Climbing frame - what do you have under it

[YoHoHoandabottleofWine]

If you have a climbing frame in the garden what do you have under it on the ground?

I had assumed it would be recommended that there is some kind of safety surface (play bark or rubber chips or similar) but when I contacted the company who are supplying it to ask what they recommend, they said just grass, and they can advise on grass maintenance (I assume best not to let it get too hard!).

The DCs are 3 and 4, and all the neighbours kids will be on there too no doubt (similar ages) - if they were aged 8 and 10 I wouldn't be concerned.

It is a proper wooden climbing frame/swing set.

Thanks!

There's just grass under ours.

Grass!

Grass! And a sand pit for playing in.

Grass.

I got those rubber grid mats that you put on top of the grass and then the grass grows through as normal, so you can't even see them

Hard compacted earth...soon to be lovely new turf

QTPie - No we are installing it, it is supposed to be put up-able by normal people (well, DH and I are not DIY-competent so a handy guy who is putting up our shed). I did contact them to get a quote for them to put it up.

It is from climbingframesuk.com. We also moved to a new house, it was our bribery to persuade the DC that moving was a good idea.

Glad to hear it is the cheaper option so far!

Flywheel, I've now found those rubber mats - they look good actually, much cheaper and easier than a whole load of play bark or similar. Our grass is pretty poor condition so it might prevent it from becoming a mudbatch.

QTpie - good luck with hedge removal! I will report back once climbing frame is up, hopefully it will be this weekend.

We have the rubber mats too, the grass has just about grown through them. We have them at the bottom of the slide and under the swings - seems to work.

hi just to report back that climbing frame has been up a few weeks and is great. The DCs (age 3 and 4) can enjoy it now and there is enough that will keep them using it (I hope!) for a good few years. Neighbours kids love it too.

We got the safety mats, and the grass grew through within a week. I was surprised to find I can cut the grass too! It now looks like slightly more lush grass under the swings, due to the black underneath. Doing what it is supposed to do, and easier than other options.