Both rubber bark and wood bark are used to cover borders, beds, paths and play areas. They look similar at first glance, but they behave very differently once they’re down.

It lasts longer
Wood bark starts to break down the moment it’s exposed to rain, sun and foot traffic. It softens, shrinks and fades. Rubber bark holds its shape and colour over time. You put it down once, and it stays put. No rot, no mess, no repeat deliveries.

It keeps the surface cleaner
Walk through wood bark and you end up dragging bits through the house. Rubber bark stays where you spread it. It does not stick to shoes or blow across paths. There is no daily tidy-up. Just a surface that holds firm.

It handles water better
Rain passes straight through rubber bark. The surface stays dry, and there are no puddles or slippery patches. Wood bark soaks up water and holds it. That leads to damp corners, soggy patches and the odd smell if it sits too long.

It is softer and safer
Rubber bark is gentler underfoot. There are no splinters, no sharp chips and no bits that stick in paws or hands. For gardens used by children or pets, that makes a big difference.

It does not attract pests
Wood bark provides the kind of damp, sheltered space that insects love. Rubber does not. It does not rot, it does not break down and it does not create a home for unwanted visitors.

It comes in more colours
You get more choice with rubber bark. Grey, brown, red, green, blue. It gives you more control over the look of your space. Wood bark comes in brown. That’s it.

It costs less over time
Wood bark might be cheaper up front, but it needs replacing. Rubber bark lasts. You buy it once, and it stays down. No topping up every few months, no extra trips to the garden centre.

We'd love to send you a sample of our rubber surface products so you can compare the size and colours yourself. When you're ready, head over here to order a sample.

The terms often get used side by side, but rubber bark and rubber chippings are not quite the same. They’re made from the same material, but the shape, feel and best use can vary depending on where they’re going.

Rubber Bark
Rubber bark is shaped to look more like natural bark. The pieces are flatter, softer around the edges and slightly curved. It has a more decorative feel and sits well in garden beds, borders and landscaped areas.

Rubber Chippings
Rubber chippings are more uniform in shape. The pieces are chunkier and more compact, often used in places that get more wear. You’ll find them in riding arenas, gallops, dog runs and driveways. They provide firm footing, drain well and stay in place even with regular use.<

You can compare the cost of getting your rubber bark by taking some simple measurements of your area and entering them into our rubber bark calculator to get an estimate on the number of square metres and the cost required.