Mulchbond® Bonded Rubber Mulch Surfacing
Mulchbond® bonded rubber mulch is a natural-looking, highly durable safety surface designed to blend into outdoor environments while providing reliable impact absorption and year-round use. Manufactured from up to 90 percent recycled rubber, Mulchbond® recreates the appearance of wood bark chippings without the drawbacks of loose fill, making it a popular choice for schools, parks, play areas and landscaping projects across the UK.
Abacus installs Mulchbond® surfaces nationwide, offering fast installation, long-lasting performance and fully compliant impact protection for a range of playground environments. Request a free site survey to begin planning your project.
What Makes Abacus a Leading Provider
- EN1177 certified impact-absorbing safety surfacing
- Installed across schools, parks, woodland paths and recreational areas
- Natural bark-effect finish that blends with outdoor settings
- Fully porous system for year-round drainage
- No loose material, no topping up and no raking required
- UK-wide installation teams
- Eco-friendly system made using recycled materials
- Free site surveys and guidance on fall-height compliance
Speak with our team for a tailored quote or site visit.
Certified and Compliant
This surface has been fully tested to EN1177 (2008) for critical fall height by Labosport UK – report numbers LSUKD.13-0331 and LSUKD.13-0807.
What Is Mulchbond® Bonded Rubber Mulch?
Mulchbond® is an in-situ safety surface created from coloured rubber fibres that mimic the appearance and texture of natural bark. Unlike loose bark or woodchip, bonded mulch is mixed with a specialist binder and laid as a continuous surface, offering strength, stability and consistent impact absorption.
Benefits include:
- Natural, woodland-style finish
- Seamless and slip-resistant surface
- Fast-draining and fully porous
- Suitable for high-traffic areas
- Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
- No migration of loose materials
It is ideal for playgrounds, forest schools, pathways and landscaped areas where a softer, natural aesthetic is preferred.
How Mulchbond® Rubber Mulch Is Made
Mulchbond® is produced by encapsulating recycled tyre rubber in a durable polyurethane coating that is pigmented using light-stable, non-toxic colourants. Once cured, both the rubber and pigments are completely inert.
Mulchbond® is manufactured in two forms for different applications:
- Shredded rubber fibres for loose fill
- Bonded rubber bark for in-situ surfacing
- Key manufacturing benefits:
- Coated fibres achieve excellent tensile strength when mixed with the final binder
- Lower density than many virgin rubber products, improving spread rates
- Lower material usage per square metre, helping reduce project costs
- Environmentally friendly, using high percentages of recycled material
How Mulchbond® Is Installed
One of the main advantages of bonded rubber mulch is its ability to be installed directly onto existing grass, soil or a prepared base, reducing costs compared with other safety surfacing systems.
Typical installation steps include:
- Site inspection and preparation
- Laying on grass, soil or a compacted stone base
- Mixing mulch fibres with specialist binder
- Spreading and hand-finishing the surface
- Curing period before use
Insert technical installation details here.
Mulchbond® is especially useful for uneven ground and natural play spaces where a flexible, organic look is required.
Fall Height Compliance
Mulchbond® bonded rubber mulch is fully tested to EN1177 for impact absorption. It is suitable for a range of playground equipment heights, depending on the depth selected during installation.
Our team can advise on the correct depth and base requirements for your equipment.
Why Choose Rubber Mulch Surfacing?
Common reasons include:
- Can be installed directly onto grass
- More natural appearance than wet pour or other safety surfaces
- Excellent drainage with no standing water
- No maintenance and no loose materials
- Eco-friendly, using recycled rubber
- Durable and long-lasting even in shaded areas
Mulchbond® is particularly popular for woodland play areas, nature-themed playgrounds and rural community spaces.
Fall Height Compliance
Mulchbond® bonded rubber mulch is fully tested to EN1177 for impact absorption. It is suitable for a range of playground equipment heights, depending on the depth selected during installation.
Our team can advise on the correct depth and base requirements for your equipment.
Rubber Mulch Colour Options
Mulchbond® is available in a variety of single colours, blends and natural tones to suit different outdoor environments.
Available options include:
3 Colour Blend
2 Colour Blend
Spring Green
Acorn Brown
Earth Brown
Forest Green
Harvest Beige
Mahogany Red
Please note that colours may vary slightly depending on screen and pigment variation.
Where Bonded Rubber Mulch Can Be Installed
Mulchbond® is suitable for a wide range of projects, including:
- Primary and secondary school playgrounds
- Nurseries and early years play areas
- Public parks and council play spaces
- Woodland trails and natural pathways
- Outdoor fitness zones
- Community gardens
- Seating areas and picnic zones
- Landscaping schemes requiring a natural appearance
Visit our Rubber Mulch Gallery to view recent installations.
Mulchbond® Technical Specifications
Technical data sheets can be provided on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bonded rubber mulch be installed directly onto grass?
Yes. This is one of its biggest advantages compared with other safety surfaces.
Is Mulchbond® suitable for high-traffic playgrounds?
Yes. It is strong, stable and designed for busy public use.
How long does bonded mulch last?
With correct installation, the surface can last many years with minimal maintenance.
Does the mulch fade over time?
Colours are light-stable, but minor fading may occur naturally over long periods.
Can bonded mulch be repaired?
Yes. Localised patch repairs can be carried out if required.
Is rubber mulch environmentally friendly?
It contains up to 90 percent recycled rubber, making it a sustainable alternative to virgin materials.
Do you install across the UK?
Yes. Our teams cover England, Scotland and Wales.
Request a Free Mulchbond® Quote
If you are planning a playground, natural play area or woodland-style recreational space, contact our team for a free site survey and tailored specification advice.