Percussion Play outdoor musical instruments and musical play equipment are manufactured using carefully selected materials chosen for their sound quality, durability, weather resistance, appearance, sustainability, and suitability for long-term outdoor use. Depending on the instrument, materials may include stainless steel, aluminum, hardwood, GRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer), HPL (high-pressure laminate), HDPE, acrylic, LDPE, TPE/TPU, ABS, and PVC.
By selecting the most appropriate material for each instrument, we can create a wide range of sounds and playing experiences while ensuring our outdoor musical playground equipment can withstand the demands of schools, parks, visitor attractions, healthcare settings, libraries, camps, and other public spaces.
Why do we use different materials?
Different materials produce different sounds, tones, and playing characteristics. Some create bright, resonant notes, while others offer deep, warm sounds or distinctive percussive effects.
Our materials are chosen to balance:
- Acoustic performance
- Durability and longevity
- Weather resistance
- Appearance
- Sustainability
- Ease of maintenance
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials across the Percussion Play range. It offers excellent resistance to corrosion and weathering, making it ideal for public outdoor environments.
Benefits include:
- Outstanding durability
- Corrosion resistance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Long service life
- Recyclability
Stainless steel is used in many instruments and in supporting frames and structures, and is a key reason many Percussion Play installations continue to perform well for years in challenging outdoor locations.
Aluminum
Aluminum combines strength, durability, and excellent acoustic properties.
Benefits include:
- Lightweight yet strong
- Resistant to corrosion
- Highly recyclable
- Produces bright, clear tones
Many of our chimes, bells, and melodic instruments feature aluminum notes because of their excellent sound quality and long-term outdoor performance.
Hardwood
Selected instruments feature hardwood notes chosen for their natural beauty, strength, and tonal qualities.
Benefits include:
- Deep, resonant sound
- Attractive natural appearance
- Excellent weathering characteristics
- High durability
Hardwood instruments work particularly well in parks, nature trails, sensory gardens, memorial spaces, and landscape-led projects where a natural aesthetic is desired.
GRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer)
GRP is a strong composite material that delivers excellent performance in outdoor environments.
Benefits include:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Weather resistance
- Corrosion resistance
- Minimal maintenance requirements
- Long service life
GRP notes produce a fast, punchy sound and are used in several popular Percussion Play instruments.
HPL (High-Pressure Laminate)
HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) is an extremely durable material commonly used in outdoor environments where strength, weather resistance, and longevity are essential.
Benefits include:
- Excellent weather resistance
- High durability and impact resistance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Color stability and longevity
- Suitable for demanding outdoor environments
HPL components are selected where long-term performance and durability are particularly important.
Advanced Plastic Components
Percussion Play also uses a range of high-quality plastic materials, including HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), Acrylic, LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), and TPE/TPU components, where they provide specific performance, safety, or design advantages.
Benefits include:
- UV stability
- Excellent weather resistance
- Low maintenance requirements
- Durability in outdoor environments
- Resistance to fading, cracking, and moisture damage
These materials are carefully chosen to ensure long-term outdoor performance while maintaining the appearance and functionality of our musical play equipment.
ABS and PVC Components
ABS and PVC are used in selected products where their durability, impact resistance, and acoustic properties help optimize performance.
Benefits include:
- High impact strength
- Excellent durability
- Weather resistance
- Reliable acoustic performance
- Low maintenance requirements
These materials are commonly used in drum components, resonators, and specialist applications where strength and reliability are essential.
Built for Outdoor Environments
All Percussion Play outdoor musical instruments and musical play equipment are engineered specifically for outdoor use. The materials we select are intended to deliver years of reliable performance in environments ranging from school playgrounds and public parks to coastal locations, healthcare settings, libraries, camps, and visitor attractions.
With routine inspections and basic maintenance, many installations continue to perform and look excellent for years after installation.
Proudly Made in Britain
Percussion Play instruments are designed, manufactured, assembled, and tuned in Hampshire, England. Wherever possible, we source materials from within Great Britain, helping us maintain the high standards of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability that our customers expect.
To learn more about the durability and performance of our instruments, explore our case studies or visit our Sector Pages to see how outdoor musical instruments and musical play equipment are being used in schools, parks, healthcare settings, libraries, visitor attractions, inclusive playgrounds, camps, and senior living communities around the world.
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