Putting a trampoline on concrete is something that should be considered before doing. There are many things to take into account when making this decision. This guide will help you determine if it is the right choice for you and your family.
Can you put a trampoline on Concrete?
When jumping on a hard surface, such as concrete, the ankle dorsiflexion angle is increased because it does not provide as much cushioning as when you jump on a softer surface. The hard surface also doesn’t have as much “give” as a soft one, putting greater strain on your Achilles tendon and calf muscles. As a result, we do not recommend utilizing a trampoline on concrete.
Low limb kinetics and kinematics change significantly when you change the surface that you’re jumping on. When you jump on a hard surface, your ankles have to work harder to dorsiflex and stabilize your body during landing. This puts a greater strain on the muscles and tendons in your lower legs and can lead to injuries such as Achilles tendonitis or calf strains.
The impact force is also increased when you jump on a hard surface. A study found that the peak force was 1.5 times greater when participants jumped on a hard surface compared to a soft one. This increased force can lead to stress fractures in the bones of your lower legs, as well as joint pain in your knees, hips, and back.
So while you may be able to put a trampoline on concrete, we do not recommend it. There are safer and more suitable surfaces for jumping, such as grass, sand, or rubber mats. These surfaces will provide more cushioning and help reduce the risk of injuries.
Where to put a trampoline:
Now that you know you shouldn’t put a trampoline on concrete, where should you put it? The best place for a trampoline is on level ground that is soft and forgiving. This could be grass, sand, or rubber mats. These surfaces will help cushion your jumps and reduce the risk of injuries.
In putting together this research, I came across startling statistics including a snippet of a study that found that the number and severity of trampoline-related injuries positively correlate with the increased recreational use of trampoline equipment.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends in the trampoline-use guidelines that trampolines should only be put on the soft surfaces at ground level.
Where NOT to put your trampoline:
Pavers:
Pavers are a type of stone often used to make walkways, patios, and driveways. They are made of concrete, brick, or stone and have a rough surface. Pavers are not a good surface for a trampoline because they are hard and can be uneven. If you jump on a paver, you could twist your ankle or hurt your foot.
Asphalt:
Asphalt is a type of concrete that is used to make roads and driveways. It is a hard surface that can be uneven. Asphalt is not a good choice for a trampoline because it is too hard and can be dangerous.
Concrete:
Concrete is a hard surface made of cement, sand, water, and gravel. It is often used to make driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Concrete is not a good surface for a trampoline because it is too hard. You could hurt yourself if you jump on concrete.
Slippery floor/ground:
A slippery surface is any surface that doesn’t provide enough traction to keep you from slipping. This could be wet grass, wet concrete, or ice. Slippery surfaces are not safe for trampolines because you could slip and fall while jumping. This could lead to serious injuries.
Gravel:
Gravel is a type of rock that is often used to make driveways and walkways. It is made of small rocks and has a rough surface. Gravel is not a good choice for a trampoline because it is too hard and can be uneven. You could hurt yourself if you jump on gravel.
Where to put trampolines:
Soft surface with soil and grass:
The best place for a trampoline is on level ground that is soft and forgiving. This could be grass, sand, or rubber mats. These surfaces will help cushion your jumps and reduce the risk of injuries.
Rubber mats:
If you don’t have access to a grassy area, you can buy rubber mats to put under your trampoline. Rubber mats are a good choice because they are soft and will help cushion your jumps. You can find rubber mats at most hardware stores.
One way to make a concrete floor safe for a trampoline is to attach the trampoline base to the floor or to use a rubber floor mat. There are several ways to do this, such as bolting the base to the floor or using weights to keep the base in place.
Another way to make a concrete floor safe for a trampoline is to use rubber mats. Rubber mats are a good choice because they are soft and will help cushion your jumps. You can find rubber mats at most hardware stores.
IncStores Thick Premium Rubber Floor Mat
The IncStores Thick Premium Rubber Floor Mat is the perfect high-quality rubber mat for any trampoline installation on hard surface. The mat measures 10′ x 5′, which makes it large enough to cover a majority of your floor space. This commercial-grade fitness rubber mat features a ½” thickness, making it thicker than most other mats on the market today.
Each IncStores Thick Premium Rubber Floor Mat comes in one piece and has been designed with an anti-skid bottom that prevents them from moving around on your floor during exercise and workout routines such as weightlifting, push-ups, and more. These mats have been tested and certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) with a high-traction rating, making them one of the safest mats available.
