How to plan an indoor playground layout from your floor plan
A step-by-step method for turning a floor plan into an indoor playground layout: capacity, ceiling height, zones, sightlines and exits.
Short answer
In the United States, soft contained play equipment is usually specified to ASTM F1918 and trampoline courts to ASTM F2970; in Europe and many other markets buyers specify EN 1176 for equipment and EN 1177 for impact-absorbing surfacing. Your insurer and local authority decide which one is required, so confirm before ordering.
Key takeaways
- ASTM F1918 covers soft contained play equipment.
- EN 1176 covers playground equipment; EN 1177 covers surfacing.
- ASTM F2970 is the US standard for trampoline courts.
- Fire performance of foam and fabrics is tested separately.
“Is it certified?” is usually the first technical question a buyer asks, and the honest answer is always “certified to what, for which market?” Indoor playgrounds sit across several standards, and the right set depends on where the playground will operate and who insures it. Here is how the main ones fit together.
Which standards apply in the United States?
- ASTM F1918 — the safety performance specification for soft contained play equipment, the enclosed, padded multi-level structures found in malls, restaurants and family entertainment centres.
- ASTM F2970 — the standard practice for the design, manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, inspection and major modification of trampoline courts.
- ASTM F1487 — public-use outdoor playground equipment, relevant if you are also ordering outdoor structures.
Which standards apply in Europe and similar markets?
- EN 1176 — the European series for playground equipment, with general requirements in part 1 and additional parts for specific equipment types, including enclosed play equipment.
- EN 1177 — the method for determining impact attenuation of playground surfacing, which is how the critical fall height of mats and padding is set.
- EN 71 — toy safety. It is relevant for small loose items such as soft blocks, not for the structure itself.
Many markets in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America accept either EN or ASTM; some reference their own national standards that are based on them. Australia, for example, uses the AS 4685 series, which is closely aligned with EN 1176.
What about fire safety?
Foam padding, PVC covers and netting are tested for fire behaviour separately from the structural standards. Buyers in North America often ask for NFPA 701 results for textiles; European fire officers may ask for classification under the relevant EN fire tests. Ask for these early, because they can affect which foam and PVC grades are used.
How does a factory prove compliance?
A manufacturer can design to a standard, but compliance is shown by test reports from an independent laboratory such as TÜV or SGS, plus an inspection of the installed playground. Our equipment is designed to EN 1176 / EN 1177 or ASTM requirements according to the destination market, with TÜV and ASTM test documentation available for core product lines. On every project we confirm the target standard before drawing the layout, because fall heights, opening sizes and barrier heights change the design.
A quick checklist for buyers
- Ask your insurer which standard they require for the policy.
- Check whether your local authority requires a post-installation inspection.
- Request test reports for the equipment type you are buying, not just a general certificate.
- Ask for fire test results for foam, PVC and nets.
- Keep the installation drawings and maintenance manual for your inspector.
FAQ
Is CE marking enough for a commercial playground?
No. CE marking alone does not show that a playground structure meets EN 1176. Ask for EN 1176 and EN 1177 test reports for the equipment type you are buying.
Do trampoline parks follow the same standard as soft play?
No. In the US, trampoline courts follow ASTM F2970, while soft contained play follows ASTM F1918.
Who decides which standard I need?
Your insurer and local building or safety authority. Confirm with them before you finalise the design.
Published · Last reviewed . Standards and regulations change; confirm requirements with your local authority.
