You can set your trampoline up with nothing underneath, which leads to a lot of wasted space, which is why you need an under-trampoline solution. There are plenty of options so you can fit a trampoline in any yard.
However, some solutions are superior for falls or allow you to utilize the space more thoughtfully. What is the best under-trampoline solution?
The best under trampoline solution is rubber mulch because of its shock-absorbing qualities. Placing rubber mulch below your trampoline will help prevent it from shifting in low to moderate wind by offering it a surface with an excellent grip. Additionally, the shock-absorbing qualities of rubber mulch help cushion falls no matter what was initially below the trampoline by providing coverage.
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What Is Best To Put Under A Trampoline
Setting a trampoline on whatever surface you have to begin with is okay, but there are plenty of different options.
Some have added advantages that can help in case of a fall or make the most out of your available space. Below I’ve compiled a list of solutions so you can make an informed choice.
Here are the top 10 best under trampoline solutions for your home:
1 – Mat For Under Trampoline
There are no companies that make trampoline-specific regular mats like the ones made for above-ground swimming pools.
Perhaps this is because the large swimming pool mats do such a great job protecting against grass, rocks, and debris that they work perfectly for trampolines.
You can easily prevent scratches on the coating and other issues by using a Rhino Mat.
I recommend the Rhino Pad 10-Foot-by-15-Foot Oval Liner Pad for your trampoline.
These large outdoor mats help keep the base of your trampoline off the ground, so you don’t have to worry about shifting and scratches.
So long as the rust-proof coating on your trampoline stays intact, it won’t begin to corrode.
Rhino Pads come in a huge variety of sizes, going up to 21′ x 41′, so they’ll easily fit under large trampolines.
Better still, Rhino Pads are made from eco-friendly material, so you don’t need to worry about waste.
2 – Rubber Mulch Under Trampoline
Rubber mulch is an ideal shock absorber used on many playgrounds to keep kids safer when they fall.
This surprisingly springy substance also makes an outstanding under-trampoline solution for your yard.
Plus, most rubber mulch is made from recycled materials.
I suggest checking out Playsafer Rubber Mulch Nuggets Protective Flooring for Playgrounds on Amazon.
This superb material is available in six colors to match any outdoor decor. Plus, Playsafer rubber mulch is IPEMA Certified and can help minimize injuries if someone falls off the trampoline.
Playsafer is made from recycled tires, so you can feel good about using it in your yard.
Plus, they dry quickly and never freeze, so that you can bounce safely in any weather.
3 – Under Trampoline Grass Mat
When hunting for under trampoline grass mats, it’s easy to get distracted by genuine grass sod rolls and small pet mats meant for dogs.
Finding the right sizeable faux grass mat can mean hunting through 100s of listings, but I’ll help you skip the headache.
Check out the Moxie Direct Artificial Grass Turf Lawn from Amazon. This large 10’x15′ grass mat is easy to roll out and use. In less than a minute, you can have the perfect under-trampoline mat.
This mat does not release any toxic chemicals, and it blankets the ground to prevent weeds and thorns from growing in place.
Additionally, you can easily clean a Moxie mat with a broom or hose.
4 – Under Trampoline Storage
If your trampoline doesn’t get bounced on all the time, you can easily use the spare space for outdoor storage.
Under trampoline, storage is a great way to get the most out of your space in a small yard or add a layer of weatherproofing over the top of existing outside storage.
Choose low, long, wide boxes that are already hardy enough for outside storage for best results.
The Keter Kentwood, 90 Gallon Resin Deck Box from Amazon is an ideal under-trampoline storage container. Don’t leave things lying around exposed to the elements.
This large 50.4 in. W x 21.2 in. D x 23.2 in. resin box can contain anything that fits a 49.6 in. W x 20 in. D x 22.8 in. H internal space.
Put unused outdoor toys or pillows away quickly. Anyone can assemble the Keter Kentwood in under 20 minutes.
For more information about this high-quality outdoor storage solution that will fit under your trampoline, click the link below.
5 – Growing Vegetables Under Trampoline
There are a few important considerations for homeowners and renters who want to grow vegetables under their trampoline.
The mat creates a great shady space, but not all veggies do well outside direct sunlight. Selecting suitable shade-tolerant vegetables is essential to having a thriving under-trampoline garden space.
Several categories of veggies seem to do well in the shade of a tree (or trampoline). Leafy greens and salad greens can thrive under the shelter of a shady area.
Other good choices include brassica family veggies like brussels sprouts, broccoli, and root vegetables.
Try planting potatoes, beets, turnips, rutabaga, or even carrots under your mostly unused outdoor trampoline.
6 – Play Sand Under Trampoline
Maybe you wanted a sandbox but didn’t have the space for one after getting a trampoline, or perhaps you just want to double the fun for your kids.
