Shockdeck™️ for playgrounds
Finally, a shock absorbing ground cover that provides universal design without emitting microplastics into the environment, something that cannot be avoided with, for example, poured rubber or artificial turf.
ShockDeck™ consists of standard pressure treated pine wood decking combined with a special shock absorption.
ShockDeck™ is supplied by Rampline as a set of shock absorbers. The material for the decking boards themselves can be purchased at the nearest timber merchant.
The straightforward construction makes it easy to build, and playground equipment is mounted as usual to underlying concrete foundations.
wood – the material that was created with play in mind
Despite its solid surface, the wooden deck is a very pleasant and inviting material to play on. When children intuitively understand that it is safe to jump, run, and fall, they also dare to fully explore the world of play.
By constructing the play area at the same level as the surroundings, you get a wheelchair-friendly surface where everyone, including people with reduced mobility, can participate in the play.
the SUPER Shock Absorber
ShockDeck™ is designed with an innovative and efficient shock absorber made of natural rubber, along with an adjustable foot that simplifies installation.
Natural rubber is a material that withstands countless deformations and always returns to its original form.
ShockDeck™ is certified according to EN 1177:2018 for a fall height of up to 1.6 meters.
Meets future requirements
ShockDeck™ is developed to offer universal design with minimal environmental impact. The matrix below shows the comparison between ShockDeck™ and the most common types of ground covers used in playgrounds today.
| ShockDeck™ | Wet pour rubber/EPDM | Artificial grass | Fall sand | Wood chips | |
| Universal design | |||||
| Zero microplastics | |||||
| Sorted for recycling |
Features and Benefits
Environmental friendly
- Low greenhouse gas emissions
- No loss of microplastics
- Does not generate problematic waste
- Shock absorbers can be reused
- No use of glue or chemicals in construction
- Draining surface
Universal design
- ShockDeck™ has a solid surface suitable for various disabilities, including wheelchair users.
simple construction
- Quick to build, just following the instructions
- Predictable maintenance – easy to replace individual parts
- Efficient and straightforward inspection
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
ShockDeck™ is constructed from decking boards of standard Cu-treated pine. The dimensions of the boards should be 120×28 mm or 100×28 mm, with 48×30 mm joists.
Please note: The decking should only be constructed from pine wood. Thermally treated varieties, such as Kebony/Accoya, can not be used.
Harder wood species such as larch or oak are not to be used, nor composite materials.
Pressure-treated material not intended to be in contact with soil is usually considered acceptable from an environmental perspective.
ShockDeck™ is certified and approved for fall heights up to 160 cm according to EN 1177:2018. This allows for the use of most swings, slides, balance equipment, and similar, with the exception of certain higher climbing structures.
The manufacturer of the equipment specifies the fall height of the product.
The wooden surface itself is solid and lacks the surface elasticity associated with, for example, poured rubber, artificial turf, or fall sand. However, the wood material is lightweight and elastic, and the design that includes shock absorbers effectively absorbs the impact energy of falls.
Cu-impregnated pine is durable without maintenance. Unfinished pressure-treated wood will eventually lose its slightly green color and develop a natural gray hue, which many people prefer.
The main reason people often choose to surface treat the wood is for aesthetic purposes. Using a good oil or a water-based stain can delay graying. Regular maintenance helps reduce cracking and splintering of the surface. If you choose to use oil, make sure to select an oil with a high percentage of solids. The oil should also contain a fungicide.
The expected durability is 20-30 years when the material is used correctly.
For the solid decking to remain attractive and durable over time, avoid placing trees too close to the area. Moss and leaves can degrade the quality and contribute to making the surface slippery.
By resting the deck on a large number of dampers, the energy is distributed effectively without causing significant point load on the battens.
Note: Joists with large knots should be avoided. It is recommended to purchase an additional 15% of joists to sort out material with weaknesses. A joist with a large knot can also be reinforced with simple measures, as described in the construction instructions.
In the event of a fall, the deck can move vertically approximately 10 mm.
Rampline does not provide a warranty for the deck as a whole but does offer a warranty for the damper component made of natural rubber. Our warranty for natural rubber is 10 years. The damper component will maintain its damping quality and properties for a long time. In ShockDeck™, it is also protected from wear and sunlight, and it is highly likely to last many years beyond the warranty period.
See Rampline’s product warranties.
The deck has been tested with satisfactory shock absorbtion during falls, even when the deck is under some prior load.
No. ShockDeck™ must be installed on horizontal surfaces. Additionally, the deck is installed with a 2% slope in the direction of the deck boards for better drainage.
If a wooden deck becomes slippery, this is due to moss and algae on the surface. Shading trees and similar factors can contribute to this.
A slippery surface can be avoided with regular use, and it can also be washed away if necessary. Additionally, on a playground, some sand and gravel often end up on the deck, which helps prevent the surface from becoming slippery.
No. Equipment cannot be mounted directly on the wooden deck. The equipment is mounted underneath the deck and without any attachment to the wooden deck.
The deck is built with a clearance of approximately 5-8 mm around the equipment. Equipment should be mounted with any moving parts at or above the deck level.
A ShockDeck™ constructed according to the installation instructions will therefore not pose any risk of pinching.
Visit the product page to find prices, technical information, product sheets, downloadable files, and more. Here, you can also request a quote and place an order.
– Wood is alive and dynamic. Through testing, we have worked out how to harness the natural properties of wood and combine them with natural rubber, which we have extensive experience with in our other products.
The result is what many didn’t believe was possible: a fully functional and safe ground cover made of beautiful pine.
Vidar Skavland
Product Developer at Rampline
