Playground Rubber Grass Mats

Playground rubber grass mats — 23mm thick, BS EN 1177 certified, 1.0m x 1.5m. Protects turf under swings, slides and climbing frames from foot traffic and mud formation, in school playgrounds, nurseries, parks and garden play areas. The grass grows up through the open holes, so the play area stays green and natural-looking. Each mat covers 1.5m² and also comes in a 16mm version. Available with or without anchor pegs and ties. UK stock, fast dispatch.

Why put grass mats under play equipment?

Under swings, at the bottom of slides and around climbing frames, the grass never gets a rest. Within weeks it turns to compacted mud, bare patches and puddles that are slippery, messy and a trip hazard. Grass mats spread the wear and protect the grass roots while the grass keeps growing through. You keep a natural grass play area, with no digging or sub-base, for far less than wetpour or bonded rubber mulch.

Why schools, parks & nurseries choose these mats

• BS EN 1177 impact attenuation certified: Meets the UK and European safety standard for playground surfacing. Suitable for use under equipment with critical fall heights up to 3.3m (23mm) when installed over established grass.
• Prevents turf death under equipment: Swing landing zones, slide exits and climbing frame bases take 80–120 child impacts per hour at peak use. The 23mm rubber grid distributes load across 1.5m² and shields grass crowns and root systems from direct strikes.
• Grass grows through naturally: 72% open-cell structure lets grass grow through the mat and reach mowing height within 14 days of installation. Surface stays green — no bare mud patches or puddles.
• Excellent drainage: Water passes through at 180mm per hour directly to the root zone — no surface pooling or waterlogging after heavy rain.
• Four-side interlocking: Male/female interlocking edges connect mats seamlessly to cover any sized fall zone — 3m x 3m swing zone = 6 mats; 1.5m x 3m slide exit = 3 mats.
• Non-slip all-weather surface: Slip-resistant textured finish provides safe traction in wet, frosty and muddy conditions — no coating, painting or winter treatment required.
• 100% recycled SBR rubber: Made from recycled rubber compound. Does not leach chemicals into soil. UV stable — no colour fade or cracking after 5+ years outdoor use. Service life typically exceeds 10 years.
• Easy installation — no groundwork: One adult can carry and position each mat (18kg). Lay directly onto existing grass. No specialist tools or contractors required. Mats ship flat-packed, ready to use on delivery.
• Low maintenance: Rotary mower blades pass over the mat surface without catching. Hose down quarterly to remove debris. Individual mats can be lifted for turf aeration or replaced without disturbing adjacent units.
• Large 1m x 1.5m mats: each covers 1.5m², so there are fewer joins and laying is quick.
• Easy to cut: trim with a sharp utility knife or jigsaw to fit around posts, frames and trees.
• Wheelchair and buggy friendly: a firm, even surface for accessible routes across the field.

23mm or 16mm for a play area?

Under and around play equipment, choose 23mm. It's our heavy-duty mat, made for the constant wear in swing, slide and climbing frame areas. Use 16mm for paths, routes across the school field and walkways near the play area where children aren't landing from height. Not sure? Call us and tell us what you're installing.

Using grass mats under play equipment

Under BS EN 1176, grass on its own is generally only acceptable under play equipment with a free height of fall of up to 1m. Above that, you need impact-absorbing surfacing tested to BS EN 1177, with a critical fall height at least equal to the equipment's free height of fall.

The surfacing has to cover the whole impact area, not just the ground under the equipment. For most equipment that reaches at least 1.5m around it, and further for swings and higher platforms.

Tell us what you're installing and its free height of fall on 01282 270214 and we'll confirm the right thickness and how many mats you need. Ask us for the BS EN 1177 test certificate for your records or your playground inspector.

Typical applications

• Schools and nursery playgrounds
• Public parks and play areas
• Residential garden play equipment
• Swing and climbing frame landing zones
• Slide exit protection areas
• Community and sports facility play zones

How many mats do I need?

Each mat covers 1.5m². For a 3m x 3m swing zone, order 6 mats. For a 1.5m x 3m slide exit area, order 3 mats. Mats interlock on all four sides for seamless coverage. Order with anchor pegs and ties for sloped installations or areas exposed to heavy footfall.

Measure the whole impact area, not just the equipment. Multiply the length by the width, divide by 1.5 and round up, or use the calculator at the top of the page.

Example: a climbing frame with a 2m x 2m footprint and a 1.5m impact area on every side needs a 5m x 5m surfaced area. That's 25m², so 17 mats. Allow a few extra if you'll be cutting around posts or trees.

Expert laying tips for play areas

• Lay on level, established grass. Fill any hollows with topsoil and re-seed bare patches first, so the mats sit flat and the grass knits in faster.
• Lay between spring and early autumn if you can. Grass comes through in a few weeks in the growing season, and much more slowly in winter.
• Butt the mats tightly together with no gaps.
• Peg every mat and cable-tie it to its neighbours so no edge can lift into a trip hazard. On a playground this is essential, so choose the pegs & ties option.
• Where you can, let the grass establish through the mats before heavy use.
• Check pegs, ties and edges as part of your routine playground inspections.

Specification

UK stock — order today for fast delivery. No specialist installation required.

Other playground surfacing

• Green rubber grass mats: blend into the lawn from day one, with no black grid while the grass grows through.
• 17mm interlocking rubber playground tiles: for play areas on tarmac, concrete or paving, where grass mats won't work.
• Rubber grass mat roll, 1m x 10.5m: for long paths and routes across the field.

Not just for play areas? See our full range of rubber grass mats.