How to Buy Play Yard Ground Material
There are two kinds of play yard ground material: fill and rubber. Before you buy either kind, you'll need to do some math.
Things You'll Need
- Calculators
- Measuring Tapes
- Sand
- Wood Mulch
- Paper And Pencils
- Rubber Ground Mats
- Sandbox Covers
- Sandboxes
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure your play area.
-
2
Figure out whether you are buying rubber mats or using fill (sand, wood mulch or pea gravel).
-
-
3
Multiply the width of the play area by the length to get the area you must cover.
-
4
If you choose to use rubber mats, ask how big each mat is at the hardware store or an online playground equipment store.
-
5
Note that edge pieces will be straight on one side. Corners will be straight on two sides. Interior mats will have joints on all four sides.
-
6
Ask the salesperson to include enough edge pieces and interior pieces to completely cover the area if you are buying mats that fit together like a puzzle.
-
7
Get the pieces delivered, if possible - they're heavy.
-
8
If you choose to use fill, measure the length and width of the play area and then the depth of the covering - between 6 and 12 inches. Multiply the three numbers to find the volume in cubic feet.
-
9
Order that amount of fill. Again, try to get it delivered.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If using sand, order enough sand for a sandbox, too. Buy a sandbox cover to keep it clean and dry.
If using mats that fit together, try to get someone from the company to help assemble them or you may have a very frustrating day. It's like trying to assemble a puzzle made of black, unmarked pieces.