Playground EWF Requirements: A Complete Guide for Administrators

As a school district administrator or municipality operations director, making sure your playgrounds are a safe place for kids is always a top priority. Arguably one of the most important elements of playground safety is the playground surfacing material. Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) stands out as one of the best playground surfacing options. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about playground EWF requirements so you can make informed decisions for your playground surfaces.

What is EWF?

Engineered wood fiber (EWF) certified mulch is a popular loose fill material made from the interior wood of the trees, not the bark. It is ground into small pieces that are no more than 2 inches long. This process helps prevent splinters and sharp edges.

Unlike regular wood chips that you’d put around your landscaping, EWF is processed to meet stringent safety and accessibility standards to ensure playgrounds are safe and accessible to all kids.

To be certified, engineered wood fiber (EWF) must meet or exceed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International requirements as well as the US Consumer and Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines.

The playground mulch also needs to be placed at the right depth to cushion falls and minimize injuries. When placed correctly, EWF wood mulch will also help make your playground surface wheelchair accessible, meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Why Choose EWF Certified Mulch Over Other Playground Surfacing Materials?

Although there are several popular playground surfacing options, here are six reasons why engineered wood fiber playground mulch tops our recommendation list:

1. Safety: EWF’s shock-absorbing properties make it a safe playground surfacing option. It significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries from falls when placed at the correct depth and given ongoing maintenance to maintain that depth.
2. Absorbency: Since wood soaks up water, EWF certified mulch can help prevent flooding and get kids back to playing sooner after a rainy day. 
3. Affordability: Compared to other playground surfacing options, like rubber tiles or poured-in-place surfaces, EWF is the most cost-effective both in terms of initial placement and long-term maintenance.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: EWF playground mulch blends naturally with outdoor environments, making it a visually appealing and inviting play area.
5. Sustainability: Engineered wood fiber mulch is an environmentally responsible choice because it is often made from recycled wood. Since EWF will decompose naturally over time, enriching the soil and plants in the surrounding environment, it is a much better choice for the environment than rubber playground surfacing options. Rubber tiles and rubber mulch release chemicals and toxins into the soil and air. Their environmental impact remains even years after the material has been removed.
6. ADA Compliance: When properly installed and maintained, EWF playground mulch meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements, making the playground wheelchair accessible.

How Deep Should EWF Mulch Be For Safety?

Although choosing a safe playground surfacing material is a big piece of meeting EWF safety requirements, the depth of the mulch throughout the playground space is just as important.

You want the playground mulch to be deep enough to absorb impact and reduce the risk of life-threatening injury. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the appropriate depth of EWF certified mulch depends on the fall height of playground equipment. For example, at the time this guide was created the EWF guidelines were:

• 6 inch deep mulch is suitable for equipment with a fall height of less than 10 feet.
• 8 inch deep mulch is suitable for equipment with a fall height of 10 feet.
• 10 inch deep mulch is suitable for equipment with a fall height of up to 12 feet.
• 12 inch deep mulch is suitable for equipment with a fall height of up to 14 feet.

Please do your due diligence and double check these depth recommendations with your EWF manufacturer before installation.

It’s also important to note that the wood mulch will settle about 2 inches after placement. If you have a fresh layer of mulch, you’ll want it to be placed 2 inches deeper than the required depth to stay in compliance after settling has occurred.

This is just one of the many reasons why working with a professional is always a better choice for your playground surfacing placement. A professional will ensure you have the right depth under your play equipment to meet industry safety standards.

How Often Does Engineered Wood Fiber Mulch Need to be Replenished?

While EWF is durable and typically lasts 2-3 years before completely breaking down, it does require regular maintenance to maintain the correct depth.

Weather conditions, usage frequency, and the age of the mulch will all impact how often your playground mulch needs to be replenished or topped off. Here are some general guidelines:

• High-Traffic Areas: In areas where children frequently play, such as under swings or slides, EWF may need to be replenished more often—potentially every 6-12 months.
• Low-Traffic Areas: In less frequently used areas, EWF may last longer, up to 12-18 months without needing to be topped off.
• Seasonal Checks: You should conduct thorough inspections after severe weather events or seasonal changes to look at the condition of the playground mulch. Make sure you don’t need any additional surface material to maintain the required mulch depth.
• Yearly Replenishment: To ensure you are meeting industry safety standards, we recommend all playground surfaces be replenished by a professional at least every 12 months.

Keep Your Playground Mulch in Good Shape

Understanding playground EWF requirements is essential for anyone involved in the design, maintenance, and management of public playgrounds and playground equipment. 

Engineered wood fiber (EWF) playground mulch is a versatile, safe, and sustainable surfacing option that provides a natural look and meets all industry safety standards when placed correctly.

By maintaining the recommended depth of your EWF mulch, and regularly replenishing the surface material, you can create a safe and inviting playground environment that benefits children and communities alike.

If you are in the Midwest and looking for the fastest, most efficient way to place engineered wood fiber EWF playground mulch in your public playgrounds or school district, contact Superior Groundcover today for an estimate. 

We can cover a playground surface much faster than a team could by hand, using our advanced blower trucks and expert team. There will be less mess and less stress when you partner with Superior Groundcover for your playground surfacing materials and placement.