Colored Rubber Nugget Mulch

Rubber Nugget Mulch is made from recycled tire rubber and comes in several sizes and grades. Our colored rubber nugget grade rubber mulch ranges in size, from 3/8″ to 3/4″. The rubber particles have a roundish, irregular shape.

This material is commonly used as a safety surface in playgrounds. When used for this application, the black, raw rubber mulch receives additional processing to remove any excess fiber and all of the exposed metal.

While it is possible to use this product in its raw, uncolored black condition, it is not recommended when used in a playground environment. Black material gets very hot when exposed to the sun. In addition, exposure to the sun causes the rubber to oxidize. This creates a black power that can make a group of playful kids look like the have been playing in a coal mine. Most of our suppliers color the raw rubber with special, non-toxic pigments, that reduce the buildup of heat and protect against sun damage.

A four to six inch layer of rubber nugget mulch is recommended for playground applications. Most states require a minimum of six inches of coverage in any public play area, such as a park, school or regulated day care facility. In backyard playgrounds, a four inch layer is usually fine.

Playgrounds are not the only places where our colored nugget grade rubber mulch is commonly used. This product makes a great decorative mulch.

For landscaping applications, only about two inches of rubber mulch is sufficient for effective ground coverage. It controls weeds, reduces water usage, and keeps soil cool. Unlike wood chips or other organic mulches, rubber mulch does not decompose, meaning it won’t need to be replaced for many years.

Rubber nugget mulch also provides an excellent walking surface for paths and walkways, helping to reduce erosion and minimize dust. Other common uses include weed control around trees and shrubs.

Since delivery often constitutes a significant portion of the total cost, we collaborate with leading manufacturers across the U.S. and utilize regional suppliers whenever possible to keep shipping costs reasonable.

While most manufacturers produce similar quality products, not all offer a wide range of colors or have conducted the extensive product testing we prioritize—such as that from one of our preferred suppliers in Southern Michigan.

The downloadable technical information below comes from Cobalt’s documentation and is representative of many suppliers we use. However, individual manufacturers’ technical data and color selections may vary.