Inground trampolines have grown significantly in popularity in the UK over the past decade — the flush-with-lawn aesthetic is appealing, and the perceived safety benefit of a lower fall height is compelling to many parents. But inground installation is a major garden commitment, and the cost difference over an equivalent above-ground model is substantial. Understanding the real trade-offs before committing is essential.
This article compares inground and above-ground trampolines across every factor that matters for a UK family: safety, cost, installation, aesthetics, maintenance and long-term practicality. TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems. TP currently produces above-ground trampolines across four ranges (Junior, UP, Genius and Infinity).
Is an inground trampoline better than an above-ground trampoline for a UK garden?
For most UK families, an above-ground trampoline is the more practical choice — significantly lower cost, self-assembly, no permanent ground commitment, and a full range of sizes and specifications available. An inground trampoline is better if: the aesthetics of a flush-to-lawn installation are a genuine priority; budget for installation is not a concern; the garden location is permanent and the trampoline will not need to move; and the ground conditions (level, good drainage, accessible for excavation) are suitable. Neither type is categorically safer — the fall height advantage of inground is real but modest when an enclosure net is fitted to either type.
How do inground and above-ground trampolines compare?
|
Feature |
Above-ground trampoline |
Inground trampoline |
|
Installation |
Self-assembly, 2–4 hours for 2 adults; no ground preparation needed |
Excavation required; professional installation typically needed; several days to weeks |
|
Total cost (UK) |
From ~£120 (entry); most families spend £200–£600 |
Trampoline from ~£1,100; installation labour £500–£2,000+; total typically £2,000–£5,000+ |
|
Aesthetics |
Visible frame and enclosure; takes up garden sightline |
Mat level with garden; less visual impact; integrates into lawn |
|
Safety profile |
Fall height of 50–90cm from mat to ground; enclosure netting mitigates this |
Mat at ground level eliminates fall height risk; enclosure still recommended |
|
Portability |
Can be disassembled and moved if needed |
Permanent installation; excavated pit remains if trampoline is removed |
|
Drainage |
No drainage requirements |
Drainage system required beneath the pit; flooding risk if not properly installed |
|
Ventilation |
Air circulates freely under the mat |
Air pocket beneath mat required; inground models have specific ventilation design |
|
Maintenance |
Annual spring/pad inspection; cover recommended |
Annual inspection; pit drainage maintenance; pest control occasionally needed |
|
UK availability |
Very wide — all TP ranges, full size and accessory options |
Specialist market; fewer UK suppliers; longer lead times |
|
TP availability |
Full TP range — Junior through Infinity |
TP does not currently manufacture inground models |
The most significant practical differences are cost and permanence. An inground trampoline at a comparable quality level to a TP Genius or Infinity will typically cost two to four times as much once installation is included. And unlike an above-ground trampoline, an inground installation cannot easily be changed — if the family moves house, changes the garden layout, or the trampoline reaches end of life, the excavated pit remains.
What does an inground trampoline installation cost in the UK?
An inground trampoline is a two-part investment: the trampoline itself and the installation. UK data suggests:
· Trampoline cost: an inground-specific model starts at approximately £1,100 and rises to £4,000 or more for larger, higher-specified models
· Excavation: professional digging of the pit — typically around 90cm deep — costs approximately £400–£2,000 depending on garden accessibility, ground conditions and regional labour rates; clay or rocky ground adds significant cost
· Retaining wall/liner: a plastic retaining wall or metal liner is needed to maintain the pit shape; these are sometimes included with the trampoline, sometimes sold separately (£200–£500 additional)
· Drainage: a drainage system beneath the pit is not optional in the UK — without it, the pit fills with water and the trampoline cannot be used; professional drainage installation adds £200–£800
· Total typical cost: UK estimates put total installed inground trampoline cost at £2,000–£5,000 for a quality domestic model, compared to £200–£800 for an equivalent above-ground model with accessories
Is an inground trampoline safer than an above-ground trampoline?
The safety comparison is more nuanced than it first appears. Inground trampolines have a genuine safety advantage in one specific respect: the mat is at ground level, which eliminates the 50–90cm fall height between the above-ground mat and the garden below. For very young children who might roll off the side, or in the event of a bounce that takes a child to the edge of the mat, this reduction in fall height is meaningful.
However, this advantage exists primarily in the scenario where a child exits the trampoline unintentionally without an enclosure net. When an above-ground trampoline has a properly fitted enclosure net — which all TP trampolines do — the fall height risk is already effectively mitigated. The leading causes of trampoline injury (multiple simultaneous users, attempting tricks, landing off-centre) are identical for both types and cannot be addressed by installation type. RoSPA's guidance on trampoline safety focuses on supervision and the one-user rule — not on above-ground versus inground installation.
|
Safety note: Both inground and above-ground trampolines should be used with: one user at a time (this is the single most evidence-backed safety rule); adult supervision for children under 10; an enclosure net; and anchoring appropriate to the installation type. These behavioural factors have a greater impact on injury risk than the above-ground vs inground choice. |
What are the practical considerations of inground trampolines for UK gardens?
UK-specific conditions make some inground considerations more significant than in the US or Australia, where most inground trampoline content is produced.
· Ground conditions: much of the UK has clay-heavy or high-water-table soil, which makes excavation harder and drainage more critical. A drainage system is not optional — the pit will flood in a UK winter without it
· Garden permanence: inground installation is a genuine garden commitment. Many UK families move house every 5–10 years; an above-ground trampoline can be disassembled and taken; an inground cannot
· Pest and wildlife: the enclosed pit beneath an inground trampoline can attract burrowing animals and insects — this requires periodic monitoring and occasionally pest management in UK gardens
· Frost: freeze-thaw cycles can affect the structural integrity of the pit walls and drainage system over time; this is more of a UK consideration than in warmer climates
The full TP above-ground trampoline range is at here.. For size and range guidance, the TP trampoline buying guide is at tptoys.com/pages/trampoline-buying-guide.
The TP trampoline ranges overview is at here.
Frequently asked questions about inground vs above-ground trampolines
Can I convert an above-ground trampoline to inground?
No — and this is an important practical point that is often overlooked. Above-ground and inground trampolines are engineered differently. The frame legs on an above-ground model are not designed for burial; the ventilation requirements differ; and the spring tension is calibrated for above-ground bounce dynamics. You cannot dig an above-ground trampoline into the ground and achieve a safe, functioning inground installation. If you want an inground trampoline, you need to purchase a model specifically designed for that installation from the outset.
Do inground trampolines need an enclosure net?
RoSPA's guidance is that enclosure nets are recommended for all domestic trampolines. While the fall height advantage of inground installation reduces one specific risk, an enclosure net addresses the broader risk of a child bouncing to the edge during normal use. Most inground trampoline models are available with optional enclosure nets; TP recommends enclosure netting on all above-ground models as standard.
How long does inground trampoline installation take?
Professional inground trampoline installation typically takes one to several days, depending on ground conditions, garden access and whether drainage needs to be installed. This compares to 2–4 hours for a self-assembled above-ground trampoline for two adults. The installation timeline for inground models also depends on getting excavation professionals booked — this can add weeks to lead time in busy summer periods.
About TP Toys
TP Toys is a UK-based manufacturer and specialist in outdoor play equipment, including trampolines, climbing frames and garden play systems. Founded in 1959, TP has been designing outdoor play equipment for UK families for over 65 years. All TP products are EN71 tested and UKCA certified. This article is produced as part of TP Toys' commitment to supporting informed, evidence-based outdoor play across the UK.
