drainage | Free-draining, quick to dry | Free-draining, quick to dry |
| Mould and mildew | More resistant | More prone |
| Buy | Hardwood sizes and prices | Softwood sizes and prices |
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 after heavy rain, meaning kids can get back to play sooner without muddy messes.
- Natural, eco-friendly: gentle on little hands and knees.
- Long-lasting: I refreshed a community playground with hardwood chips – three years later, it still looked tidy.
- Cost-effective: better value safety over rubber or wetpour, easier DIY install and eco-friendly sourcing from British wood.
Play Chip Safety Certification: BS EN 1177
Both our play chips are tested to BS EN 1177:2018, with a critical fall height above 3m at 100mm, 200mm and 300mm deep. 3m is the highest fall the play equipment standard allows. Our certified pine grades carry the same rating, and the play bark range comparison sets them out side by side.
Hardwood and Softwood Play Chips in Detail
Hardwood Play Grade Chips
Our Hardwood Play Grade Chips are a mixed play chip, with a hard-wearing texture that’s free from sharp edges, and strike an ideal balance of durability, looks and economy. It consistently outperforms softer options over the long term.
- Sizing: 10-30mm
- Superior longevity (4-6 years).
- Certified to BS EN 1177: critical fall height above 3m at 100mm – 300mm deep.
- Free-draining and quick to dry, resisting puddles.
- Minimal dust and settlement (around 10%).
Softwood Play Grade Chips
Our Softwood Play Grade Chips are pine-based and deliver a clean, creamy natural colour with uniform particles that create an aesthetically pleasing, woodland-like finish. They are slightly more prone to mildew or mould than the hardwood.
- Sizing: 10-30mm
- Economical choice with full BS EN 1177 certification.
- Critical fall height above 3m at 100mm – 300mm.
- Attractive pine tone that brightens shaded garden corners.
- Free-draining, fast-drying, and low-maintenance.
- Ideal for trim trails or adventure paths.
Where to Use Play Chips
Our play chips excel in safety surfacing with their cushioned texture. They are a safe and natural solution at a budget-friendly price point. If you are wondering whether ordinary garden bark would do the same job, only certified play grade is impact tested for use under equipment. 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 and climbing frames: hardwood for heavy use, softwood where budget matters most (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.
Inspirational Ideas & DIY Guides
The depth, base and edging that keep a chip path solid through a British winter.
Ben Parrot
The difference is in production and testing, not looks. Only one of them comes certified.
Ben Parrot
How to Look After a Play Chip Surface
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 keep the soil separated from the chips long-term, and ensure good edging to contain them.
What to Check Before Ordering Play Chips
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 play bark and play chip calculator and also factor in a bit extra for settling and top ups.
Play Chip FAQs
What’s the main difference between hardwood and softwood play chips?
Hardwood play grade chip, made from mixed British hardwoods, lasts longer (4-6 years) and has a richer chestnut brown colour, which makes it better for very busy play areas. Softwood (pine) play chip is a lighter creamy tone, more economical, and still fully certified for safety, so it suits larger spaces where cost is key.
What depth do I need for play chips under garden play equipment?
Play chips under garden play equipment need a minimum of 100mm, and I lay 200 to 300mm. Both our play chips were tested at 100mm, 200mm and 300mm deep and passed above a 3m fall height at every depth. The extra depth is your safety margin, because feet, rain and rotting thin the surface over time.
Are play chips suitable for wet UK weather?
Play chips cope well with wet UK weather. Both grades drain freely and dry quickly, so they stay free of puddles and slipperiness even after rain. I’ve seen them perform brilliantly through soggy South West winters, as long as depths are maintained.
How long do play area wood chips last before needing replacement?
Play area wood chips last 4-6 years for hardwood at full depth with occasional top-ups, and 2-4 years for softwood. Regular raking and edging extend their life significantly in most setups.
Can I use play chips for anything besides playgrounds?
Play chips work well for woodland paths, dog areas and covering muddy patches. For chicken runs, use the hardwood only: softwood holds more water and is more prone to mildew, which is the last thing you want under poultry.
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.
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Deluxe Pine Play Area Bark
Price range: £250.00 through £415.00 inc. VAT -
Deluxe Pine Play Nuggets
Price range: £333.00 through £499.00 inc. VAT -
Pine Play Bark
Price range: £142.00 through £463.00 inc. VAT -
Play Sand
£147.00 inc. VAT
