In-ground trampolines: how to choose and install one
Updated 29 September 2026 · Find My Trampoline editorial team
Quick answer
An in-ground (sunken) trampoline sits flush with the lawn, is less visible and removes the drop from the edge. It needs digging, level ground and good drainage, and suits you if the trampoline will stay in one place for years. Choose a model designed to be sunk – a standard trampoline on legs should not be buried. See the models in in-ground trampolines.
What is an in-ground trampoline?
An in-ground trampoline sits in a pit so the jumping surface is level with the lawn. The frame and springs are hidden under the pad, and the space below the mat leaves room for the bounce. Several manufacturers make models specifically for this, usually with a frame designed to be surrounded by soil and a way for air to escape as the mat is pushed down.
One example is North In Ground, available rectangular in four sizes and round in two. The manufacturer says it installs flush with the ground, has an airflow system for a higher bounce and won a Red Dot Design Award in 2026. It is sold with a safety net and in bundles with a ground cloth and cover. In the UK we have seen it priced between £1,249 and £2,325.
Pros and cons
| In-ground | On legs | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Blends into the garden | Clearly visible |
| Height | Flush with the lawn | Raised entry, often a ladder |
| Installation | Digging and drainage | Assembled on the lawn |
| Moving it | Difficult | Possible |
| Wind | Less exposed | Needs anchoring |
| Browse | In-ground | All trampolines |
The main advantages are that the trampoline does not dominate the garden and that children can step straight on from the grass. Many parents also like that there is no raised edge to fall from. An in-ground trampoline still needs pads, though, and many models include a net.
The main drawback is the work. The pit must match the manufacturer's depth and shape, the soil has to be removed, and the ground must drain. Standing water in the pit can affect both the frame and the bounce. And once it is in, moving it is a major job, so treat the location as permanent.
Before you buy: check the site
- Ground: stones, roots or rock near the surface can make digging hard or impossible.
- Drainage: clay soil and low spots in the garden can collect water.
- Services: find out where electricity, water and drainage pipes run before digging.
- Clear space: an in-ground trampoline still needs clearance around it, as set out in the manual.
- Trees: leaves and needles end up in the pit, so avoid spots directly under trees.
How installation works, broadly
Every manufacturer has its own instructions and they must be followed. The steps below describe the usual process, not exact measurements.
- Mark out the area using the manufacturer's dimensions for your size.
- Dig the pit to the stated depth and shape. Many models need a deeper centre.
- Provide drainage as the manual describes.
- Assemble the frame in the pit and check it is level.
- Fit the springs and mat, add the pad and fit the net if the model has one.
- Backfill and firm the soil around the frame and restore the turf.
Don't bury a standard trampoline
A trampoline built to stand on legs is not designed to be surrounded by soil. The frame can corrode faster and air under the mat has nowhere to go. Choose a model the manufacturer sells specifically as in-ground.
Net or no net?
In-ground models are sold with and without nets. Without one the garden feels more open, but a net still stops a jumper landing off the mat. For families with younger children a net is often the safer choice. North In Ground is sold with a safety net. See also trampolines with enclosure and our trampoline safety guide.
Choosing a size
The same rules apply as for any trampoline: fit the largest size that leaves clearance, and remember that a bigger pit means more digging. Our trampoline size guide explains how to measure.
Care
Keep the mat clear of leaves, check springs and pads regularly and replace worn parts. A cover protects against leaves and dirt when the trampoline is not in use – see our trampoline cover guide.
Who is an in-ground trampoline for?
An in-ground trampoline suits homeowners who plan to stay put and have a level area of diggable soil. It also works well near a patio, where a raised frame would block the view. If you rent, or think you might want to move the trampoline in a few years, a model on legs is usually the better choice.
Think about how it will be used, too. Very young children may find it easier to step straight on from the grass without a ladder. For older children and adults who want height, whether the trampoline is on legs or in the ground matters less than the springs, frame and size. Compare models side by side in the compare tool.
The cost of installation
On top of the trampoline itself there is the work. You can dig yourself, hire a mini digger or pay a landscaper. The excavated soil also has to go somewhere. We do not publish installation cost figures, because they depend entirely on the ground, the size and who does the job. Get a quote if you hire someone, and expect the work to take time even if you do it yourself.
How to use our comparison
Every product in our comparison is shown with the details the manufacturer or retailer actually states. If a figure is missing – maximum user weight, warranty length or spring count, for example – we show "n/a" rather than guess. Scores are based on specifications across safety, performance, durability, ease of use and value, and any commission we may earn from retailers never affects them. We have not tested the trampolines hands-on, so use the comparison to quickly rule out models that do not suit you, then read the manufacturer's manual and terms before you decide. We explain exactly how everything is calculated on our how we compare page.
Mistakes to avoid
- Digging without checking where services run.
- Ignoring drainage on clay soil or in a dip.
- Burying a trampoline designed to stand on legs.
- Placing the pit under trees that drop leaves.
- Assuming an in-ground trampoline does not need pads.
Compare more options
Not sure in-ground is right? Read how to choose a trampoline or see our best trampolines.
Frequently asked questions
How deep do you dig for an in-ground trampoline?
It depends on the model and size. Follow the manufacturer's dimensions – they are matched to that model's springs and mat.
Can you sink a normal trampoline?
We advise against it. Choose a model the manufacturer sells as in-ground, as the frame and airflow are designed for it.
Do in-ground trampolines need drainage?
Yes, the ground must be able to drain water. The manufacturer's instructions explain how.
Do in-ground trampolines need a net?
Models are sold with and without. A net stops a jumper landing off the mat and is often the safer choice for younger children.
Are in-ground trampolines more expensive?
Usually, and installation takes time too. Compare prices in in-ground trampolines.
Always follow the manufacturer's manual and local regulations. This guide does not replace the instructions supplied with the product.