When it comes to designing or upgrading a sports facility, safety surfacing should never be an afterthought. It is the foundation, quite literally, that protects athletes, enhances performance, and ensures your facility complies with essential safety and accessibility standards.
At Poly UP, we specialise in installing high-performance sports surfaces for schools, sports clubs, universities, and public recreational spaces. The right surface not only looks professional but also improves safety, reduces maintenance needs, and ensures your site meets the increasing demands of users, insurers, and regulators alike.
However, with a myriad of materials available on the market—such as rubber crumb, EPDM, resin-bound, and 4G turf – how do you select the best option?
Key Considerations When Choosing a Sports Surface
1. Facility Usage
Consider what sports or activities your facility will support. Football pitches benefit from artificial turf with excellent ball roll properties. Multi-use games areas (MUGAs) require versatility. Play areas must prioritise impact absorption and safety.
2. Footfall and Wear
High-traffic environments such as school playgrounds or public parks demand additional durability. Selecting a material with established wear resistance and low-maintenance performance is essential.
3. All-Weather Use
The UK climate necessitates that your sports surface remains resilient throughout the year. 4G synthetic turf and resin-bound systems provide excellent drainage and usability across all seasons, making them perfect choices for year-round use.
4. Safety & Compliance
Your sports facility surface must meet British standards for critical fall height (CFH), slip resistance, and fire safety. At Poly UP, we ensure that our installations comply with BS EN 1177 and BS EN 7188, giving you peace of mind that your facility meets all safety and regulatory requirements.
5. Aesthetic & Branding
Surfaces can also enhance your site’s appearance. Coloured EPDM layouts or resin-bound pathways can coordinate with brand colours, school emblems, or zoning requirements, giving your facility a professional and visually appealing finish.
Tailored Solutions from Poly UP
No two sites are identical. This is why our team collaborates closely with clients – from initial site visits and specification advice to installation and aftercare. We help you weigh factors like lifespan, appearance, maintenance, and safety performance to reach a solution that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Are you ready to upgrade the surface of your facility? Contact Poly UP for a no-obligation consultation and site assessment. Whether you’re managing a school, sports club, or commercial venue, we’ll help you establish a safer, stronger foundation for performance.