FiberPC Engineered Wood Fiber Playground Surfacing (Play Chips)

When it comes to making play areas safe, clean, and durable, nothing beats a purpose-built playground surface. At Aardvark Bark, our FiberPC engineered wood fiber playground surfacing (sometimes called “play chips” or “EWF – engineered wood fiber”) is designed especially for playgrounds, play structures, swings, slides, and activity zones of all sizes.

If you’re looking for playground surfacing that meets safety standards, looks good, lasts, and performs well, this page will help you understand what FiberPC is, why it’s different, how to install and maintain it, cost considerations, and why it’s a smart investment.

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What is FiberPC Play Chips?

FiberPC is a premium engineered wood fiber product. Here are the technical and safety highlights:

• Virgin wood product — made from 100% cedar (softwood), carefully processed. Aardvark Bark

• Size & composition — random-sized wood fibers, most pieces under 1.5 inches, plus about 10–20% fines (smaller particles) to help with compaction and stability. Aardvark Bark+1

• Certifications and Safety Standards:

  • IPEMA-certified — means it has been third-party tested to meet laboratory standards for safety and impact attenuation. Aardvark Bark+1

  • Conforms to ASTM F1292 (impact attenuation under and around playground equipment) & ASTM F2075 (standard for engineered wood fiber use in playground safety surfacing) among others. Aardvark Bark+1

• Accessibility — When installed to correct depth, it’s ADA compliant, meaning it may allow mobility devices (wheelchairs, etc.) to move across it reasonably when maintained properly. Aardvark Bark+1

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Why Use Engineered Wood Fiber Playground Surface vs Ordinary Wood Chips or Bark

There are many playground surfacing options (rubber, poured surfaces, mulch, bark, etc.). Here’s what makes engineered wood fiber like FiberPC a compelling choice:

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Where & How to Use Play Chips / FiberPC Surfacing

Here are scenarios where this play surfacing shines and guidelines for using it well:

• Playgrounds & School Play Areas — under swings, slides, climbing structures, assembled playsets. Ensures safer landing zones.

• Daycare & Preschools — because of heavy use and frequent falls, area safety is crucial. FiberPC helps reduce risk.

• Residential Playsets / Backyard Play Areas — great for families wanting safety, durability, and a more finished look.

• Community Parks & Public Use Spaces — designed for heavier traffic, often with regulatory or code requirements.

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Installation & Depth Recommendations

If you’re installing FiberPC, here’s what you need to consider for safety, performance, and longevity:

1. Sub-surface preparation

   • Clear existing vegetation, roots, debris.

   • Level the ground and ensure good drainage — water should not pool.

   • Optional geotextile or weed barrier fabric beneath may help suppress weeds, though the fabric must allow water drainage and be compatible with safety standards.

2. Correct Depth

   • The required depth depends on the critical fall height (distance from the highest point equipment may be fallen from). Higher play towers or high slides require deeper material.

   • As a general guideline: typically 9-12 inches of FiberPC for moderate fall heights; possibly more for higher equipment, per ASTM/IPEMA recommendations. (Check the specific product spec.)

3. Compaction & Cradle Maintenance

   • Initial installation should allow for settling; after first few uses, material may compact, especially where frequent traffic or falls occur. Periodic raking or replenishment helps maintain safe depth.

4. Edge Containment

   • Use edging materials (steel, timber, plastic) to keep the surfacing contained and prevent spreading onto walkways or surrounding beds. Edging also helps with accessibility (wheelchairs etc.).

5. Accessibility Compliance

   • To be ADA compliant, surfaces need to be firm and stable enough for mobility devices. The correct depth, firm sublayer, and maintenance are key.

6. Weather / Drainage Considerations

   • Good drainage prevents waterlogging, mold, decay. Overly wet materials can settle too much, becoming less safe.

   • Dry weather or warmth helps maintain material integrity, but overly dry surfaces can sometimes scatter fines — maintenance and watering when needed (light mist) may help in very dry climates.

