Playground Repairs & Maintenance: Keeping Play Spaces Safe for Longer
- Absolute Play
- Nov 10
- 5 min read
Playgrounds are built to bring joy but keeping them safe and looking good takes a bit of love and attention. Over time, even the best equipment and surfaces start to wear down, and knowing when to repair, refresh, or replace can save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run.
At Absolute Play, we spend a lot of time bringing tired play areas back to life, so we’ve seen first-hand what works, what doesn’t, and when it’s time to stop patching and start planning something new.
Why Maintenance Matters
It’s easy to put off small jobs, but a little bit of regular maintenance goes a long way. Fixing things early keeps children safe, helps your playground last longer, and often costs a fraction of a bigger repair later.
Here’s what regular upkeep helps with:
Safety: Loose bolts, splintered timbers, or worn surfacing can quickly become hazards.
Compliance: Staying on top of maintenance helps keep you in line with safety standards like BS EN 1176/1177.
Looks: A tidy, well-kept play space is more inviting and shows you care about your community.
Value: Prevention is always cheaper than cure and it extends the life of your investment.
When Repairs Stop Being Worth It
Not everything can (or should) be fixed forever. Sometimes, ongoing repairs just don’t make financial sense anymore.
Here are a few signs it might be time to think about replacing equipment or surfaces instead:
You’re fixing the same bit every year and it keeps failing.
More than half of your surface or equipment needs attention.
The structure has hidden damage, like internal rot or corrosion.
Replacement parts aren’t available anymore.
The surfacing has degraded so much that patching won’t last.
And when it comes to timber equipment, it’s worth noting that once you start finding a few rotten timbers, it’s usually a sign that others won’t be far behind. Rot often develops in several places at similar rates, so you can end up in a cycle of ongoing replacements. At that point, a full renewal can often be more cost-effective and gives you a fresh start with modern materials and warranties.
As a rough guide, if the cost of repair is creeping up to around 60–70% of a full replacement, it’s usually time to look at a fresh start.
Surface Repairs: The Honest Truth About Wetpour
Wetpour surfacing is a brilliant choice for safety and accessibility — but it does need care as it ages. Over time, sunlight, weather, and heavy use can cause:
Shrinkage: Gaps form around the edges as the material contracts.
Lifting: Usually from movement in the base or poor drainage underneath.
Crumbling: The binder breaks down and loose granules start appearing.
You can repair these areas, and it’s definitely worth doing for safety reasons, but repairs don’t last forever. They also don’t always blend perfectly with the old surface, so you’ll usually notice where it’s been patched. A good-quality repair might give you another 2–5 years, depending on use and weather.
How to Make Wetpour Last Longer
Edge repairs: Keep edges sealed and tidy, open joints are where shrinkage spreads.
Overlay protection: If your wetpour is looking tired, overlaying it with artificial grass can be a great option. It instantly refreshes the look, stops UV damage, and locks down the edges.
Gentle cleaning: Avoid pressure washing, t can damage the binder. A soft brush and mild cleaner will do the trick.
Before and after a wetpour edge repair to extend the life span of this old surface.
Artificial Grass and Other Safety Surfaces
Artificial grass is great for brightening up older surfaces or creating a softer, natural look. It’s low-maintenance but still needs a bit of care to last.
Here’s what helps:
Regular brushing keeps the fibres upright and prevents flattening.
Check seams and edges now and then for movement.
Control moss and algae with safe, non-toxic cleaners.
Keep drains clear so water doesn’t build up underneath.
A well-installed artificial grass surface should last 10–15 years and keeps your play area looking clean and vibrant all year round.
Timber vs Steel vs Composite: What It Means for Maintenance
The material your playground is built from makes a big difference to how much upkeep it needs.
Timber Equipment
Pros:
Natural, beautiful look that blends perfectly with schools, parks, and rural settings.
Warm, tactile feel that encourages creative and imaginative play.
Our timbers don’t require regular treatment, making them easy to care for and naturally durable.
Cons:
Round timbers can develop splits and shakes, especially during hot, dry weather. These are natural features of wood expanding and contracting — not signs of failure — but they do need to be monitored and assessed during inspections.
As with any natural material, ground contact points should be checked regularly to ensure long-term stability.
Steel Equipment
Pros:
Exceptionally strong and hardwearing, making it ideal for public parks and high-use play areas.
Resistant to vandalism and weather, with modern coatings that protect against rust and corrosion.
Offers a very long lifespan — often 20 years or more — with minimal upkeep needed beyond occasional cleaning.
Works well in urban or contemporary settings, where a modern, structured aesthetic is preferred.
Cons:
Can feel colder and less natural than timber, especially in rural or woodland environments.
If coatings or paint are damaged, touch-up painting or re-powder coating is needed to prevent corrosion.
Over time, paint colours can fade under UV exposure and may need refreshing to maintain appearance.
Composite Equipment
Pros:
Combines the natural appearance of timber with the long-term durability of metal or recycled plastic.
Completely rot-proof, splinter-free, and UV-resistant, making it a low-maintenance and long-lasting option.
Ideal for schools and councils looking for a sustainable, future-proof solution with minimal ongoing costs.
Consistent in colour and texture, so it stays looking smart for years without the variation you get with natural wood.
Cons:
Higher initial cost compared to timber, although this is often offset by lower lifetime maintenance.
Limited recyclability at the end of its life, depending on the mix of materials used.
Can lack the natural warmth and organic feel of real timber in certain settings.
Each option has its place — the key is understanding what fits your site, your users, and your maintenance capacity.
Final Thoughts
A playground is one of the best investments you can make for your community — and with the right care, it can last for decades. Staying on top of small repairs, keeping surfaces clean, and knowing when to invest in replacement will save you money and stress in the long run.
At Absolute Play, we help schools, councils, and leisure facilities across the UK get the most out of their play spaces — from quick repairs and resurfacing to complete playground renewals.
If your play area’s starting to show its age, we’re happy to pop out, have a look, and give you honest advice on what’s best for your space — whether that’s a simple patch-up or a full refresh.
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