How to Patch a Trampoline Mat Hole (DIY Guide)

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Find out how to repair trampoline mat holes step-by-step and extend your trampoline’s lifespan with these practical maintenance tips.

Having a trampoline in the backyard is a fantastic way to combine fun and exercise right at home. However, with regular use, wear and tear are inevitable.

Damage can happen to various parts of the trampoline, like the springs, mat, or legs. But the most common issue is usually holes in the mat. Depending on the size and severity of these holes, repairs might be necessary.

In this article, I’ll cover three methods to patch a hole in a trampoline mat. I’ll also help you decide whether fixing it yourself is worth the effort or if it’s better to hire a professional for the job.

With basic care and maintenance, there’s usually no need to hire professional trampoline specialists.

Most trampoline owners can expect the mat to last 5-10 years with moderate use before it needs replacing. However, premature damage to the mat can still happen.

Key factors to watch out for include the mat’s age, prolonged sun exposure, and debris like gravel or sand getting onto the surface while jumping.

Holes are the most common sign of wear on a trampoline mat. When deciding whether to repair or replace the mat, the size of the hole is a crucial factor to consider.

Here are some tips to help you decide if you should repair the trampoline mat:

• Before looking at the hole, observe the surface of your mat. If the mat is worn, damaged by the sun, or has been used for over ten years, it might be best to replace it entirely rather than fix the hole.
• If the mat itself is in good shape, but the hole is greater than 3 inches, it may also be best to replace the mat. Holes larger than 3 inches are difficult to repair properly.
• If the hole is less than a 1/2 inch wide and isn’t frayed at the edges, simple duct tape is often a good enough solution. Keep an eye on the hole to see how it holds over time.
• For holes between 1/2 and 3 inches, I would recommend repairing the mat yourself using one of the below methods.

So, you’ve established that the hole in your trampoline mat is between 1/2 and 3 inches. Catching holes at this size is good because it means you can likely still fix them yourself.

But how do you fix that hole in a trampoline? Let’s take a closer look at the following three methods:

1. Adhesive patches
2. Sew-on replacement patches
3. Using a sewing machine

1. Adhesive Patches

The easiest solution is to use adhesive patches. If you do a quick search online, you will find adhesive patch kits that will allow you to quickly fix smaller holes in a trampoline.

These kits typically include a few patch sheets (ideally round-shaped) with a step-by-step guide on how to complete the process, but in short, this is how it works:

1. Clean and dry the area of the mat around the hole.
2. Remove the protective layer from the patch, apply glue (if necessary), and press the patch firmly to the mat.
3. Wait approximately 24 hours for the glue to cure before using the trampoline.

If you live in a colder climate, you might struggle with the adhesives because temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit are typically required for the glue to cure properly.

2. Sew-On Replacement Patches

Another method is to sew a patch onto the hole in the mat. This is slightly more complicated than the previous method but typically leads to better long-term results.

Patches of replacement trampoline canvas are readily available online, and repair kits typically include a few patch sheets of UV-resistant material, heavy-duty thread, and a needle.

This is roughly how it works:

1. Trim a circular portion of the replacement canvas at least 2 inches wider than the hole.
2. Place the patch over the hole and sew it directly to the mat. Sewing manually is easy, and the kit will include a guide on how to sew patches properly.

A second set of hands can help with tightening out the mat while sewing. As with so many things in life, teamwork will always get you better results.

3. Using a Sewing Machine

If the trampoline mat hole is a bit large, around 3-4 inches, finding good replacement patches to fix that hole may be challenging.

You can still try and fix these bigger holes yourself, though, without replacing the whole mat, by using a sewing machine:

1. Carefully remove the mat from the trampoline structure, and decouple the springs from the structure.
2. Once the mat is detached, bring the sewing machine out.
3. Before sewing, make sure to set up the machine with (UV-resistant) thread similar to that which covers the mat, and use a heavy-duty needle.
4. Run strong, tight stitches across the hole in the mat, preferably in a zig-zag pattern, to ensure the robustness of the stitch.

This method is more time-consuming than the previous methods and requires a bit of skill. Only do this if you know how to operate a sewing machine.

Alternative: Hire a Local Professional

In cases where mats have holes over 3-4 inches, it may be best to call your local trampoline repair person before replacing the mat entirely. Mats can often still be fixed and patched by reaching out to the pros.

Also, if you’re simply not comfortable patching a trampoline mat hole yourself (or don’t have the time), even if the hole is small, there is nothing wrong with relying on an expert. You can expect a quality result.

Prices are often reasonable, but it’s best to ask around for different quotes if you feel that the first quote is a bit expensive.

Trampolines are a great investment for both fun and fitness, so it’s important to take good care of them year-round to ensure their safety and longevity. Still, no matter how well you maintain your trampoline, damage to the mat can eventually happen.

Fortunately, fixing a hole in a trampoline mat doesn’t have to be complicated. With the repair methods outlined above, you should be able to handle the job with ease.

Prevention is always the best approach, so be sure to stick to the trampoline’s weight limits, keep the mat free of debris, clean it regularly, and store the trampoline indoors during harsh winter months.

Finally, always stay prepared for bad weather with strong winds. To protect your trampoline, check out my guide on securing a trampoline to keep it from blowing away.