16 In-Ground Trampoline Retaining Wall Kits and DIY Ideas
When you go to install your in ground trampoline, you have to do a lot of digging. That digging results in a nice wall of dirt that needs to remain where it's sitting. Building a good retaining wall is one of the most vital parts of an in ground trampoline installation.
The retaining wall provides support for your trampoline, keeps your yard looking great and makes sure you do not have any cave ins that will cost you a lot of money in repair work.
From DIY to retaining wall kits, there are a lot of options when it comes time to build your retaining wall. Just continue to read our article to get all the information, tips, and ideas you need to have a very successful in ground trampoline installation.
Tip #1: Do not confine your outer hole to your trampoline’s diameter. Add a foot all the way around to make room for your retaining wall and ventilation system.
Introducing The BERG Inground Trampoline
- Large 14 ft jumping surface for big jumps
- UV Resistant PVC padding that will last for years
- Less air resistance for higher jumps
Trampoline Retaining Wall 101
In Ground Trampoline Retaining Wall Kits
There are a lot of good retaining wall kits for sunken trampoline son the market. Unfortunately, space does not allow us to review them all. The following two reviews of retaining wall kits should give you an idea of what to look for when you go shopping for a kit.
#1. 15' Round Inground Kit ONLY
You have to put the word ‘only’ in there as there are some people who think the trampoline is included with the kit. It isn’t. This metal retaining wall is self standing and does not need any back filling to keep it supported or upright. Check the price here >>
It comes in sections making it easy for one person to put the ring together and get the retaining wall in place. An easy to install top molding piece holds the different sections together.
Once put together, the retaining wall should hold a 15 foot trampoline with ease. Just make sure to dig your hole wide enough to allow for ventilation and proper drainage. The main benefit is in its durability and strength.
Also, this retaining wall is not very wide. It won’t take up a lot of space after it is completely installed.
Pros:
- Easy to install and set up
- Durable and strong
- Self-standing and needs no support
- Sections interlock for added support
- Flexible trampoline installation options
Cons:
- Can be a bit costly
- Top molding may be a bit fragile
- Curb side delivery only
- May take a long time to set up
Read more here >>
#2. In-Ground Trampolines Standard
One of the key qualities this retaining wall kit has to offer is that it is flexible. It can protect a 12 or 15 foot trampoline hole. This gives you a little flexibility when considering which trampoline size to go with.
Then, you get 18 gauge steel walls supported by 14 gauge steel tubing. Steel is strong, durable and able to handle a lot of ground pressure. All the metal parts are galvanized to keep rust and corrosion away for years. Check the latest price here >>
Then stainless steel hardware makes sure you get the best rust and corrosion protection without sacrificing strength or quality. Plus, its thin construction allows you to do less digging. The retaining wall does not take up a lot of space.
Also, the retaining wall is designed to make sure you do not have additional issues with ventilation, or drainage. It shouldn’t be too difficult to install.
Pros:
- Made from heavy gauge steel
- Galvanized to protect against rust, etc.
- Uses stainless steel hardware
- Does not take up a lot of room in the trampoline hole
- Can be used above ground if needed
Cons:
- May need more than one person to install it
- Curbside delivery only
- Low weight limit capacity
- Some quality control issues
Read more here >>
Tip #2: go with a reputable brand when you buy your in ground trampoline retaining wall kit. You should get better service, better return options, and people to talk to when you have an installation problem. You should also get a better warranty.
Other Buried Trampoline Retaining Wall Ideas
When people want to construct something on their property and do not know how to do it properly, they do come up with some pretty interesting ideas. These creative ideas may work for the short time but they do have their flaws.
Here are a few ideas that may do the retaining wall duty temporarily:
#1. Corrugated steel
A very strong solution to your retaining wall issues. Steel is durable if treated to protect against rust and corrosion. But the main drawback to this system is that it is also very heavy.
You run the risk of injury if you do not handle it right. Also, you may need a lot of help moving it from its above ground location into its retaining wall position. It is probably the longest lasting non-professional idea you can use.
Plus, you may need some heavy duty screws or bolts along with some heavy gauge steel posts to attach the corrugated steel to. This option will take some time to put together
#2. Railroad ties
These have been used as retaining walls for gardens and other landscaping projects. They are treated and the treatment should keep the bugs away. Also, they are a bit heavy but a lot easier to put in place.
You may only need a sledge hammer and some steel rods to hold them where you put them. There are two main drawbacks to using railroad ties. First, they may be difficult to cut to size and fit inside a circular hole. They will work well for a rectangular hole.
Second, water is their enemy. Too much water may ruin the railroad ties and weaken them.
#3. All in one systems
In these systems, and there are not that many on the market, you have the trampoline as a part of the retaining wall kit. Their benefits include looking nice, you do not have to install a trampoline frame and more You still should get a good bounce.
Plus, all the parts to install the retaining wall and trampoline are included in your purchase. You do not have to keep going out to find parts you need to use. Installation goes a lot quicker and you may get your kids on the trampoline faster than other retaining wall systems.
