Types of tartan playgrounds and their uses: Choose the right one for your needs

If you are looking for the best solution to equip safe and modern sports fields, tartan courts are the perfect choice. Tartan flooring is characterized by its high shock absorption and weather resistance, making it ideal for running tracks, school playgrounds, and sports clubs. With the increasing demand for installing tartan playgrounds in Egypt and Arab countries, it is important to recognize the advantages of this type of flooring, in this article, we provide you with a comprehensive guide about tartan sports fields, and how to choose the right floor according to your use and budget.

If you want to learn about other types of playgrounds, check out our previous article on ارضيات سوفت الاكريليك.

What are tartan courts?

Tartan playgrounds are a type of playground covered with a synthetic rubber coating known as “tartan,” a polyurethane-rubber composite that is both flexible and hard. Tartan is used to cover running tracks and athletics fields, and is sometimes used in multi-purpose playgrounds for children and schools.

Features of Tartan Stadiums

Tartan pitches are considered one of the most advanced and approved types of sports fields around the world, due to the technical and engineering features that make them the first choice for many schools, clubs, and universities. Here are the most prominent features of tartan floors:

• Shock absorbers
  The stretchy tartan material helps reduce the pressure of movement on the joints and knees, preventing players from injuries while running or jumping.
• Weather resistance
  Tartan’s flooring is designed to withstand various weather conditions such as rain and high temperatures, without being damaged or destroyed.
• Non-slippery and safe surface
  The sports tartan has a non-slip surface, which gives players high stability during movement and increases safety.
• Long lifespan
  Tartan pitches last for many years (ranging from. 15 to 8 years), maintaining their efficiency and quality when maintenance instructions are followed.
• Easy to clean and maintain
  Tartan playgrounds do not require complex maintenance, just regular cleaning to maintain their luster and performance.
• Suitable for all ages
  Tartan Rubber Playgrounds are suitable for children and adults, and can be used for running tracks, school playgrounds, and multi-purpose playgrounds.
• High athletic performance
  Tartan court surface provides moderate resistance that enhances athletic performance and minimizes physical strain on athletes.

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1. What is the difference between tartan and synthetic turf?

   Tartan fields are one of the best options when constructing sports fields, but sometimes some people may be confused in choosing between them and artificial turf, so we explain the differences between the two types of stadium floors:

   1. Composition:
      • Tartan is made of stretchy materials such as polyurethane, SBR, and EPDM, which is a flexible, non-slippery floor.
      • Artificial turf is made up of plastic fibers that mimic the look of natural grass.
   2. Common uses:
      • Tartan is used in running tracks, schoolyards, and athletics fields.
      • Artificial turf is used in soccer fields, team sports, and public parks.
   3. Sports performance:
      • Tartan provides excellent shock absorption, minimizing the risk of injuries.
      • Synthetic turf is suitable for team sports, but it is less efficient than tartan in protecting joints.
   4. Weather resistance:
      • Both types are weatherproof, but tartan is more resistant to heat and friction.
      • Grass needs regular care to ensure good water drainage and preserve the fibers.
   5. Maintenance and lifespan:
      •  15 years old and 8 tartans are easy to maintain and have a lifespan of between .
      •  Years depending on use10 to 5Synthetic turf requires regular cleaning and combing, and lasts from .
2.  Cost:
   • Tartans are usually more expensive to make, especially the professional types.
   • Synthetic turf is relatively less expensive and is an economical option for large stadiums.
3. The most suitable option:
   • The tartan is perfect for schools, academies, and running tracks.
   • Artificial turf is suitable for soccer fields, team games, and open parks.

Types of Tartan Playgrounds

Tartan flooring varies according to the installation method and technical specifications to suit different uses, whether for professionals, amateurs, or children. Here are the most prominent types of tartan pitches:

Spray Coat. Tartan Spray (1

Spray-type tartan is one of the most popular types of tartan flooring, especially in schools and small clubs, due to its economic cost and ease of installation, and here are the details of this type of tartan playground:

• Ingredients for Tartan Spray:
  1. ): Spread on the floor and serves as the base. SBRubber base layer (
  2. ): Used to stabilize the rubber layer. PU is a polyurethane adhesive (
  3. ): Sprayed on the surface and gives the floor its final color and slip and weather resistant properties. EPDM + PU Sprayed topcoat (
• Features of Tartan Spray:
  1. Lower cost compared to other tartan systems.
  2. Good resistance to sunlight and rain.
  3. A surface that is safe and suitable for children and students.
  4. Easy and quick to install, making it an ideal choice for school projects or community playgrounds.
  5. Multiple color options such as red, green, and blue.
• Disadvantages of Tartan Spray:
  1. Full PU has a shorter lifespan compared to advanced systems such as
  2. Mediocre athletic performance, not suitable for tournament or professional use.
  3. May be affected by high humidity or poor maintenance.

Sandwich System. Tartan Sandwich (2

The Sanwich Tartan System is a state-of-the-art system suitable for medium to heavy use pitches, with a multi-layered design that offers the perfect balance of flexibility and durability, making it ideal for clubs, sports academies, and large schools.

• Tartan Sandwich Ingredients:
  1. (SBRBasic rubber layer)
     It is spread on the floor and serves as a flexible base for shock absorption.
  2.  Polyurethane (PU) material
     It is used to bond layers and to add rigidity and endurance.
  3.  OverheadEPDM layer
     It consists of soft rubber granules that give the surface friction and slip resistance.
  4. Sealing Layer
     Seals the entire system and protects it from the environment.
• Tartan Sandwich Features:
  1. Spray has higher mathematical performance than economical systems such as
  2. Excellent shock absorption, minimizing musculoskeletal injuries.
  3. Highly resistant to friction and slippage, even with frequent use.
  4.  years).15 to 10Longer lifespan (ranging from
  5. ) If implemented to the exact specifications of the IAAF standards.

