PebbleLock Case Study | Pebbled Trampoline Foundation

The Challenge:

Just outside a regional town in New South Wales, Emma and Ben are raising their two young boys on a scenic lifestyle property surrounded by open paddocks, established trees and rolling green lawn. Keen to make the most of their outdoor space, they created a backyard play zone with one standout feature: a trampoline. It quickly became the boys’ favourite spot to burn off energy year-round, rain or shine. 

However, what began as a fun and energetic addition soon turned into a source of frustration, especially for Ben. The trampoline, positioned directly on the lawn, was affected by the natural challenges of rural living. During periods of wet weather, the ground softened, causing the trampoline legs to sink unevenly into the soil. This not only compromised the safety and stability of the frame but also created the ongoing hassle of having to re-level or prop it up repeatedly. 

Beyond safety, the situation made everyday tasks like mowing much more difficult. After rainfall, the legs would dig in further, making it nearly impossible to navigate the mower around or beneath the frame. Ben even considered pouring a concrete slab as a more permanent fix, but quickly dismissed the idea due to poor drainage, lack of flexibility, and its visual impact on the lawn. 

What the family needed was a simple yet effective solution, something to keep the trampoline stable, allow water to drain, and fit in naturally with the aesthetics of their outdoor space.

The Solution:

While visiting their local landscaping supplier, Ben discovered Strol PebbleLock, a permeable paving system built for exactly these kinds of residential challenges. Designed to withstand heavy loads and fluctuating weather conditions, PebbleLock provided exactly what Ben was looking for.  

The PebbleLock system begins with a geotextile layer that acts as a barrier between the soil and the base materials. Above this sits a compacted drainage aggregate, designed to absorb and redirect water efficiently. The final layer consists of the PebbleLock panels themselves – a grid of durable, interlocking plastic cells that are filled with decorative stones or pebbles. These panels provide a stable, non-slip surface that supports weight while allowing rainwater to drain directly through.  

This combination proved to be the perfect base for the trampoline. With the PebbleLock system, the weight of the trampoline is distributed evenly across the entire surface, preventing the legs from sinking or becoming unstable. The trampoline remains level, even after heavy rainfall, ensuring consistent bounce quality and enhanced safety for the children. 

What really appealed to Ben was the system’s flexibility. Unlike concrete, the PebbleLock panels can be lifted and reused elsewhere, offering a semi-permanent solution that evolves with the family’s needs. He even extended the PebbleLock surface to create a tidy path from the deck to the trampoline, helping to minimise muddy footprints and improve overall access, particularly during the wetter months. 

The Result:

With the PebbleLock base now installed, the trampoline has become a true asset to the family’s outdoor lifestyle. The structure remains solid, level and secure, regardless of the weather or how much the boys bounce. More importantly, the area is now clean, safe and visually tidy, seamlessly blending into the lawn and surrounding landscape. 

The children can now enjoy their trampoline in all seasons, including those drizzly winter afternoons when cabin fever hits. Emma may not always approve of them jumping in the rain, but she takes comfort in knowing the area is safe, dry and significantly less muddy. The consistent surface eliminates the risk of tipping or sliding, providing both parents with confidence and peace of mind. 

From a maintenance perspective, the benefits have been immediate. The PebbleLock pad clearly defines the trampoline zone, preventing the common issue of digging legs and uneven lawn damage. Ben no longer wrestles with repositioning the trampoline or lifting it to mow underneath. The area can be trimmed neatly around the edge, with no fuss and no disruption to the rest of the lawn. The added path from the deck also reduces wear on the grass and provides a safe route for the boys to access the play area, even during wetter periods. 

The installation of Strol PebbleLock has not only improved the functionality and safety of the play space, but it has also enhanced the appearance and maintainability of the family’s backyard. For families living in similar rural or semi-rural settings, it offers an ideal solution – a way to secure play equipment without compromising on drainage, flexibility or style.