Grass:
Grass is a good surface for a trampoline because it is soft and forgiving. If you jump on grass, you are less likely to hurt yourself than if you jump on a hard surface like concrete.
Artificial grass or fake grass is also a good choice because it is soft and will help cushion your jumps. Just make sure that the surface is level so you don’t fall off the trampoline. Also make sure the artificial grass is not slippery. If they are slippery, consider adding some mulch similar to the one in the image below;
Sand:
If you live near a beach, you can put your trampoline in the sand. Sand is a good choice because it is soft and will help cushion your jumps. Just make sure to keep the sand clean so it doesn’t get into the trampoline’s springs.
Factors to consider when choosing where to put the trampoline:
When choosing a spot for your trampoline, there are a few factors to consider:
– The surface should be soft and forgiving, such as grass, sand, or rubber mats.
– The surface should be level so the trampoline is stable.
– There should be no objects nearby that you could hit if you fell off the trampoline.
– The area should be well-lit so you can see where you are jumping.
– The area should be free of debris, such as rocks and sticks.
Reasons why concrete and hard surfaces are not suitable to put your trampoline:
- The surface is too hard and can be dangerous.
- The surface can be uneven.
- You could hurt yourself if you jump on concrete.
- On a hard surface, you are more likely to bounce off the trampoline instead of landing on it. This could lead to serious injuries.
- The elasticity of the trampoline mat could be reduced on a hard surface. This means you won’t be able to jump as high and you could hurt yourself when you land.
- The hard surface could damage the trampoline mat. over time, this will make the trampoline less safe and less fun to use.
Trampoline safety guide for kids:
Enclosures:
One of the great improvements in trampoline design to improve safety is the addition of an enclosure around the jumping area. An enclosure is a netting that goes around the outside of the trampoline, which helps keep jumpers from falling off. It also provides a barrier between jumpers and any objects that may be nearby, such as trees or fences.
Pads:
Trampoline pads are another important safety feature. Pads are thick, padded mats that cover the springs and frame of the trampoline. They help to cushion jumpers if they fall and also protect them from the hard metal parts of the trampoline.
Rules:
There should be rules in place for using the trampoline. Only one person should be allowed to jump at a time. No flips or somersaults should be allowed. Jumpers should not be allowed to go over the top of the enclosure netting.
Inspection:
It is important to inspect the trampoline regularly to ensure that it is in good condition. The springs, frame, mat, and pads should all be in good condition. The enclosure netting should be free of holes or tears.
FAQs
Can you put the trampoline on a hard surface?
No, you should not put a trampoline on hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt. The surface is too hard and can be dangerous. You could hurt yourself if you jump on a hard surface. It is best to put your trampoline on a soft surface, such as grass or sand.
Can you put the trampoline on an uneven surface?
No, you should not put a trampoline on an uneven surface. The surface can be uneven and you could hurt yourself if you jump on an uneven surface. It is best to put your trampoline on a level surface, such as grass or sand.
What is the best surface for a trampoline?
The best surface for a trampoline is a soft surface, such as grass or sand. These surfaces are soft and forgiving, which will help reduce the risk of injuries. Ensure the surface is level so the trampoline is stable. There should be no objects nearby that you could hit if you fell off the trampoline. The area should also be well-lit and free of debris.
Why are trampolines on a cement floor unsafe?
A trampoline on a cement floor is unsafe because the surface is too hard and can be dangerous. A hard surface is inelastic and does not give which means the energy is not absorbed by the floor but by the jumper’s body. This could lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones or concussion. It is best to put your trampoline on a soft surface, such as grass or sand.
How do I make my concrete patio safe for a trampoline?
You can make your concrete patio safe for a trampoline by covering the concrete with rubber mats. Rubber mats are a good choice because they are soft and will help cushion your jumps. You can find rubber mats at most hardware stores.
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Sandra W. Bullock is a grand-mom to two boys and is part of the review board here at Motherhoodhq.com. She is responsible for the quality control of content and is among our most experienced moms. She has over 20 years of writing parenting content online focussing on baby safety indoors and outdoors. She has written widely on babyproofing nurseries and homes for infants and toddlers and published work on privacy and the safety of baby monitors. She is a renowned advocate for non-wifi baby monitors that cannot be hacked and spends a lot of time educating parents on how to secure their homes – including ways to secure the baby from harm in and around homes. Sandra is a native of Atlanta where she also works. She can be reached using her email, Sandra.w(at)motherhoodhq.com
