Putting A Trampoline On Concrete: What You Should Know
If you’re unsure whether putting a trampoline on concrete is a good or bad idea, you’ll find this article to be a very insightful read!
Most people who consider putting a trampoline on concrete have limited space in their backyard or do not have any space to work with. And while trampolining is exciting, you probably want your loved ones to be safe while jumping. Not to mention protecting the structural integrity of your trampoline!
Below, we take a deep dive into whether you should set up your trampoline on concrete and how to do it correctly. We also share our best practices regarding trampoline surfaces.
Can You Put A Trampoline On Concrete?
Yes, you can put a trampoline on concrete.
But there are a few things you should keep in mind.
As you would imagine, concrete is harder than the surface on your lawn. This raises some concerns about putting a trampoline on concrete, such as the safety of jumpers and damage to the trampoline.
We recommend you do these three things when putting a trampoline on concrete:
- Use a soft rubber base
- Invest in a good ladder
- Ensure the safety net is in good working order
Use a Soft Rubber Base
When you put a trampoline on concrete, the jumpers will need a soft landing. A soft rubber base significantly minimizes the risk of injury for a trampoline on pavers and keeps your loved ones safe.
Using a soft rubber base also protects the trampoline from the stress of use on concrete. Due to the increased impact of the hard surface, trampolines tend to shift position during use and even break when used directly on concrete. This results in premature wear and tear–which may affect the validity of your manufacturer’s warranty.
Before purchasing a rubber mat, we recommend measuring the area underneath your trampoline to ensure all the legs will be well protected. The rubber mat needs to be heavy-duty and thick enough to absorb shock and withstand the heavy impact of regular use.
Invest in a Good Ladder
A ladder may seem like a minor detail in the grand scheme of things when using a trampoline, but it goes a long way in terms of safety. It will make falls when your kids are getting on or off the trampoline less likely, particularly for the younger ones.
Ensure Safety Net is in Good Working Condition
A faulty safety net could be hazardous when using a trampoline on concrete. Check your trampolines safety net regularly for maximum safety. Replace it when you realize it’s not in good working condition. If you can’t replace it immediately, temporarily suspend the use of the trampoline.
How Do You Hold A Trampoline Down On Concrete?
You can hold a trampoline down on concrete by using heavy objects such as railway sleepers or sandbags to weigh down the legs during windy weather. Alternatively, you can buy wedge anchors and use them to drill them to the ground using specialist equipment.
Although your trampoline may give in to extreme weather, detach from the legs, and get blown away, it should be good most of the time.
What Is The Best Surface To Put A Trampoline On?
Natural grass is the best surface to put a trampoline on. It is softer than most surfaces and will naturally help your trampoline absorb shock.
Put differently; natural grass does a better job of ensuring the safety and comfort of the jumpers while protecting your trampoline from premature damage.
Artificial grass is the next best alternative to natural grass when it comes to the best surface for putting a trampoline. In addition to being soft and efficient in shock absorption, it is also considerably easier to maintain than natural grass.
Keep in mind that putting a trampoline on a grass surface may damage the grass underneath the trampoline. We recommend moving your trampoline regularly to keep the grass under your trampoline from dying. Alternatively, you can maintain your grass’s lush state by strategic trampoline placement, sinking it to the ground, or using grass feed.
Does A Trampoline Have To Be Flat On Ground?
Yes, your trampoline has to be on flat ground. Having your trampoline flat on the ground will increase comfort during use and reduce the likelihood of injury to your loved ones. It will also protect the trampoline from premature and uneven wear.
Imagine all that could go wrong if you place your trampoline on an uneven surface or, worse still, on a slope. Slipping, falling, and tumbling are more likely to be the order of the day.
There is a real possibility that a jumper may land unevenly and sustain an injury when the trampoline isn’t flat on the ground. While this might only result in a minor injury such as a twisted ankle, it could also result in a serious injury.
Setting up your trampoline on uneven terrain makes the trampoline work harder to balance the uneven surface, resulting in premature wear. In the long term, some areas of the trampoline might end up holding more weight, creating unbalanced wear (suspensions tend to suffer the most).
Now, a shorter lifespan sounds bad enough. But, imagine your trampoline tipping over during use. Such an event is likely to cause more hazardous damages, right? That’s why you should put the trampoline flat on the ground and avoid sloppy surfaces.
Pro tip: Avoid using your trampoline on sloped ground.
Final Words
So, can you put a trampoline on concrete? Yes, for sure! However, putting your trampoline directly on the surface is not a good idea. As mentioned, a high-quality soft rubber base will go a long way in protecting your trampoline frame and warranty. It will also enhance the safety of your trampoline, which is essential.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has helped you learn everything you should know about setting up a trampoline on concrete. All the best in your bouncing!
