What are the best materials for school paving?

Discover the best materials for school paving  

With the long summer holiday fast approaching, many nurseries, schools, colleges and universities will have plans in place for upgrading or refurbishing buildings.  

Replacing school paving will be among planned projects and will include replacing old or installing new surfaces such as…       

• Footpaths
• Playgrounds
• School entrances
• Seating areas
• Cycle stores
• Access roads
• Car parks
• Sports/games courts.

When it comes to choosing school paving there’s a lot of things to consider including…       

• Is it accessible for wheelchairs, bicycles etc.?
• Does the surface require demarcation?
• Do you need to define different areas within a larger area?
• Is the paving environmentally friendly?
• Will the surface remain cool in the heat?
• Is there adequate drainage for the dispersal of surface water?
• Is it easy to maintain?
• How long will it last?  

And with the growing number of paving solutions to choose from, it’s not easy! Here we’ll briefly cover the most popular options…  

Artificial grass
Providing a realistic appearance without the mud, a soft cushioned base can be applied that provides protection from falls. You might be surprised to know that artificial grass is available in many colours, even pink!  

Asphalt and concrete
These are the most commonly known surfacing options. Historically they have been boring and functional, but over the years have adapted to customer demands. Both products are now widely available in a porous alternative and a choice of colours.  

Block paving
Usually made from moulded concrete blocks, clay bricks or natural stone, and available in a variety of shapes as well as a permeable option. While the choice of colours is not huge you can still create designs using complementary or contrasting colours.  

MUGA surfacing (Multi Use Games Area)
This is used for sporting and games areas and comes in various ‘Types’ suitable for different activities. MUGA is less coarse than asphalt and other surfacing, which means it won’t cause quite so much damage if you fall.  

Resin bonded
A non-permeable, single stone layer surface whereby a film of resin is applied and clean, dry aggregate scattered on top so it looks like loose gravel, but is stuck to the resin. Resin bonded (also known as ‘scatter coat’) is easy to lay over existing surfaces.  

Resin bound
This permeable system consists of stone and resin thoroughly mixed together and laid onto a stable surface. A resin bound paving system allows for the combination of different sizes and colours of stone and offers a wide variety of finishes. The final surface is permeable, durable, smooth and low maintenance. Its flexibility also makes it ideal for reproducing school logos into the surface.  

Rubber mulch
This type of surfacing is used a lot in muddy playgrounds and provides a natural look that complements timber activity trails and play equipment. Rubber mulch also helps to protect children from injuries and prevent excess mud being walked indoors.  

Wet pour
Requiring a hard base such as asphalt or concrete, wet pour is a non-porous surface option that is laid at a small gradient to facilitate efficient drainage. Wet pour is available in a range of colours and designs.  

Why are more and more local authorities choosing resin bound paving?      

• It’s an environmentally friendly, accessible, smooth, easy to maintain, hardwearing and UV stable option
• The range of colours and creativity that allow you to...
  ~Incorporate logos or key messages into your school paving
  ~Reflect the internal decor, externally
  ~Create areas that encourage students to be environmentally aware and creative    
• It allows previously un-usable (due to poor drainage) areas to be used again
• It can be laid over existing surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete to revitalise tired looking areas     
• Its versatility allows for the easy inclusion of ramps into any surface
• You can include existing trees into any design with tree pits       
• It can complement or contrast other materials around the school such as block paving, brick, paving slabs, decking, gravel, crazy paving, pattern-imprinted concrete, sand-stone and granite setts
• You can camouflage unsightly drains and manhole covers by replacing them with inset covers filled with resin bound paving.  

If you are interested in finding out about resin bound school paving or to download a brochure, maintenance guide or specifications on our website.  

If you have any questions please just contact us and we will be happy to help – call 0800 612 6501 or email us.