Garden surface guide: grass, artificial lawn and hardstanding
Choosing the right surface is important when hiring our inflatables. Whether you book from our range of Bouncy Castles, Bounce & Slide Bouncy Castle Combos or Assault Courses, the ground must be suitable for safe anchoring and stable use. This guide explains which surfaces work well and which need extra planning.
Using real grass
Grass is the safest and most reliable surface for setting up an inflatable. When your event is on grass, we can secure the equipment using strong ground pegs, giving the inflatable excellent stability. Grass works well for most hires, including birthday parties, school events and community fun days, and is ideal for all outdoor items across our Inflatable Slides range.
Before we arrive
- Remove all toys, furniture and garden items
- Check for holes, dips or trip hazards
- Take away sharp stones, sticks or objects
- Ensure the area is level and has no slope
- Clear any dog mess or debris
A well-prepared lawn helps us set up safely and keeps your event running smoothly.
Using artificial grass
Artificial lawns can be used, but they require more planning. Because artificial turf does not allow us to use pegs, the inflatable must be anchored using weights or fixed structures. If you are booking something like one of our Inflatable Games, this may be easier, but larger inflatables need secure anchorage points.
Suitable anchoring options
- Heavy anchorage weights (if the inflatable design allows)
- Strong fixed items such as metal posts or railings
- A flat and stable artificial surface with no loose edges
If your artificial grass is thin, loosely fitted or on uneven ground, it may not be safe for outdoor anchoring. Contact us in advance so we can assess your layout before confirming your booking.
Setting up on hardstanding
Hardstanding includes concrete, tarmac, patios and block paving. These surfaces present challenges because pegs cannot be used. While it is possible to secure some inflatables on hard surfaces, it requires specialist equipment and must meet strict safety rules.
Why hardstanding is difficult
- No ground penetration for pegs
- Additional weights may not give the level of stability required
- Bolting into concrete is only possible with customer approval
- Surface may offer no cushioning in case of falls
If you plan to hire larger items such as our Adult Bouncy Castles, you will need to contact us so we can confirm whether secure anchoring is possible at your location.
When hardstanding can work
We may be able to set up outdoors on hardstanding if:
- There are safe and strong fixed tie-points
- The surface is level, firm and stable
- Space is suitable for the inflatable and safety mats
Without these conditions, the inflatable cannot be safely installed outdoors on hardstanding.
Indoor venues
Hard surfaces indoors are much easier to work with. Community centres, sports halls and event venues provide a controlled environment without wind risks, and are ideal for low-height inflatables from our Indoor Low Height Inflatables range. Indoor setups allow for safe anchoring using weights and mats, with reliable power access nearby.
General preparation before delivery
No matter the surface, please make sure the area is ready before we arrive. This includes:
- Removing debris, toys, furniture and obstacles
- Ensuring the ground is level and free from slopes
- Clearing sharp objects that may damage the inflatable
- Providing safe, clear access to the setup area
If you are unsure whether your garden or venue is suitable for one of our inflatables, simply contact our team through our contact us page and we will be happy to help you plan a safe and suitable setup.