How to Level a Trampoline: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Safe & Stable Setup

An unlevel trampoline is more than just an annoyance—it’s a safety hazard. Uneven bouncing can send jumpers flying towards the lower side, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Ensuring your trampoline is perfectly level is the foundational step for safe, fun, and long-lasting play. This guide will walk you through the process, from tools to troubleshooting.

Essential Tools and Preparation

Before you start, gather these items: a long (8-12 foot) 2×4 board, a 4-foot level, wooden shims or patio pavers, a shovel, a rake, and work gloves. First, clear the area of all debris, rocks, and sticks. It’s crucial to choose a location with adequate overhead clearance and a soft, energy-absorbing surface like grass or bark mulch around the perimeter.

Finding the High and Low Points

Place your 2×4 board radially from the trampoline’s center outwards across the frame. Lay the level on top of the board. Walk around the entire circumference, noting where the bubble in the level is centered (level), and where it drifts significantly to one side (high or low). Mark the high spots with spray paint or a stake.

The Step-by-Step Leveling Process

Step 1: Address the High Spots. For minor high points on soil or grass, use your shovel to carefully remove sod and soil until the area is flush with the lowest point you identified. Rake the area smooth.

Step 2: Support the Low Spots. Never just dig down the high side to meet a severe low spot—this creates a hole and unstable footing. Instead, for ground-set trampolines, place solid, rot-resistant shims or flat patio pavers under the frame legs on the low side. For in-ground trampolines, you may need to add a compacted soil/sand mix.

Step 3: Re-check and Adjust. After each adjustment, reassemble the trampoline frame (without the mat and springs for now) and use your board and level to check again. The goal is a level reading from the frame at all points around the circle. This iterative process is key to precision.

Step 4: Final Assembly and Test. Once the frame is perfectly level, attach the mat, springs, and safety pad. Do a gentle bounce test, paying attention to the feel and any visible tilt. For a comprehensive visual guide on this entire process, check out this detailed resource on How To Level A Trampoline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sand to level my trampoline? Sand can be used for fine-tuning and filling, but it must be thoroughly compacted. It is not a stable base for supporting the full weight of leg posts on its own. Use solid shims or pavers for primary support.

How unlevel is too unlevel? Any visible tilt is too much. As a rule, if your level’s bubble is outside the center lines, it needs correction. Even a slight slope can create dangerous directional bounce.

Do I need to re-level my trampoline seasonally? Yes, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles or