By using different materials it is possible to introduce different colours and textures to areas of hard surfacing thereby creating a softer more interesting environment. For instance modular paving in the form of blocks can be laid as part of a traditional or permeable paving construction in car parking and pedestrian areas with bituminous materials being used in the construction of roads and play/sports areas.
Sports surfaces can be coloured by the use of acrylic paint with the different sports areas being identified using different coloured lines.
For younger children thermoplastic screed or acrylic paint can be used to mark out a variety of play activities, like hop scotch, on to the surface.