Are you considering placing a trampoline on your deck? The good news is that it’s possible to do so with some necessary adjustments and following safety guidelines.
For maximum enjoyment, bouncing on a trampoline is hard to beat for most kids.
To ensure safety, it’s recommended to place the trampoline on a grassy area, which provides a softer landing surface for any accidental falls.
Although we may strive for the best, the reality is that sometimes “good enough” is all we have to work with. This is especially true when it comes to placing a trampoline on decking.
Although it is not advisable, we acknowledge that it may be the only recourse available, and therefore, we will explore ways to make it the most secure.
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Table of Contents
Using a Trampoline on Your Deck
The first thing to determine is whether it will be safe to use a trampoline on your deck. These are some of the things you should consider when making this decision.
Condition of the Deck
To ensure the safety and longevity of your trampoline, it is essential to assess your deck’s condition.
It must withstand the weight of the trampoline and the jumper, as well as any additional objects like furniture.
Failure to do so may result in costly damages to the wooden deck, including breakage or foundation shifting. Start by examining the deck to avoid unnecessary repair expenses.
To ensure the safe use of the trampoline on your deck, it’s crucial to inspect the boards for any signs of rot or mold.
These issues can weaken the wood and compromise the structure, so it’s crucial to address them before using the trampoline.
To ensure the safety of your trampoline on your deck, consider contacting the deck builders who would have conducted an engineering assessment to determine the weight capacity of the structure.
With this information, you can calculate the additional weight the trampoline will add and add more to be extra cautious.
Sometimes, the additional weight of the trampoline will mean that you need to reduce the number of people who can go on the deck simultaneously.
Ensure that the ground for your trampoline is level to avoid potential injuries.
An uneven surface can cause the trampoline to tip over during bouncing.
If you plan to place your trampoline on a deck, you may not need to worry about this issue. However, it’s always advisable to use a spirit level to confirm that the surface is indeed even.
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Overhead Space
It sounds obvious, but you must consider the overhead space associated with the trampoline.
We don’t want to risk people hitting their heads against the ceiling as they jump.
There are a few other potential hazards that you should be wary of, such as keeping away from trees.
When looking at overhead spacing, keep in mind safety netting.
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Amount of Space Around the Trampoline
It’s also important to consider the amount of space around the trampoline. Usually, you will need to have at least five feet of space around the trampoline.
You don’t want to put the trampoline too close to the edge of the deck, mainly if it’s raised.
There is a chance that your child can bounce out of the trampoline, over the railing, and end up landing on the ground.
As you can imagine, there is a chance that this can lead to some serious trampoline injuries.
It’s also a good idea to consider the size of the trampoline. You don’t want to get something so big that it overwhelms the deck, leaving the rest of the space unusable.
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Type of Trampoline
When choosing a trampoline for your deck, consider getting one with an enclosure to prevent children from bouncing off and hitting the deck.
Look for a trampoline with mesh to ensure the enclosure won’t break if a child bounces into it.
If you don’t have an enclosure around the trampoline, you can try laying foam mats on the deck when people use it.
While this can be cumbersome, it will protect people from bouncing off and landing on the floor.
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Using a Trampoline on Your Deck
If your deck is suitable for using a trampoline, it’s time to start thinking of how you can set up the trampoline to preserve the decking.
Here are some of the ways you can do this.
Protecting the Decking
You should avoid placing the metal supports of the trampoline on the decking, as they can cause scratches and annoying knocking sounds when bouncing on the trampoline.
Placing foam pads under the trampoline pads can solve the noise problem. Make sure to use the exact foam height on both sides to keep the trampoline even.
If you have a concrete patio, using a trampoline can wear down the metal supports, requiring you to replace the trampoline more frequently. To prevent damage, use foam supports instead.
Secure the Trampoline
When setting up a trampoline, it’s vital to secure it properly to prevent accidents. Your chosen method will depend on how long you plan to have the trampoline on your deck.
If you plan to use the trampoline solely on the deck, secure it with sandbags. Place them below the struts to keep them stable.
Though you can still move it, the sandbags should prevent the trampoline from being blown away by strong winds.
If you plan on keeping the trampoline for an extended period, it’s recommended to drill small holes through the deck and anchor tie-downs into the ground below for a more permanent solution.
However, it’s essential to consult with your builder beforehand to ensure the deck’s stability.
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Conclusion
Though it’s best to put a trampoline on the grass, you might be able to use it on a deck. Inspecting the deck and checking surrounding space and height requirements are essential.
Once you have a place in mind, netting, padding, and other safety material will ensure a safer jumping environment.
Also, be sure the deck can handle the weight of the trampoline, jumpers, and furniture. A structural deck contractor can help.
If the trampoline meets these requirements, it should be easy to assemble and secure in place, then bounce happily.
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!