What better idea could possibly exist than converting these same old spent rubber tires into a surfacing product to protect our children playing on our playgrounds! A safe rubber playground surface!

The EMC Kid Kushion Tile uses two and a half truck tires for every tile made, and the scrap steel used in those tires goes to a steel recycler as well! Think of that next time you place an order for Kid Kushion tile…

• Kid Kushion rubber playground products contain no hazardous materials - our paint and binders are lead-free, and all the crumb rubber used is 100% recycled rubber from California. Our EPDM particles used for the top ¼" of the special "speckled" colors are virgin rubber and they allow the use of bright colors which recycled rubber does not.

• All Kid Kushion Playground Tiles are 24"x 24" square, designed to provide impact attenuation while providing drainage during inclement weather. Kid Kushion Tiles can be produced with a UL Class A or Class B fire rating, if required. Transition pieces, or "Ramps," are also available in the different thicknesses along with specifically molded inside and outside corner pieces.

• Because the rubber Kid Kushion Playground Tile system provides a level and resilient surface, it also provides wheelchair accessibility with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliant Ramp (24"x 27") that has a 1:12 slope, which exceeds the ADA minimum 1:16 grade slope.

• Kid Kushion Tile meets the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commissions (CPSC) Standard for Impact Attenuation Under and Around Playground Equipment ( ASTM F1292-04 Compliant ), and became the first playground rubber-surfacing manufacturer to have its products certified by IPEMA (International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association). 

1) Select the appropriate Thickness: (Click here to see detailed specifications) The 2 ½" thickness is used most frequently, both indoors and outdoors. When installed over concrete or asphalt, it has a drop height rating of 6 ft.; the 3-½" thickness is used for an 8 ft. drop-height over concrete, and the 3 ¾" thickness is used for a 10 ft. drop-height.

             2) Select your Color: (Click here to see detailed color swatches) Black is the least expensive as no paint is added to the rubber's natural color, and it involves one less step in the manufacturing process.

• Standard Solid Colors: Azure (blue), Gris (charcoal gray), Terra Cotta (burnt red), and Verde (bright green). These four colors have been carefully selected through various tests in terms of durability & longevity. All colored rubber will eventually fade, and these colors have been selected because they withstand the effects of UV sunshine the best. (See Color Chart)

EPDM Colors: "Speckled" patterns, most frequently using the brighter colors of the universe. Bright colors do not work well with recycled rubber; hence EPDM particles (virgin rubber) are used on the top layer only (the balance of the tile is made of the 100% recycled rubber as are the rest of our products).

"Standard" EPDM colors we carry are the "Confetti" (Red, Blue & Yellow), and the "Starburst" (Blue, Grey & Yellow). Many beautiful combinations have been made using the rubber EPDM particles - simply choose your own spectrum and place a special order!

3) Select your method of installation:

               The preferred sub-surface for a Kid Kushion rubber playground surface is concrete or asphalt, but it is acceptable to install our product on top of compacted dirt or crushed rock. Professional compacting, finished off with a geo-textile, is strongly recommended. The idea is to have a stable, solid, flat surface with a grade to allow heavy rainfall (water) to drain away from the surface area. You do not want water to puddle beneath the surface for extended periods of time. Dips will form over time and will comprimise the effectiveness of the cushioning and the overall appearance of the surface will not be as pleasing.
                  a) Adhesive: Permanent! Our single-component adhesive works especially well with our product because the same bonding agent present in this adhesive is used in the Kid Kushion tile itself. It will not ever give out - of course, you won't be able to remove the tile intact either once you've glued it in place… This is the most economical manner of installing our tiles, and of course most theft-proof.
                  b) Aluminum Metal Clips: Must be used over dirt and any surface that is not permanent or completely smooth. The best advantage to the clips is that if you choose to remove your Kid Kushion Playground Tiles from its current location you can; then move them to be installed at a new address. Also, it makes maintenance easier. Often times one particular spot on a tile will take a continuous pounding by children's' feet (i.e. bottom of a slide, a spot where kids scuff the surface as they "step up" onto a structure). This tile will wear out much earlier than any of the other tiles, and you'll want to replace that one tile. With the clip system, it is much easier to do.
                  c) Combination of Adhesive & Clips: Often, the Aluminum Metal Clips are used to hold all the Center Tile pieces together while the entire perimeter is installed using the adhesive with both one row of Center Tile, and the "Ramps" (perimeter pieces).  The result is a surface that is locked together and "sealed" tight by a glued down perimeter.

Hands on:
Difficulty level is in the intermediate category. 
Adhesive may be applied to the base (optional) or installation may be accomplished by clips.

A "step-&-repeat" system is suggested to stagger the seams as if you were laying brick-work". This provides for a superior finish and attractive look and allows the entire surface of the flooring to act as a unified interlocking system.

A utility knife or jig saw can used for cutting irregular shapes. To make your cuts accurately, measure twice, cut once. Paper patterns are suggested for unusual shapes. A table saw with a medium toothed blade is easiest for straight cuts. A trowel or paintbrush is needed for gluing purposes. The glue is thick.

This flooring can be used as a free floating system if you use the clips.

You may install Kids Kushion rubber playground pavers directly over concrete, asphalt or wood and related solid substrates. If you install over a loose surface such as crushed stones or recycled concrete, we strongly suggest compaction and an intermediate layer of landscaping mesh or geo-textile fabric for stability.

Ramps are available for all thicknesses. The ramps have no connectors and are normally glued to the the ground. If clips are preferred for a totally portable installation, a slot must be cut in the edge ramp for the clip connection. The ADA Compliant Ramps make wheelchair access very easy.

**Detailed installation and ground preparation instruction. Click HERE!

Kids Kushion rubber pavers do not harbor foreign objects, such as glass and dirt, and do not attract nesting insects, dogs and cats, a problem commonly found with loose filled materials. There are no retaining edges needed and is easily accessible to the handicapped. The pavers are also water permeable and drains water away from the surface. It is easy to install and is fully warranted.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS 

       For Outdoor applications:

1. Easiest method is to simply use a hose (with nozzle) across the surface. 
2. For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning soap, and with a soft bristle brush scrub the affected area. 
3. With clean water, thoroughly rinse any area covered with soap residue.
4. Other option: use a commercial sized vacuum cleaner to remove loose particles from the seams. 

      For Indoor applications:

1.Easiest method is to use a strong (commercial) vacuum cleaner to remove loose particles from the seams and general surface. 
2.Using a damp mop (dipped in mild cleaning soap & water), run mop across surface until dirt is removed. 
3.For stubborn stains, use a mild cleaning soap, and with a soft bristle brush scrub the affected area. 
4.With clean water, thoroughly rinse any area covered with soap residue. 

Recommended Long-term Maintenance:

1. Keep area free of unnecessary debris that could "scar" or damage your rubber surface. 
2. Give your playground surface area a thorough hosing-down at a minimum of once per month. 
3. Keep seams free of loose debris; loose pebbles can accumulate and potentially cause harm to children. 
4. Ensure your Kid Kushion Playground Surfacing Mat system has a proper drainage system. Your substrate should have a slope which guides and prevents water from accumulating beneath your mats for any length of time.