In order to ensure the best bounce and the highest safety possible, eventually you will want to replace your trampoline mat. Trampoline replacement mats are sold wherever trampolines are sold, and they are cheaper than replacing the entire trampoline if your frame isn’t damaged.

Trampolines that were purchased at discount stores or stores that don’t specialize in trampolines often come with inferior quality mats. In that case, you may need a trampoline replacement mat, or at least a resewing, in one or two years. It is more cost-effective in the long run to buy a durable trampoline mat at the beginning. If you’re in the market for one now, you may want to consider upgrading to a more durable mat.

If you still have your mat, you will need to measure it for a replacement mat. Measure along the grain of your existing mat. Measure from outside edge to outside edge or from v-ring to opposite v-ring.

If you don’t have your mat, but your frame is still in good condition, it is still possible to order a good-fitting trampoline replacement mat. The mat size isn’t the same diameter as the trampoline, e.g., a 14" trampoline does not necessarily have a 14" mat, depending on the size of the spring. Measure from the outside edge of the frame to the opposite outside edge. Double-check your accuracy by measuring in more than one place. Count how many springs you should have. Then measure the spring when it is not attached from hook to hook. (If your springs are at all wobbly or worn, now is a great time to replace them as well).

UV rays are damaging to the stitching on mats, so consider purchasing a replacement mat with a UV protectant or a cover to protect against the weather.

Trampoline Pads Upgrade

As with cars and airline seats, eventually you may want to upgrade your trampoline. Trampoline replacement pads are a great place to start. Trampoline pads are the pieces of foam that surround the steel frame of the trampoline, covering the springs to prevent pinching and scraping as well as prevent jumpers from falling through the gaps between springs. They are generally made of dense foam, approximately 1/4" thick. Deluxe trampoline replacement pads are thicker and have a higher density to prevent absorbing water. They generally come with a skirt to help prevent slipping.

When buying trampoline replacement pads, consider what your current comfort level is with your present trampoline pads. Cheaper trampolines, including trampolines bought at department or discount stores rather than trampoline specialty stores, use pads that have thinner foam and don’t have a high amount of stitching in the tie down straps. Some are narrower, leaving gaps between the edge of the mat and the springs. The best trampoline replacement pads cover the springs completely. Take a look at your tie downs. Discount pads will have one or two rows of stitching, while higher end replacement pads will have more rows. This helps prevent tearing. Another issue to consider is how many tie downs you want. Eight is a standard number, but many models have more. That means less slipping as well as less wear and tear from wind damage.

When measuring for replacement pads, be sure to measure the diameter from the outside frame to the outside frame.

Trampoline replacement pads come in a variety of sizes to fit any trampoline - and any budget. Consider an upgrade.

Trampoline Mats

While it is arguably the most important part of the trampoline, the trampoline mat, also called the bed, is certainly the first thing that people think about when buying a trampoline. The trampoline mat, the actual jumping surface of the tampoline, comes in a variety of shapes. Round trampoline mats of all sizes are the most common for noncompetitive jumping. The bounce on round mats is not as high. Round mats provide a measure of safety for the single jumper in that the jumper is pulled toward the middle of the trampoline bed. Because round mats put less pressure on the trampoline springs, cheaper material can be used, making round trampolines financially attractive to the general backyard jumper. The downside to the round trampoline mat, however, is that because jumpers are pulled toward the center, more than one jumper at a time is not recommended.

Rectangular trampoline mats are generally used in competitive trampolining. They have been used in the Olympics and circuses, as well as by professional trampoliners. The bounce is stronger, providing more height in the jump than with round mats, making it excellent for gymnastics and other "trick" trampolining. The springs on a rectangular trampoline create a criss-cross pattern, making for a more uniform jump than a round mat. Because of that, the jumping surface is larger, more jumpers can jump at one time, and jumpers are less likely to have their balance thrown off. The straight sides of the rectangular trampoline mat also give the jumper better orientation than with a circular mat.

Other shapes include octagonal, square, and custom designed shapes.