Sand & mulch softfall — natural, low-cost, sensory-rich
Certified playground sand and mulch are the lowest-cost way to meet AS 4422 — a natural look and feel that's especially popular for early-childhood and sensory play.
Sand and certified playground mulch are loose-fill surfaces, installed at a compliant depth (typically 300mm or more) and compacted to meet AS 4422. They're the lowest-cost way to achieve compliant softfall, and both bring genuine play value of their own — sand especially is a favourite for sensory and early-childhood areas.
The trade-off is upkeep: loose-fill materials displace and compact with use, so depth needs checking regularly and topping up periodically to stay compliant. We'll size and specify the right material and depth for your equipment's fall height and expected traffic.
Sand & Mulch specifications
Sand & Mulch benefits
Lowest upfront cost
The most budget-friendly way to achieve compliant AS 4422 softfall across a large play area.
Genuine play value
Sand in particular adds real sensory and imaginative play value beyond just being a safety surface.
Natural look
Blends into garden and nature-play settings better than a synthetic or poured surface.
Simple to top up
Straightforward to replenish in sections as it settles, without resurfacing the whole area.
Sand & Mulch FAQs
How deep does sand or mulch need to be?
Typically 300mm or more, compacted — the exact depth is set by your equipment's critical fall height under AS 4422. We specify the right depth as part of your design.
How often does it need topping up?
It varies with traffic and weather, but loose-fill displaces and compacts over time, so we recommend checking depth regularly — often topping up yearly — to stay compliant.
Is playground sand different from normal sand?
Yes — it needs to be a certified playground-grade sand, graded and tested for compliant impact performance, not general building or beach sand.
Is mulch or sand better for a childcare centre?
Sand is popular for sensory and early-childhood play; mulch gives a more natural, garden-like look. Many centres use both in different zones.
Other surfacing options
Get sand & mulch specified for your project
Fixed-price quotes, matched to your equipment's fall height and certified to AS 4422 — supplied and installed Australia-wide.