ROOster RubbeR Playground Installation Checklist Instructions
- July 9, 2024
- ROOster RubbeR
Table of Contents
ROOster RubbeR Playground Installation Checklist
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer: Rooster Rubber
- Product Type : Playground Playset
- Material: Rubber, Plastic, Wood
- Dimensions: Varies based on chosen components
- Contact: 816-241-6400
Product Usage Instructions
Site Preparation
Before installation, ensure proper site preparation by following these
steps:
- Visit the Rooster Rubber website for downloadable manuals and ideas for play area borders.
- Calculate and order necessary materials such as rubber mulch, weed barrier, and borders in advance.
- Order and stage materials at the installation site a week before the installation date.
- Review the installation diagram with the installation lead to confirm the plan.
Installation – Site Prep
Follow these steps for site preparation:
- Layout borders according to the diagram using string and stakes.
- Tack down borders lightly to keep in position and allow weed barrier placement.
- Lay down weed barrier starting from the lowest part of the project area and secure it with sod staples.
- Overlap weed barrier strips and ensure a tight, smooth surface.
- Secure borders, leaving openings for equipment access.
Rubber Mulch Installation
There are two methods for rubber mulch installation:
- With lifting equipment: Follow manufacturer instructions for proper installation.
- With manual equipment: Ensure even distribution of mulch across the play area.
Materials Needed
- Weed barrier & staples (12.5′ and 15′ width rolls)
- Borders (Recycled plastic 4’x 8/12; Rubber timbers 6 x 92)
- Mats for swings, slides, monkey bars (4’x 6′; 3′ x 3′; 2′ x 3′)
- Installation and delivery services are available by contacting 816-241-6400
Site Drainage Tips
Ensure proper drainage with these tips:
- Maintain a 1-2% grade for sufficient drainage.
- Consider a French drain for larger sites.
You’ve purchased a beautiful and safe playset for your kids. Now for the installation. The Rooster has consolidated installation lessons learned over the years and summarized them below. Enjoy!
Site prep…
The month before
- Layout your playset footprint on grid paper according to the manufacturer’s diagram.
- Check the grade of your yard so the playset has good drainage (at least 2” per 10’).
- Orient the playset to avoid tree roots, retaining walls, in-ground sprinklers, and other hazards.
- Allow at least a 3’ buffer around the playset so the kids can navigate around the equipment.
- Avoid getting too close to fence gates or places that need to be maintained with a mower.
- Plan access to the site and allow for at least 6’ (gates, fences, landscape, neighbor property).
- Plan the type of surface for your play area (rubber mulch, wood mulch, grass, artificial turf). See https://www.roosterrubber.com/homeowners for downloadable manuals.
- Plan the type of borders for your play area (rubber timbers, plastic 8”, wood). See https://www.roosterrubber.com/borders for ideas.
- Call Rooster Rubber at 816-241-6400 for a quote on materials, installation, or both.
- Calculate the quantity of rubber mulch, weed barrier, and borders at the Rooster’s mulch calculator: https://www.roosterrubber.com/
- Order materials several weeks ahead of time so any special items can be acquired.
The week before installation
- Order and stage materials (borders, surfacing, weed barrier, etc.) at the site.
- Confirm the install date with the crew.
- Plan to be available so issues can be addressed promptly.
- Review the installation diagram with the installation lead, especially access to the site.
Installation – Site Prep
- Layout the borders according to your diagram (use string and stakes to keep a straight line).
- Tack down, but only enough to keep in position and allow the weed barrier to slide underneath.
Weed barrier
- Start on the lowest part of the project area and lay down the 1st strip of barrier.
- Secure strip to ground with 6” sod staples (3 per square yard, except seams, which are every 15”).
- Secure the first strip. Then overlap the next strip by 6” or so, like how roof shingles are arranged.
- IMPORTANT! Try to achieve the tightest, smoothest surface as possible (see attached picture).
- Extend the barrier underneath the borders.
Borders
- Secure the borders once the weed barrier is down.
- Leave an opening so you can maneuver wheelbarrows or other equipment inside the area.
Rubber mulch installation
With lifting equipment
- Lift the sack using the stirrups on the top.
- Position in an area where it can be raked out (1 sack per 214 sq ft – 4”; 285 sq ft – 3”).
- To open a sack, make 2 vertical slits – 1 on each of 2 sides. Then make a horizontal slit near the bottom on those same 2 sides.
- Warning: stand back about 3 feet from the sack when making the final cut. The mulch will exit under pressure.
- Rake out until level.
- Move borders back and secure to the ground.
- With a garden hose, spray the mulch down to wash paint dust off.
With manual equipment
- Slit sack open – stand back about 3’ so mulch has room to spill out.
- Shovel into a wheelbarrow and move to the project site.
- Rake out until level.
- Move borders back and secure to the ground.
- With a garden hose, spray the mulch down to wash paint dust off.
Materials needed
- Rubber mulch – Black, Brown, Redwood, Green, Blue
- Depth (3” for Residential, 6” Public, 2” Landscape)
- Weed barrier & staples (12.5’ and 15’ width rolls).
- Borders -protect your investment (Recycled plastic 4’x 8”/12”; Rubber timbers (6” x 92”; black, brown, red).
- Mats for swings, slides, monkey bars (4’x 6’; 3’ x 3’; 2’ x 3’).
- Installation (call 816-241-6400 for site visit).
- Delivery (you can pick up but let us deliver and save the wear and tear on you and the vehicle).
Site drainage tips
- 1-2% grade provides sufficient drainage.
- For larger sites, consider a French drain.
Examples of proper weed barrier installation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I install the playground playset alone?
- A: It is recommended to have assistance during installation to ensure safety and efficiency. Contact Rooster Rubber for installation services if needed.
- Q: How do I maintain the playground playset?
- A: Regularly inspect the playset for any damage or wear, and clean surfaces as needed, and replace any worn-out components promptly to ensure safety.
References
- Premium Rubber Mulch for Sale | Rooster Rubber
- Rubber Timbers, Rubber Borders, & Weed Barrier Fabric
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>