Types of playground slides fall into a few clear families: embankment slides that follow a hill, tunnel and spiral slides that save space on a tall deck, curved slides that bend around a structure, and custom slides built for one site. This guide walks through each type in the Landrec lineup, what it is best for, and which materials it comes in.

Black Friday playground slide deals: from November 1 to December 1, 2026, every slide in this guide is 10% off the unit price. See the Black Friday playground slide deals.

Embankment Slides

An embankment slide is set into a hillside or berm and follows the grade of the slope. Because the hill does the lifting, there is no tall ladder or tower, and the slide sits low in the landscape. Embankment slides suit parks, campuses and backyards with a natural slope or a built-up mound.

Open Embankment Slide

The open embankment slide is the classic hillside slide. It comes in commercial plastic or stainless steel, with a wide bed or a half-round bed, for 6, 8, 10, 11 and 12 ft heights.

Wide Flat Bed Slide

The wide flat bed slide is a 42 in wide stainless steel embankment slide for an 8 ft deck. The flat bed gives two riders room to go down side by side. For a wider bed with an integrated transfer station, see the Dual Summit Embankment Slide.

Tunnel Embankment Slide

A tunnel embankment slide is fully enclosed as it runs down the hill, which adds a moment of surprise for riders. It comes in commercial plastic or stainless steel.

Spiral Tunnel Slides

Spiral Tunnel Slide

A spiral tunnel slide wraps around itself, so a tall deck can have a long ride on a small footprint. It is a common choice for play towers, indoor atriums and multi-level structures. Landrec spiral tunnel slides come in commercial plastic or stainless steel. For more detail, read our spiral tunnel slide specification guide.

Curved Slides

Curved Stainless Steel Slide and Curved Commercial Plastic Slide

A curved slide turns partway down, which lets it fit around other play equipment, trees or paths. Curved slides come open or as a tunnel, in stainless steel or commercial plastic.

Custom Slides

Custom Tunnel Slide and Custom Open Slide

When a standard slide does not fit the site, a custom slide is designed around it: the deck height, the run, the turns and the exit. Landrec custom slides reach deck heights of 50 ft and higher. See more on our custom slides page and in our custom slide design guide.

Commercial Plastic or Stainless Steel?

Most Landrec slide types come in two materials. Commercial plastic (polyethylene) has a 15 to 20 year life. 304 stainless steel has a 75+ year life and a clean architectural look. For a side-by-side comparison, read Stainless Steel vs. Plastic Playground Slides: How to Choose.

How to Choose a Playground Slide Type

• You have a hill or berm: start with an open embankment slide, a wide flat bed slide or a tunnel embankment slide.
• You have a tall deck and little space: look at a spiral tunnel slide.
• You need to turn around something: choose a curved slide.
• Your site is one of a kind: ask about a custom tunnel or custom open slide.

Save During Black Friday

Every slide type in this guide is part of our Black Friday playground slide deals: 10% off the unit price on quotes requested November 1 to December 1, 2026. Request a quote or call (888) 857-2001.