Artificial Grass Shock Pad Thickness Guide (Critical Fall Height & Safety Standards)

Choosing the right shock pad thickness isn’t about guesswork – it’s about Critical Fall Height (CFH) compliance, safety standards, and the environment your surface will be used in. At As Good As Grass, we install 25mm and 45mm shock pads tested to BS EN 1177:2018, ensuring every playground, sports pitch, and public space meets the right safety level.

📏 What Is Critical Fall Height (CFH)?

CFH is the maximum height a child (or adult) can fall from before a serious head injury is likely. Shock pads are tested to these levels under BS EN 1177:2018, the UK and EU benchmark for playground and sports safety flooring.

• 25mm pads – CFH protection up to 1.3m
• 45mm pads – CFH protection up to 2.5m

Choosing the right thickness ensures compliance – and prevents costly retrofits if inspectors flag a safety risk.

🟩 25mm Shock Pads – When They’re Enough

For most school playgrounds, MUGAs, and general sports areas, a 25mm pad strikes the perfect balance between safety and cost. Certified for falls up to 1.3m, it’s the standard choice that keeps projects compliant without overengineering.

• Perfect for school playgrounds with equipment under 1.3m
• Common in MUGAs and sports zones where protection and performance are balanced
• Often used in public and urban play areas with lower fall heights

25mm pads are the “go-to” for most projects – affordable, compliant, and durable.

🟥 45mm Shock Pads – For High Fall Zones

When equipment is taller and falls are riskier, 45mm pads become non-negotiable. Tested up to 2.5m, they provide the extra impact absorption needed for climbing frames, early years play areas, and SEN settings where safety is paramount.

• Required for climbing frames, early years equipment, and SEN settings
• Protects against falls up to 2.5m
• Recommended by inspectors for high-risk areas where safety cannot be compromised

Thicker pads add investment, but they are non-negotiable in areas with elevated equipment.

📊 25mm vs 45mm: Quick Comparison Table

Not sure which thickness you need? This simple table breaks down the CFH ratings, ideal uses, and compliance zones for each option – making it easy to match the pad to your project requirements.

⚖️ UK Safety Standards Explained

All AGAG shock pad systems are tested to BS EN 1177:2018, the European standard for impact-attenuating playground surfacing. Meeting CFH requirements isn’t just a box-tick – it’s what Ofsted, local councils, and funding bodies check before approving projects.

• Tested for impact absorption at different heights
• Certification ensures legal compliance for schools and councils
• Backed by AGAG’s 10-year turf guarantee and 3-year groundwork guarantee

❓ FAQs on Shock Pad Thickness

Still weighing up your options? Here are the most common questions we get about pad thickness, from mixing depths in one site to what happens if you under-spec your surface.

Can I mix 25mm and 45mm pads in one project?

Yes – we often install different depths in different fall zones, ensuring each area is compliant while keeping costs efficient.

What happens if I choose the wrong thickness?

If fall heights exceed pad certification, your surface won’t meet safety standards – inspectors can fail the area, and retrofitting costs more than getting it right first time.

Do thicker pads feel too spongy?

No – both 25mm and 45mm pads are engineered for stability as well as cushioning, so they stay firm underfoot while absorbing impact.

How long do shock pads last?

Typically 8–10 years, matching the lifespan of the artificial grass system above them.