DIY Trampoline Retaining Wall

When you’re installing an in-ground or sunken trampoline, you will also need to install a retaining wall to keep the soil from falling back into the excavated pit and to keep your landscaping looking neat. There are a few options when it comes to retaining walls: you can buy one as a bundle when you purchase your in-ground trampoline, you can get a retaining wall kit separately, or if you’re on a budget, you can construct your own.

Here are some hints, tips and tricks on how to build a trampoline retaining wall yourself and the best materials to use.

Trampoline Retaining Wall DIY Ideas

If you don’t want to purchase a kit containing plastic or metal panels, there are lots of ways you can build a retaining wall for your in-ground trampoline yourself.

• Bricks and mortarThis is a budget-friendly and effective way of reinforcing your in-ground trampoline pit. For extra strength, you can lay a double row of bricks, just make sure you have enough. A negative point for this method is that it will be quite time-consuming and you will need to make sure the mortar is mixed effectively. Once complete, it should last for a long time.
• Corrugated steelSheets of corrugated steel will last a very long time and are a great option if you don’t want to purchase a retaining wall kit. As they are heavy, you will probably need help in moving them into the hole. You will also need heavy duty hardware to secure it together.
• ConcreteIf you have a bit of time to devote to your project, you can use concrete to create a retaining wall. Build some forms and add rebar for reinforcement. If your trampoline hole is square or rectangular, this is a lot more straightforward than building forms for a round hole. Allow a day or two for the concrete to set before you remove the forms. Poured concrete makes a durable and cost-effective retaining wall for your in-ground trampoline.
• Concrete blocksTo skip the hassle of pouring all that concrete, you can use concrete blocks to reinforce your sunken trampoline pit. Lay them close together, with concrete or mortar to bind them together. For extra strength, add rebar to the center of the blocks as you build up and finish up by pouring concrete inside the blocks.
• Railroad tiesThese wooden supports are perfect for lots of outdoor DIY projects and might work well as a retaining wall for your in-ground trampoline. Clearly more suited for rectangular shaped holes than round, they offer a quick way to construct a retaining wall with minimal building skills. As they’re made of wood, though, they will not last as long as some of the other DIY options as they can be weakened by water.
• No retaining wallSurely the easiest answer to a DIY trampoline retaining wall is just not having one, right? You can forgo the retaining wall if you like, but it’s not recommended. Without a retaining wall, your soil will backslide into the hole, negating the bounce experience, making your trampoline unstable and ruining the look of your landscaping. If you don’t add a retaining wall when you install an in-ground trampoline, you may end up having to re-do your installation altogether.

Tips for Building a DIY In-Ground Trampoline Retaining Wall

• Do not skimp on the prep work! Make sure you know what type of soil you’re dealing with and how high the water table is. If your in-ground trampoline hole is going to be filling with water, you’ll need to add a drain.
• Ensure your pit is bigger than your trampoline. You will need at least an extra foot of space for your retaining wall.
• Check on your retaining wall over time to see if it needs any repairs. If it does, carry these out straight away.
• If you’re not sure what you’re doing, call in the professionals for a safe, long-lasting retaining wall.