Anyone got astroturf in their play area?

[Gingerbics]

If so, would you recommmend it? We're thinking of it as heard you can get soft, non-burn stuff specifically for play areas.

Looked at website asgoodasgrass.com which looks great but their customer service has terrible reviews.

Does anyone know of anywhere else they could recommend as the bark chippings we've currently got down are sharp and mucky!

Many thanks.

[figcake]

Oh dear, there was a product a bit like bouncy foam that I found when looking for a suitable ground cover for our climbing frame - it was manufactured in Greece and was not as naff as Astroturf - If I can think of the name, I'll get back to you

[Gingerbics]

Oooh sounds interesting figcake, let me know when you've had a rummage in your cerebral cabinet!

[migola]

watching with interest... considering doing this too

[howdidthishappenthen]

Yes, it's pretty good actually :-)

[Gingerbics]

ooh howdidthishappenthen please tell me more.

Where did you get yours from? Currently looking at a company called lazylawn.co.uk

[magnolia74]

We are looking into this too. Works out at nearly £1000 for our small bit of grass area though

[Gingerbics]

Ouch, that sounds expensive, we're waiting for our quote for a 16x18foot area.

Its just that woodchippings are quite sharp for crawlers and get all muddy and grotty, oh well, lets wait and see.

\which company did you get your quote from Magnolia and did that include all the underlay/sand and fitting?

[magnolia74]

It was from easigrass with installation etc...
If anyone finds a really good deal please put details here

[Gingerbics]

Just got our quote through £1,300 + Vat! and that was for the cheapest turf too.

May have to re-think, has anyone got any alternative floor covering than bark? Mats of anything else bump friendly?

[Trifle]

We've got astro and used asgoodasgrass who were utterly shite. It got done in the end but they were the stupidest thickest morons that ever walked this planet. You need to budget £50 per square metre. It's not cheap but by far without a shadow of a doubt the best decision we ever made. We've had it now 4 years and it still looks as good as before. The kids play tennis, basketball, football on it, ride on their bikes, scooters, pogo stick, you name it.

[Gingerbics]

Thanks trifle, will know to avoid them then. Good to hear a thumbs up for the actual turf though!
The company I got a quote from was called Lazylawn.
Enjoy the sunshine!

[MadameCastafiore]

Try rubber chippings - we are considering it for the trampoline area of our garden as astroturf cost soooo much and you can get lovely green tyre chippings - although you have to lay on top of a membrane to stop weeds coming through - DH is pissed we haven;t already got it done as his job this weekend is raking the bark chippings and pulling up weeds!

[Gingerbics]

Ooooh top tip MadamaCasta, where are you gonna get them from? I guess they're big enough so they don't blow away!

Just realised I measured our play area wrong so my quote for artificial grass is now going to be even more than the minimun of £1300 + VAT!!!!

How much are the chippings?

[LargeGlassofRed]

I had rubber chips at my old house they were fantastic, I got them from a place that sells them to horse arenas. They worked out cheaper than bark are made from recycled tyres, they were great and really soft for landing and little ones.

[Gingerbics]

Wow quick responses thanks!
Bluddy, have you had yours a while? What did you actually lay it on then, was it directly over soil or did you have to put a membrane down? Ooh another question, did you fit it yourselves (we're crap at that kind of thing so would need it fitted)??

Largeglassofred.... Did you put a membrane down and just put down the chippings then? Do they need any maintenence (the easier the better!)
Thanks!

[Gingerbics]

Cool Bluddy, yeah you're right, no point in getting posh expensive stuff if its just for the monkies to play on!

Will check out the website you suggested thanks!