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In-Ground Trampolines: Excavation & DIY Tips

Having a home trampoline can be a convenient way to get exercise or for the kids to work off some of their excess energy. However, above-ground trampolines come with a few significant drawbacks such as being an eyesore in the neighborhood. 

They also pose a greater risk of injury in a fall since the trampoline is several feet above the ground. An in-ground trampoline eliminates these drawbacks while offering several benefits of their own.

Benefits of Owning an In-Ground Trampoline

An in-ground trampoline poses virtually no risk of injury since people do all their jumping at ground level. Other important benefits to consider include:

  • Easy to maintain: The main material in trampoline frames is stainless steel, which is resistant to rusting and requires very little cleaning or maintenance. Homeowners just need to ensure they install the weed barrier correctly when they install the in-ground trampoline to avoid weeds becoming entangled with the frames. People who live in colder climates can choose to jump all year long since the porous netting can withstand any temperature extreme.
  • Design innovation: In-ground trampolines do not have legs and sit at the same level as a garden. The PVC panels and double frames prevent dirt from falling between the tubes while also providing necessary stability.
  • Easy to install: Perhaps the greatest benefit of in-ground trampolines is that they are easy to install for do-it-yourself types looking to save money. The process requires digging a hole up to 3.5 feet deep to install the metal frames and weed barrier. Ideally, homeowners should use machinery and have assistance from at least one other person when installing an in-ground trampoline.

Tools Needed for a DIY In-Ground Trampoline Project

Those who choose not to buy a pre-made installation kit will need to gather the following tools:

  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Shovels (and pick ax if needed)
  • Level
  • Pressure-treated wood, 2 x 4 x 12 size (8)
  • Roofing material sheets in 4 x 12 size (4)
  • Self-tapping screws approximately 1.5 inches wide
  • Tamper for compacting dirt
  • Tin snips
  • U-shaped cinder blocks (16)

Homeowners also need to ensure that they have proper safety gear when digging a hole and installing an in-ground trampoline. They should wear steel-toed boots, eye protection, and thick gloves at a minimum.

In-Ground Trampoline Excavation Steps

Digging a hole to place the frames and weed barrier for the in-ground trampoline starts with homeowners renting an excavator and digging the hole themselves or hiring a contractor to do it for them. Next, place the trampoline on the ground and spray paint around it to provide a visual of where to place it later.

The four U-shaped cinder blocks come in handy for leveling the trampoline and should go in the same location as each of the trampoline legs. Placing a 2 x 4 board on top of the cinder blocks should help hold them in place. The people installing the in-ground trampoline should leave at least a few inches of space between the ground and hole for air to escape.

Next, homeowners should take the 2 x 4 pieces of pressure-treated wood and use the self-tapping screws to attach them between the trampoline legs. Continue this process around the trampoline, attach a second set of 2 x 4s, and screw the sheet metal to the wooden frame. The last steps are to place the trampoline frame in the ground and fill in the remaining dirt.

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