In this case, play sand is an excellent option for an under-trampoline solution. Unlike other types of sand, play sand is soft, rounded, and less abrasive.
Sandtastik Sparkling White Play Sand comes in 25 lb boxes for easy use. The white color absorbs less heat, so you’ll be cooler waling on it.
This soft sand is ideal for playing and building sandcastles when you’re not jumping on the trampoline.
Adding this snowy-looking sand to your under-trampoline area will look classy and feel great.
Best of all, this sand has no quartz, wheat, nut shells, or asbestos, unlike some brands.
Grab a few boxes of Sandtastic by clicking the link below.
7 – Pavers Under Trampoline
Concrete pavers are not the ideal surface beneath your trampoline. The hard surface may provide a solid base, but that’s about all I can say for it.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with choosing this solution, it may lower the working lifespan of your trampoline frame.
The hard, abrasive pavers will scratch against the legs of your trampoline frame as you bounce, leaving the metal open to rust corrosion.
Moreover, a solid surface is a poor choice in case of accidents. No one wants to fall on concrete.
Luckily, you can upgrade to rubber pavers for a more impact-friendly surface.
The RevTime Dual-Side Garden Rubber Paver looks like a standard red garden paver but offers a little more bounce.
These smart, dual-sided safety pavers are a perfect under-trampoline solution.
A slip-resistant surface gives you more stability and won’t damage your trampoline frame like abrasive concrete pavers so often do.
Weather and frost-resistant rubber pavers are a smart way to get the look of a paver without the problems.
Better still, rubber pavers are anti-static and made from heavy-duty SBR rubber granules.
8 – Wood Chips Under Trampoline
Wood chips are a quick, simple, visually appealing solution. They come in many colors and styles and offer an eco-friendly, biodegradable way to line the space under your trampoline.
Plus, wood chips smell nice, depending on the type of wood.
The most popular wood chips are MIGHTY109 Raging Red Colored Wood Chips from Amazon.
You get 2 quarts per container to fill in your under-trampoline area fast. You’ll love the bold, classic color.
Raging red helps keep your outdoor area colorful but natural-looking.
Wood chips can help maintain your soil temperature in hot or cold weather.
Moreover, these lovely chips will look great in garden beds as a mulch to complement the under-trampoline area.
9 – Decorative Rocks Under Trampoline
Decorative rocks do not belong under a trampoline. The larger decorative stones and small boulders can be especially dangerous to jumpers.
The mat on a trampoline is flexible in both directions and will stretch downward as the people on top land.
This can lead to injuries if they stretch the mat down hard enough to hit rocks, or it could just scrape the bottom of the mat, leaving you with dangerous thin spots, rips, or tears. Please use a different solution.
10 – Plants Under Trampoline
Like vegetables, you can place other plants under your trampoline. If you have potted plants that need to shelter below, ensure they are shade-hardy, or they may not thrive.
Many ferns would enjoy the shade beneath a trampoline-like they enjoy the shade in the forest.
Using potted plants is a great way to make them mobile when you or your kids want to bounce.
According to Garden Knowhow, the following flowers are also great for growing in the shade, whether you plant them in the ground or planters.
- Violets
- Spotted Deadnettle
- Siberian Iris
- Primroses
- Monkshood
- Lily-of-the-Valley
- Lamb’s Ears
- Jacob’s Ladder
- Hydrangea
- Hellebore
- Foxglove
- Forget-me-not
- Bleeding-Heart
- Bellflowers
- Bee Balm
- Astilbe
Helpful Tips To Know About Under Trampoline Solutions
Finding the perfect under-trampoline solution for your family doesn’t need to be a hassle. You can use any of the options above to help create your ideal play space.
Here are a few more helpful tips to know about under trampoline solutions.
- Trampolines need a flat, level surface to remain stable for jumpers, which is why your under-trampoline area is so vital. A tilted trampoline will direct your body’s weight downhill, leading to more slips and falls.
- The space directly under a trampoline isn’t the only one that matters. According to Kidsafe NSW, you should have 5 meters of clearance above any trampoline and “Provide a minimum 1500mm impact area beyond the edge of the trampoline frame.”
- It’s also essential to secure the trampoline base. You can use tie-downs, bury part of the legs in the dirt, or other secure methods, but whatever you do, don’t leave the trampoline merely sitting on top of a surface without anchors.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a trampoline is a great way to get more low-impact cardio exercise or just have lots of fun.
Whatever your reason for putting in an outdoor trampoline, it will be much nicer and look better in your yard if you pick the right under-trampoline solution.
Anyone can install a basic under-trampoline area with a bit of foreknowledge. There are many excellent choices, whether it’s pavers, plants, recycled rubber mulch, or eco-friendly pool mats.
Choose the one that will look best in your yard and suit your lifestyle.