How to Install Rubber Playground Curbs

Soft surfaces, like rubber and foam, are often used in the construction of new playgrounds.

Rubber playground curbs are used in and around playgrounds to keep soft playground surfacing material inside the playground area, keep debris out and provide softer surfaces for children in the event of falls. They have the additional benefits of being recyclable, maintenance free, and non-fading. Most rubber curbs come with pre-drilled holes which will fit either stakes or rebar to pin them into the ground, but some will require that the user drill his own holes.

Things You'll Need

• Power drill (if necessary)
• Countersink bit (if necessary)
• Mallet
• Rubber curbing
• 30 inch long rebar or metal stakes

Instructions

1. Place all of the rubber curbing where it is desired. The majority of rubber curb manufacturers have interlocking products, and placing components piece by piece after anchoring may make your project more difficult than necessary.

2. Place the rebar or metal stake into one of the pre-drilled holes. If your product comes without pre-drilled holes, drill them yourself, roughly 8 inches from each end of the curb. Use 1/4-inch holes for curbs under 4 inches in width, and 3/8-inch holes for those which are any larger.

3. Countersink each drilled hole that hasn't been countersunk by a manufacturer.

4. Use the mallet to pound the rebar or stake into the ground, so that the top of the metal is indented just below the surface of the rubber.

5. Repeat for each hole until all of the rubber curbing is staked into place.

References

• Rubber Mulch; Curbs; 2011
• Rubber Mulch; Rubber Curbs/Wear Mats FAQ's; 2011
• Diamond Safety; DSC Stackable Rubber Border;