Introduction

Choosing the right ground cover for your playground or garden can be confusing. Should you use playground mulch or playground wood chips? What's the difference between wood mulch vs wood chips? This comprehensive guide compares all options, including bunnings bark chips, wood chip mulch, and specialty products like softfall mulch, to help you make the best choice.

Understanding the Basics

What Are Playground Wood Chips?

Playground wood chips are specifically engineered for safety, made from hardwood that's:

• Uniformly sized (usually 15-30mm)
• Free from sharp edges
• Tested for impact absorption

What Is Playground Mulch?

Mulch in playgrounds typically refers to softer, finer materials like:

• Hardwood chip mulch (partially decomposed)
• Wood shavings (softer underfoot)
• Engineered softfall mulch (certified for safety)

Key Differences: Wood Chips vs Mulch

Why Do Playgrounds Have Wood Chips?

Why do playgrounds have wood chips? Several reasons:

1. Safety - Meets fall height standards (ASTM F1292)
2. Drainage - Better than rubber or sand
3. Natural Look - Blends with outdoor environments
4. Cost-Effective - Compare woodchip bunnings prices vs other materials

Learn more : Wood shavings vs alternate choices

Where to Use Each Type

Best for Playgrounds:

• Playground bark (certified for safety)
• Playground wood chips (long-lasting)
• Engineered softfall mulch (premium option)

Best for Gardens:

• Wooden chips for garden paths
• Garden wood chips for decorative areas
• Wood chip mulch for plant beds

(For large projects, consider mulch blowing services from mega mulchers.)

Buying Guide

Where to Purchase:

• Bunnings bark chips for small projects
• Landscape supplies for bulk orders
• Specialty providers for certified playground mulch

Cost Comparison:

• Woodchip for sale prices: 30−30−60/m³
• Premium playground bark: 80−80−120/m³
• Hardwood chip mulch: 50−50−90/m³

Installation Tips

1. Prepare the Area
   • Remove existing grass/weeds
   • Install border edging
2. Proper Depth
   • Playgrounds: 30cm minimum
   • Gardens: 7-10cm
3. Maintenance
   • Rake weekly in high-traffic areas
   • Top up annually
   • For large spaces, consider mulch blowing

Read more: Garden mix vs Garden soil

Final Recommendation

For playgrounds, always choose certified playground wood chips or softfall mulch for safety. For gardens, wood chip mulch or bunnings bark chips offer great aesthetics and functionality.

Need help with installation? Professional mulch blowing services ensure perfect, even coverage for any project size.