The main drawback to all in one systems is that if one part has a problem,then every part has a problem, If the issue can’t be fixed individually, then you may be facing the prospect that you have to replace the whole system. That can cost you a lot of money you didn’t plan on spending
#4. The no retaining wall system
You can get away without using a retaining wall when you install your trampoline but this system is more of an example of what not to do. It cuts corners, saves money a yet it adds more risk to you and your family’s trampoline time.
To make this system work all you do is dig your trampoline pit and then lay your trampoline, without legs, across the hole. The main issues with this system is it does not allow for proper ventilation, it does not support your dirt walls and they can cave in. Also, it will make a mess of your yard.
Believe it or not, there are people who have used this idea when they want an in ground trampoline.
Tip #3: When DIY don’t cut corners or costs. The better the retaining wall the safer your in ground trampoline will be. Also do not be lazy. Do it right the first time and you will save more money in the long run.
How to Build a Sunken Trampoline Retaining Wall DIY
In this section, we are going to give you some instructions on how to build your own retaining wall. There is no perfect system and some ideas may be better than others. But first we are going to start with a kit that is do it yourself even though the panels are already built. It has some great features to it
#1. TDU Retaining Wall System
This is a lightweight retaining wall that is simple to put together,. It is not made from metal, has no metal sharp edges to cut yourself. Other edges are rounded to make sure you can handle it without fear.
Also, it comes with an interlocking system that makes it very strong and capable. You just snap it together and then use the self tapping screws to lock the system in place. It shouldn’t take you a long time to build.
#2. Brick and mortar
If you want a classy retaining wall this should do it. Bricks are easy to get and all you need to do is figure out how many you will need. We suggest a double row to make sure you have the strength.
All you do is mix then mortar and then lay down a foundation to place the first bricks on. Then you continue to buildup till you get to the right height. You do not want mortar that is too dry or too wet.
This is time consuming but your retaining wall should look great and last you a long time.
#3. Concrete
The time is in the building of the form. You can use the dirt wall as one side of your form so all you need to do is build the other side. Since there will not be a lot of pressure on the form, you should be able to use either 2 by 2 or 2 by 4 stakes to hold the boards in place.
Then for the form itself, 1/2 to 3/4 inch shiplap will do or similar sized alternative wood boards. Rectangular holes are easy to build forms for but circular ones you may need to do a lot of cutting to get the right shape,
Once you get the boards cut to size, name them to the stakes and put them in place. You will also need some braces to help the forms hold the concrete. 2 by 4s are good for this and nail one end to smaller wood stakes you have driven into the ground.
Again, you do not want the concrete too wet or to dry. You want it to set up quickly but you will still have to wait a day or two before the forms can be removed. Do not forget to add rebar to the forms for the concrete to grab on to.
#4. Concrete block
A lot easier than using concrete. You will still need to figure out how many blocks you will need to use and you will still need to use rebar to help the concrete get its full strength.
To build this retaining wall, you first lay down a little concrete on the outer hole’s ledge near the wall of dirt. Place your first row of blocks down where you need them to be making sure they touch.
Add mortar or concrete between the blocks to make sure they bind together and form a solid wall. As you go up add in the rebar to the center of each block. This helps the concrete get its strength. You will be pouring concrete inside the concrete blocks as well
Continue to do this till you have reached the top[ of your retaining wall’s height.
#5. Trampoline frame sheet metal retaining wall
You can use your trampoline’s steel frame as support for your retaining wall. You will need to pre-drill holes on each frame leg. This may take some time as drilling angles is not easy. Then you drill holes in the pressure treated 2 by 4s you have bought.
Once the holes are drilled, you take a large & long lag bolt insert it through a washer then put it through the hole in the 2 by 4. The lag bolt will have to be long enough to go through the metal leg of the trampoline. When that is done use locking washers and nuts to secure the 2 by 4 to the metal leg.
Continue to do this till the metal frame has 2 pressure treated 2 by 4s per frame section. After this is done, cut the sheet metal to size and then screw the sheet metal to the 2 by 4s. Go all the way around making sure you get a tight fit.
Then when you have completed that task, lower the frame sheet metal wall into your hole. Attach your trampoline mat after you got your ventilation, drainage and weed issues taken care of. Make sure the frame is placed level. You can do this by using along 2 by 4 and a carpenter’s level.
Tip #4: when using concrete, whether pouring in a form or concrete blocks. you have to make one pour. More than one pour ruins the integrity of the concrete and makes the wall weaker.
Some Final Comments
No matter how you build your retaining wall you will have to do some minor work to make sure everything fits well and provides you with the support you need. These little duties include back filling, leveling, and even smoothing out the concrete.
The key to building a retaining wall is to make sure it is strong enough and will last you a long time. As you build your retaining wall, you should make sure it will work with your drainage system and weed barrier.
A good retaining wall will add to you hours of fun using the trampoline. It will also save you a lot of money over the years.
Tip #5: Before you build your retaining wall, get your drainage system and weed barrier in place first. This will allow you to customize the wall as you need to. This will save you time and a lot of frustration. Plus, you can use your retaining wall as a good security system holding everything in place.
Introducing The BERG Inground Trampoline
- Large 14 ft jumping surface for big jumps
- UV Resistant PVC padding that will last for years
- Less air resistance for higher jumps
