Saving space doesn’t always mean sacrificing fun. If you don’t have room in the yard for a trampoline, you might consider putting it on the deck or patio.
As long as a deck or patio is sturdy and reliable, a trampoline may be put on it. Safety should be accounted for by ensuring there is ample headroom above the trampoline and that the area is free of horizontal obstacles. A trampoline must also be properly secured if placed on a patio or deck.
While you can put your trampoline on your deck, you should make sure it’s properly secured, so your kids can jump safely. Also, ensure that a deck trampoline will be safe in other aspects before you begin making plans. This article will show the safety precautions needed for a safe enjoyable time.
Reliable decking or patio
The first step to determining whether you may safely put a trampoline on a deck is taking a look at the material and structure of your deck. If you have any doubts about the integrity of your deck or patio, don’t risk putting a trampoline on it.
Remember, you don’t just have to worry about the weight of the trampoline, but you will also need to account for the weight of kids on a trampoline and the impact and friction created by the jumping.
Also, consider what other objects on the deck might be adding to the total weight on the deck.
If your deck overhang is connected to the roof but has a separate foundation, you should be extra cautious of placing a trampoline on it. The extra weight and impact vibration could cause the deck foundation to shift, putting stress on the roof.
If you put your trampoline on a concrete patio, you can expect the trampoline legs to wear quickly and for the friction to create an abrasive scraping sound against the concrete.
To avoid this issue, you can place a foam mat or pad beneath the trampoline legs.
Similarly on wood, you will need to take precautions to prevent the knocking sound on the wood and minimize damage to the wood itself.
Wood is more susceptible to wear and tear, so make sure you have extra padding to keep your wood safe from any damage.
- In any scenario, a trampoline placed on an uneven surface is unsafe.
- You will have shifting and warping of the trampoline legs, which decreases the safety of a trampoline.
- This problem is less likely with a surface like a deck or a patio, but you should still ensure you have a flat surface for the trampoline to rest on. (Source)
You can find great deals online on Safe and Sturdy Trampolines here on Amazon.
Clearing Obstacles and Creating Headroom
While it may seem obvious to make sure that area around the trampoline is clear, it can get overlooked. And you may wonder, How much room do you actually need above a trampoline?
The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) has set the ceiling height minimum (source) at 17 feet above the floor for indoor trampoline parks. The average trampoline jumper can jump to about 16 ft off the ground, so you will want to account for the average and also plan for the average to be exceeded.
- In addition to checking the area overhead to reduce head injuries, you should also check the area around the trampoline.
- If your deck is significantly raised, you will want to make sure the trampoline is far from the edge and has a safety net around it.
- If there are any protruding structures on your deck or patio, make sure you place your trampoline far enough away from them that they won’t pose a threat.
- Even if you have a safety net, an object too close to the trampoline may still be reached through the safety net.
It is recommended that you have at least 8 feet of clear and soft space around your trampoline in case of falls. If there are any other objects on the deck, you should make sure that they aren’t protruding in the 8-foot area around the trampoline.
We have an article about Securing A Trampoline With Sandbags which is a great option on concrete patios or a deck.
Securing a Trampoline to the Deck
Temporarily Secure a Trampoline
All of the bouncing around on the trampoline will put a strain on the deck and isn’t the safest option for trampoline placement, but it’s still possible to take precautions against dangers. Making sure the trampoline is properly secured can help you protect your decking structure and improve safety for your kids.
The best way to temporarily secure your trampoline is by adding weight. Sandbags are the easiest way to add weight to the legs of your trampoline. Adding sandbags gives you the option to move the trampoline around if you have to move it later on.
Permanently Secure a Trampoline
If you want a permanent solution to the problem and you have some time and money, you might want to consider a trampoline that is installed into a deck. If you currently have a deck, it will have to undergo severe reconstruction.
When considering installing a trampoline into your deck or patio, you should consult a professional to ensure that all of the work is done safely and accurately.
Other Safety Measures to Take
While you may have checked the surroundings for obstructions, you should also check the material of your deck or patio for safety. If you are putting a trampoline on a concrete surface, you should take measures to prevent falling onto the concrete.
Take into account the age of the trampoline and how durable it is. If you have purchased a new trampoline, you should have no worries for a while, but if you are purchasing used or using a hand-me-down trampoline, you should check to be sure that it is in good repair.
If it’s too stretched out, you might want to replace the mat or the springs. If the frame is rusted or unstable, you may want to replace or re-enforce it, so the trampoline is sturdy.
Make sure the mat is sturdy and doesn’t have any rips. If your mat gives way, a fall onto wood or concrete can cause a lot more damage than a fall onto the lawn.
Also, check the stitching on the mat where the springs attach. If the stitching wears out, your springs could pop off while kids are jumping on the trampoline. This could cause damage to your house or other objects on the deck and pose a dangerous threat to anyone around the trampoline.