When creating a backyard play area, safety is the primary concern. While playground turf is manufactured to provide a gentle, shock-absorbing surface, adding a shock pad will guarantee optimal safety and protection against fall injuries. However, it’s essential to know how and when to install a turf underpadding to maximize safety. Read on to learn everything you need to know about installing shock pads beneath playground turf in Florida.

Benefits of a Shock-Absorbing Underpadding

The primary function of underpadding is to prevent injury from falls, especially for children who aren’t always careful when they play. Underpadding, also referred to as shock pads, is often used in public and backyard playgrounds, beneath IPEMA-certified playground turf, to enhance injury protection. These shock pads are manufactured from high-density foam to cushion the impact from falls, offering protection for heights up to 10 feet.

Shock pads also support landscape durability, offering a stable base that ensures even weight distribution. They prevent dips or uneven areas, contributing to safety by preventing slips, twisted ankles, or trip hazards. Additionally, underpads from SGW Florida are manufactured from recycled materials, turning your playground into an eco-friendly fun zone!

When To Install Shock Pads

While turf shock pads are best for playgrounds and athletic facilities, we recommend installing them in all high-traffic areas, including commercial lawns with high customer traffic. Underpadding provides additional support for synthetic grass products in high-traffic areas, supporting lawn flexibility, which helps your yard bounce back after each footstep.

Shock pads are best used under playground turf and sports courts, where they protect children from severe fall injuries. Parents can rest easy knowing their kids are safe while they run, jump, slide, and follow their imaginations.

Choose Advanced Pads for Optimal Safety

Thickness is the most important factor in choosing a shock pad for your landscape turf yard. The thicker the underpadding, the more effectively it will cushion falls and protect joints. To find the right underpadding, consider the most common use case of your landscape and your budget.

We recommend TigerPad, a versatile underpadding at a competitive price suitable for playground installation, athletic facilities, and high-traffic backyards. It’s manufactured from recycled materials to provide maximum safety without harming the environment. Alternatively, a Tiger Combiflex Grid provides fall protection alongside efficient drainage to prevent rain and puddles from creating slippery, unsafe surfaces.

Partner with a Trusted Distributor

Working with a synthetic grass distributor like SGW Florida gives homeowners access to the best products and accessories, including advanced shock pads. These landscape solutions are more affordable thanks to our vertical integration. Our customer support team can provide expert guidance to ensure you optimize your lawn for safety and durability. We can also connect you with reputable installers to guarantee a flawless, long-lasting finish!

If you want to create a child-safe playground or backyard in Florida, SGW Florida has you covered. We’ll deliver IPEMA-certified playground turf, underpadding, and installation tools directly to your address, saving you time and money. Call us today at 800.676.2154 or contact us online to find an SGW warehouse near you.