What you need to know: Installing an in-ground trampoline without surprises

Burying the trampoline is a smart way to create a safe, tidy and accessible play area in your garden. In this guide, we explain step by step what to pay attention to: how to choose the right spot, what dimensions and depth the pit should have for different trampoline sizes, and when you need weed fabric or drainage. You will also find practical tips for digging, when it makes sense to use a mini excavator or hire a professional, and how to safely assemble and test the trampoline. With these tips, you prevent surprises and ensure years of safe jumping fun.

Why do many people choose to bury their trampoline?

At Etan, we notice that many families choose a buried trampoline because it looks more subtle, feels safer in case of falls, and is more accessible for young children. If you are just starting to explore, take a look at our options for an inground or flat to the ground trampoline such as Etan PremiumFlat or Etan UltraFlat and check out our installation service for help on-site.

Find the digging instructions below, specifically for certain trampoline types:

How do I bury my inground trampoline?

How do I bury my PremiumFlat trampoline?

How do I bury my UltraFlat trampoline?

Difference between InGround and Flat to the ground

InGround trampolines have a low frame and sit about 20–27 cm above ground level; Flat to the ground trampolines lie completely level with the garden. This difference largely determines the size and depth of the hole you need to dig, and whether the frame rests on grass or in a recessed edge.

You can also read more in our blog: Discover: What is the difference between a FlatGround and an InGround trampoline?

Why not bury every trampoline?

Burying a regular above-ground trampoline is not suitable: when fully buried, the air cannot escape properly while jumping, which results in a muffled bounce and faster wear. Also, you would have to dig almost vertically since the legs extend about 90 cm down. That’s a huge amount of work! Always choose a model designed to be buried.

How deep and wide should you dig for a buried trampoline?

The depth and width of the hole depend on the trampoline type and model, and vary significantly between round, oval and rectangular versions. Always use the manual of the specific model as your main reference.

Practical guidelines and examples

Note: for an InGround trampoline, the edge usually needs to stay 20–27 cm above ground level for proper airflow and jumping comfort; for FlatGround, the hole often needs to be about 40 cm smaller than the outer diameter because the frame rests inside a recess. Always check the supplied assembly instructions for exact measurements.

Example: number of wheelbarrows

Tip: calculate in advance how much soil you need to remove. One cubic meter (1000 liters) equals about 12.5 wheelbarrows (80 liters). Calculate the volume of your hole in cubic meters and divide by 0.08 to estimate the number of wheelbarrows.

How do you prepare the location before digging?

Proper preparation prevents surprises such as pipes, roots or limited access for machinery.

Checklist before digging

• Check accessibility: is there access for a mini excavator (approx. 90 cm), wheelbarrow or car/trailer for soil removal?
• Request a KLIC report if you are unsure about cables or pipes (mandatory in some front gardens).
• Check the site for roots, debris or stones and remove obstacles.
• Keep at least 1–1.5 meters of clear fall zone around the trampoline.

Practical tips

First mark the outer edge with spray paint or rope. Use the trampoline ring as a template when marking. Set aside a space for the removed soil so you keep the garden clean.

How to dig and assemble a buried trampoline step by step?

The digging and installation process follows clear steps: marking, digging a bowl shape, checking, placing the frame, installing the jumping mat and testing.

Step 1: marking and outlining

1. Mark the ring (outer size) and the inner area where the legs will sit using rope or spray paint.
2. Ensure at least 2 meters of free space from obstacles.

Step 2: digging a bowl shape

Dig the hole gradually into a bowl shape — not with vertical walls — so the jumping mat has room to dip during use. Dig the edges inward first, then remove the center. Load soil directly into wheelbarrows for removal or reuse.

Step 3: bottom, drainage and weed fabric

Check for water retention. If water remains, consider adding sand or a simple drain pipe system. Use weed fabric to reduce weed growth while maintaining water permeability; overlap strips by at least 10 cm.

Step 4: placing the frame and mounting the jumping mat

Place the frame on the edge or in the recess as required by your model. Ensure it is level, and anchor where needed using the supplied pins or hooks. Tension the jumping mat diagonally and then install the safety pads.

Step 5: testing and finishing

Test the trampoline carefully: jump first in the center, then gradually move outward. Check that the edge remains 20–27 cm above ground level (InGround) and that the frame does not shift. Remove loose soil and tidy the grass edge.

When should you use a mini excavator or hire a professional?

Use a mini excavator or hire a professional if the hole is large, the soil is heavy, or the access is limited; it saves time and prevents physical strain.

When is hiring recommended?

• When you want to ensure the trampoline is buried and installed safely.
• Large diameter or deep hole (many cubic meters of soil).
• Hard, clay or debris-filled ground that is difficult to dig manually.
• Limited time or physical capacity.
• If you want soil removed and need a container.

What will professionals ask you?

Professionals usually ask about access (minimum passage 85–100 cm), parking options for vans/trailers within ~15 meters of the work area, and whether you want soil removal included. Also mention any pipes or private cables in advance.

How do you prevent moisture problems and weeds under a buried trampoline?

Drainage and weed fabric generally keep water and weeds under control; for poor soil conditions, additional drainage is often recommended.

Weed fabric: how and why

Weed fabric (black, heavy quality) blocks light and root growth while allowing rainwater to pass through. Cut it to size and secure with soil or stones; overlap strips at least 10 cm.

Drainage options

• Sand layer: if water is minor, raise the bottom slightly.
• Pipe system: a simple outlet to a gravel bed or crate can handle large amounts of water.
• Professional drainage: recommended for peat or heavy clay soil.

Winter and maintenance tips

Remove the safety pad and net during winter if possible. Clean the pad regularly and check the weed fabric and drainage before the wet season.

Read everything about preparing your trampoline for winter in our blog Make your trampoline winterproof. Curious how to best maintain your trampoline? Read our blog Trampoline maintenance: discover the best winter tips.

At Etan, we always advise checking the manual of your model beforehand and requesting a quote if in doubt; with years of experience, we are happy to help you bury your trampoline safely and sustainably.

Burying a trampoline makes your garden safer, tidier and more accessible, provided you consider the model, ventilation and correct pit dimensions. Key points include choosing between InGround or FlatGround, following the manufacturer’s measurements and ensuring good drainage and weed control. Calculate soil volume in advance, check for cables (file a KLIC report if necessary) and determine whether a mini excavator or professional is wise for large jobs. Dig a bowl shape, level the frame and test gradually; for InGround models, keep the edge around 15–20 cm above ground level for proper airflow. With these steps, you'll avoid surprises, extend the trampoline's lifespan and create a safe play area for children. For exact dimensions, model-specific instructions and our options such as Etan PremiumFlat, UltraFlat and digging services, see the corresponding product pages and manuals.