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Maintenance & Longevity

Keeping FiberPC surfacing safe and looking good requires regular care. Here are the best practices:

• Inspect regularly — after heavy rain, heavy use (school recess, etc.), or storms. Look for low spots, compaction, or bare areas.

• Rake & Re-level — Pull material back into place around high-use areas (under swings, slides, climbing frames).

• Top up / replenish — Over time, wood fiber decomposes, compacts, or is displaced. Expect to add material annually or every couple of years depending on usage.

• Check containment / edging — Ensure edges are holding surfacing in; fix or reinforce as needed.

• Safety checks — Confirm fall height clearance zones are maintained. If equipment changes (added height, new structures), adjust surfacing as necessary.

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Health, Safety, and Environmental Factors

• Because FiberPC is made from virgin wood with no recycled rubber or synthetic fillers, many people prefer it for its more natural odor and comfort.

• IPEMA certification means it’s been tested for safety (impact attenuation, etc.). It helps ensure compliance with code / liability standards. Aardvark Bark+1

• ADA compliance ensures better access for children and users of all abilities.

• Natural wood fibers are biodegradable; eventual replacement will occur, but product is sustainable.

• Good drainage and maintenance reduce issues like mold, mildew, insects.

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Cost & What Impacts Pricing

Several variables affect the cost of installing playground surfacing like FiberPC:

• Area size (square footage) — larger areas have better per-square-foot costs due to scale.

• Depth required — deeper surfacing costs more material. High-fall-height equipment demands deeper material.

• Access & site prep — if area is hard to reach, or requires grading, removal of old surfacing, leveling, or subsoil work, cost increases.

• Material costs — FiberPC product itself; regional availability, distance for delivery, seasonal supply may affect price.

• Labor & blower / spreading costs — using blower trucks for delivery and installation typically adds cost over manual spread, but saves time and gives better placement and finish.

• Warranty or certification compliance — if playground is in a school, park district, or governed by code/insurance, certified surface and documentation may add to cost but are important.

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Why FiberPC From Aardvark Bark Is a Good Choice

Here are reasons customers in Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, and the Puget Sound area select Aardvark Bark’s play chips / FiberPC surfacing:

• We provide IPEMA-certified engineered wood fiber, so you get a genuine safety surfacing, not just generic wood chips. Aardvark Bark

• We deliver and install — including blower truck installation where appropriate — ensuring correct depth, containment, and minimized mess.

• We know local climate, safety & liability concerns (for schools, parks). We can help specify surfacing to meet your fall height and compliance needs.

• We service many local jurisdictions in Washington; familiar with local inspection requirements.

• We stand behind our product quality, safety, and support long-term maintenance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How deep should I install FiberPC for safety under a swing set?
A: It depends on the fall height (top of swing, platform, etc.). As a rough guide, many playgrounds need around 9-12 inches under swings or climbable structures. If in doubt, check the spec sheet or local code / insurance requirements.

Q: What does “IPEMA certified” mean and why is it important?
A: It means the product has been independently tested and verified to meet certain safety standards (ASTM etc.). For schools, public parks, or insured playgrounds, this certification is often required.

Q: Will play chips get muddy or slippery in rain?
A: Good drainage beneath the surface helps a lot. Also, regular maintenance to keep the surface level, replenish material, and ensure water doesn’t pool will reduce mud and slippery zones.

Q: How long do engineered wood fiber playground surfaces last?
A: With proper installation and care, you can expect several years of good service. High-use areas may need topping up annually or every couple of years. Full replacement or major re-levelling may be needed every 5-7 years (or according to usage and maintenance).

Q: Is it safe & clean for children? Any odor or splinters?
A: Engineered wood fiber like FiberPC is processed to reduce sharp pieces, minimize splinters, and remove large debris. The wood is natural, so there can be an earthy / wood smell especially after rain, but it’s not chemical. If large or sharp pieces are found, raking and top dressing helps.

Q: What about ADA wheelchair access over play chips?
A: FiberPC can be ADA-accessible when installed over a stable base layer, to correct depth, with edging that supports surface. Over time, frequent traffic or compaction might cause ruts or loose zones, so maintenance is key.