Trampolines are a wonderful recreational tool which can provide countless hours of fun. They can also be conveniently stored in your backyard so that you can receive access to them whenever you wish. However, the parts that are used in making trampolines might be something that you are concerned about.
If you are purchasing a new trampoline, or need replacement parts, it is important that you understand the construction of a trampoline so that you can get the most durable parts possible. Below we will break down what trampolines are made of, from the mat to the frame.
The Mat
The mat of the trampoline is either commonly made of a nylon or polypropylene material. Contrary to what you may have thought, the mat itself is not where any of the bounciness of a trampoline comes from. The main purpose of the mat is to be strong and sturdy enough to receive countless hours of punishment from endless jumps. The mat is where most of the action is taking place, and needs to be strong.
The mat of your trampoline is perhaps the most important part of the product. This is the piece which really needs to be taken care of and monitored for damage. Here is when you should replace your trampoline mat, which also shows you some of the best options for mat replacements. Since this is one of the most fragile pieces of the product, you should keep all sharp objects away from it.
The Springs
The springs of a trampoline of typically made with a galvanized rust-resistant steel. This helps them to stay outside even when it rains or snows. Otherwise, it would be a giant inconvenience to move your trampoline every single time the precipitation comes into play. There are some springs which are shorter, used with a lesser-quality material, and can stretch easily.
On the contrary, the ones with a longer coil tend to generate more bounce with the mat and are longer-lasting. If you need to replace your springs, you will notice that they don’t really generate much bounce, and simply sink down to the farthest extending point without as much recoil as they had when you first purchased them. It is normal for springs to wear out over time.
The Frame
Much like the springs, the frame is something that is made with galvanized rust-resistant steel. This is to both make it strong and capable of remaining outside during times of precipitation. The frame of your trampoline is what allows you to be able to stand elevated onto the mat in the first place, and is the core of your trampoline’s support. This is a part, although usually strong, that needs to be continuously monitored and inspected.
The frame of your trampoline is one of the most longest-lasting and durable pieces of the trampoline. Although you will likely be fine using it for the entire life of the trampoline, it is nevertheless important to make sure that the frame of your trampoline stays up-to-date and remains on a sturdy piece of earth which doesn’t cause it to bend or receive unstable support. With either of these problems typically means further problems to other parts of the trampoline.
Safety Pads
The padding of the trampoline comes in two common places. If you use a net on your trampoline, you will likely use safety pads to line the outside of the poles. The other common area to use safety padding is around the edges of the frame where the springs are. The padding of your trampoline will typically be made with a soft absorbent material such as foam padding. These are great for making it easy to come into hard contact with them without getting hurt.
Although you might opt not to use safety pads, they are one of the best ways which you can ensure that you don’t get hurt while using your trampoline. Of course, most people would realize that they should stay away from the edges and to not stand on the springs. However, this is a part which will definitely eliminate minor injuries in the future.
Safety Net
The safety net in a trampoline is something which you may or may not have. It is usually made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyester. Although people may disagree on which is the best, what matters most is the strength of it when it is actually needed. Typically, polyethylene (or PE), has the most density and is capable of withstanding injury-saving impacts.
It is made by melting plastic into a liquid and then forming it again into the shape of a net before letting it dry. Some variations of this product have a lower density than others. A good rule of thumb is to call and make sure that the PE on your trampoline net is at least 0.97 g/cm³. If it is anywhere below this number, it doesn’t qualify as high-density polyethylene.
What Are Trampolines Made Of: Conclusion
Although there are only a few parts which make up the typical trampoline, people who have advanced features such as basketball nets, trampoline ladders, and so on will have a more difficult time finding the highest quality parts available for their trampoline part. However, if you are in the market for a trampoline, replacement parts, or are simply curious about what goes into a trampoline, the above information can be used as a reference.