Full PU System. Full Tartan (3

Also known as the complete polyurethane system, it is used in international sports stadiums and professional running tracks, combining high performance, extreme durability, and precise technical specifications approved by international sports bodies.

• Ingredients for a complete tartan:
  1. PU Several layers of polyurethane (
     It is placed directly on the concrete or asphalt surface and is designed with the appropriate thickness for maximum shock absorption.
  2.  SurfaceEPDM layer
     Spread on the top layer to impart abrasion, slip and heat resistance properties.
  3. A final finishing layer
     To protect the floor from UV rays, chemicals, and constant friction.
• Full PU Tartan Features
  1. Superior athletic performance ideal for international tournaments and competitions.
  2.  (International Association of Athletics Federations) when implemented in accordance with IAAF standards.
  3. High durability for intensive and repeated use without loss of surface properties.
  4. Greater comfort for athletes and a significant reduction in the likelihood of injuries.
  5. Excellent resistance to UV rays and chemicals.
  6. A comfortable and safe surface for runners and kids alike.
• Full PU Tartan Disadvantages
  1. Highest cost among all tartan systems.
  2. It needs careful implementation by a specialized company to ensure that the expected performance is achieved.
  3. It requires a good structural base and excellent moisture management.

Pre-fabricated Rubber Roll. Pre-fabricated tartan (4

This type of tartan is known to come in the form of prefabricated rubber rolls or slabs, produced in the factory to exact specifications and then installed directly on site, without the need for molding or mixing in the field.

• Pre-tartan ingredients:
  1. ).SBR is a recycled rubber underlay (usually
  2. ), resistant to friction and weathering. EPDM is a top layer of high-quality rubber (usually
  3.  mm depending on the application).15 – 8 comes with a fixed thickness (ranging from
• Prefabricated tartan features:
  1. Easy and quick to install: Doesn’t require extensive preparation or complicated molding processes.
  2. Reduces operational costs: Ideal for projects with tight budgets.
  3. Suitable for small to medium spaces such as school playgrounds and playgrounds.
  4. Removable and re-installable in case of change or maintenance.
  5. Available in high quality and approved for some sports applications.
• Disadvantages of prefabricated tartans:
  1. Full PU has limited athletic performance compared to full molding systems such as
  2. Less flexible in terms of customization in terms of thickness and composition.
  3. Spacers between coils may affect the comfort of play if not installed accurately.
  4. Not suitable for Olympic or competitive high-performance stadiums.

Professional tartan floor installation steps

Installing a tartan sports floor is a delicate engineering process that requires specialized equipment and an experienced team to ensure the highest levels of performance and safety. Here are the basic steps to professionally install a tartan court:

1. Ground preparation (infrastructure)
   • Level the ground and remove any debris or obstacles.
   • Apply a flat and durable concrete or asphalt layer that can withstand the pressure of use.
   • Make sure there is a slight slope to drain rainwater.
2. Floor insulation against moisture
   Apply a layer of polyethylene insulation or moisture sealant to protect the tartan layers from long-term damage.
3. (SBR)
   • ) and spread it on the floor using special tools. PU with adhesive (SBR Rubber mixture
   • This layer is responsible for absorbing shocks and protecting players.
4. (EPDM)
   •  PU mixed with EPDM is sprayed or poured over the substrate.
   • …).Spray, Sandwich, Full PUThe implementation method varies depending on the type of system (
5. Finishing and paints
   • After the layers have dried, the surface is coated with a UV and weather resistant material.
   • Demarcate the lines of play by sport: Running, Basketball, Handball… using special paints.
6. Final Examination and Testing
   • The installation team conducts tests to check the cohesion of the layers, absorption level, and slip ratio.
   • Ensure that the technical specifications of the floor are met.
7. Final Project Delivery
   • Clean the stadium and remove any debris.
   • Deliver a ready-to-use floor with regular maintenance instructions.

 Tips When Creating Tartan Playgrounds10 Top Tips

1. Choose the right type of tartan:
   – Prefabricated) Different characteristics and price. Spray – Sandwich – Full PU Select the type of tartan floor based on the nature of the use (schools – clubs – running track – athletics). For each system (
2. Prepare the infrastructure properly:
   Make sure the concrete or asphalt floor is level, dry, and has a slight slope for drainage. Any defect in the foundation may negatively affect the performance of the playground later on.
3. Use high-quality raw materials:
   Choose materials from reliable companies, especially polyurethane (SBR and EPDM) and PU rubber, to ensure they can withstand use and weather.
4. Hire a specialized company:
   The implementation of tartan courts requires precise technical expertise, so make sure to hire a company with a strong track record and successful past experiences.
5. Pay attention to insulation and moisture:
   A good insulation layer should be placed between the floor and the substrate to prevent moisture infiltration, which may cause the floor to peel or deteriorate over time. 6
6. Adhere to the thickness of the layers:
   to ensure safety and mathematical efficiency. 15mm to 8mm Be sure to implement the recommended thicknesses depending on the type of application (from
7. Execute lines of play accurately:
   Use specialized paints that do not peel or fade, and adhere to the approved court sizes depending on the type of sport.
8. Regular maintenance after installation:
   Clean the floor regularly and keep an eye out for any cracks or damage. Regular maintenance extends the life of the pitch and maintains its performance.
9. Clearly define the uses of the playground:
   The tartan court is not recommended for sports with metal spiked shoes or heavy activities, to avoid damage to the surface layers. 10
10. Make sure there are guarantees:
    Get a written guarantee from the construction company covering the quality of materials and execution, with coverage for maintenance work within a specified period.