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Poured-in-Place Playground Surfacing in Alabama

Seamless, ADA-accessible poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing for schools, daycares, HOAs, parks and backyards. Same company, standards and warranties as our Houston work, now within 100 miles of Alabaster.

Playground on blue and teal poured-in-place rubber
15-yearmanufacturer warranty on turf
10-yearedge and seam warranty, no gapping
5-yearinstallation labor warranty
ASTM/IPEMAcertified playground padding
What we use

Built with quality materials

We build every poured-in-place (PIP) safety surface in layers so it's safe, long-lasting and drains well, from demo of the old surface to the final walkthrough.

  • 4-inch compacted aggregate base. Crushed stone that drains well and won't shift or sink.
  • 2-inch SBR cushion layer. Recycled rubber and polyurethane binder that absorbs impact.
  • 1/2-inch colored EPDM top layer. UV-stable, seamless and available in custom colors, patterns and logos.
  • Turf and PIP combos. Such as a turf border with PIP under equipment.

Our PIP layer spec

Layer
Quality Turf Install spec
Demo
Existing mulch, sand, gravel, grass or old rubber removed
Subgrade
Dug to depth, graded and compacted for drainage
Base
4 in. compacted crushed stone aggregate
Cushion layer
2 in. SBR recycled rubber with polyurethane binder, hand-troweled
Top layer
1/2 in. colored EPDM rubber, UV-stable, seamless
Cure time
24–48 hours before use
Design
Custom colors, patterns and logos
Pros and cons

Is PIP right for your playground?

PIP is one of the best playground surfaces available, but it isn't the right fit for every site or budget. Here's an honest look.

Pros

  • Seamless and ADA-accessible. A smooth, level surface for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.
  • Impact-absorbing. Cushion thickness is matched to your equipment's fall height.
  • Low maintenance. No mulch to rake, refill or replace. Sweep and hose it off.
  • Stays in place. Nothing gets kicked out, washed away or carried into buildings.
  • Durable and slip-resistant. Built for heavy daily use and Alabama weather.
  • Custom colors and designs. Patterns, logos, games and themed graphics.

Cons, and how we handle them

  • Higher upfront cost. PIP costs more to install than loose fill like mulch or sand, though it saves on ongoing upkeep (Fairmont Industries). We give you a written, itemized proposal so you can compare.
  • Can get warm in direct sun. Darker colors absorb heat. Lighter color blends and shade structures help (Cunningham Recreation).
  • High-wear spots. Areas under swings and at slide exits wear faster and may need patching over time (Fairmont Industries).
  • Installation quality matters. PIP performance depends heavily on the install (PACE/OSBA). That's why we build every surface on a 4-inch compacted base with measured layers.
  • Cure time. The area is closed for 24–48 hours after the top layer goes down. We schedule around breaks and events.

Compare our 3 playground surfaces

Mulch
Playground turf
Poured-in-place (PIP)
Price
Lowest. Our budget option
Higher
Higher
Cushion
12 inches of cedar, colored or rubber mulch
2-in. ASTM/IPEMA certified pad
2-in. SBR cushion layer
Access
ADA ramp at the entry
Smooth turf surface
Seamless, ADA-accessible
Upkeep
Rake, top off and replace every few years
Brush and top off infill
Sweep and hose off
Look
Cedar, colored or rubber
Green lawn look
Custom colors and logos

Playground Mulch · Playground Turf · Playground PIP

Our process

How we install playground PIP, step by step

1

Site prep and demo

  • We take out the existing surface, whether it's mulch, sand, gravel, grass or old rubber.
  • We dig the area to the right depth, then grade and compact the ground so water drains properly.
2

4-inch compacted aggregate base

  • We spread and compact a 4-inch layer of crushed stone.
  • It gives the surface a strong, stable base that drains well and won't shift or sink over time.
3

2-inch SBR cushion layer

  • We hand-trowel a 2-inch layer of recycled SBR rubber mixed with a polyurethane binder.
  • This cushion absorbs impact and is what protects children from falls. Thickness is matched to your equipment's fall height.
4

1/2-inch colored EPDM top layer

  • We trowel on a 1/2-inch top layer of colored EPDM rubber in the colors you choose.
  • It holds up to UV and wear and gives a smooth, seamless finish. Custom colors, patterns and logos are available.
5

Cure and final walkthrough

  • The surface cures for 24–48 hours before anyone uses it.
  • We walk through the finished area with you and go over simple care tips.

Pricing

PIP is quoted per project after a site visit, based on area, fall heights, colors and design. Every quote is written and itemized after a free on-site visit.

FAQ

Playground PIP questions

How long does PIP take to cure?

24 to 48 hours before anyone uses it.

What happens to the old mulch or surface?

We remove it during demo, whether it's mulch, sand, gravel, grass or old rubber.

Can you add colors, logos or games?

Yes. Custom colors, patterns and logos are available in the EPDM top layer.

Turf or PIP?

We install both and recommend the right one for your site, budget and fall heights. Many playgrounds use PIP under equipment with a turf border.

What warranties do you offer?

A 10-year labor warranty on all edges and seams, a 5-year labor warranty on the installation, and a 15-year manufacturer warranty on the turf product.

Houston reviews5.0
★★★★★

From 58 Google reviews of our Houston-area work. Alabama reviews will be added as projects are completed.

Read our Houston reviews on Google
“One of the few companies in the industry where the owner and person who gives you the bid is the one who actually does the work, which is a HUGE benefit. He ensures your yard drains well by shaping the base under the turf.”
Christine Mott · Google review, Houston area
“The quality of work was top-notch: perfect base prep, seamless installation, and it looks incredibly realistic. The crew was fast, efficient, and left the site spotless.”
Lanny Hitchcock · Google review, Houston area
“Right from the beginning, Jeremy served as a knowledgeable subject matter expert, recommending the right artificial turf application for my needs.”
Leonardo Pardo · Google review, Houston area
See more of our work

Your vision, our quality.

We post new installs, before and after videos and project walkthroughs on Facebook and Instagram. Follow along to see our playgrounds, sports surfaces and turf across Alabama and Texas.

Free on-site quote

Get an honest, itemized quote

We measure your space, check grade and drainage, explain the base and surface we recommend, and give you a written, line-by-line price. The price we quote is the price you pay.

  • Owner-led bids and installs
  • Same standards and warranties as our Houston work
  • Schools, daycares, churches, HOAs, parks and homeowners
Call (346) 307-0307

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