Is Your Garden Suitable for a BERG PlayBase?

The BERG PlayBase is one of the most exciting additions you can make to your garden. Sleek, durable, and endlessly versatile, it’s more than a climbing frame—it’s a complete family hub for play, sport, and relaxation.

Most gardens are suitable for a BERG PlayBase if you have level ground, safe surfaces like grass, bark, or rubber, and enough clearance. Slopes can be managed with simple preparation.

But before you invest, it’s important to ask: Is my garden suitable for a BERG PlayBase?

The good news is that the PlayBase has been carefully designed to fit into a wide variety of garden spaces across Ireland. Still, there are a few key factors to consider: the surface it will stand on, the shape and size of your garden, the clearance around the frame, and how to deal with sloping ground.

In this article, we’ll guide you through all of these considerations so you can decide whether your garden is the perfect match for a PlayBase.

1. Why Garden Suitability Matters

The BERG PlayBase is built from heavy-duty steel tubing with a patented connection system, designed to withstand Irish weather and years of play. But like any outdoor structure, its safety and longevity depend on the conditions you place it in.

The right surface ensures stability, safety, and comfort for children using it.
The right garden size and shape allows enough clearance for swings, climbing, and fitness activities.
The right ground preparation ensures the frame sits level and securely.

Getting these elements right means your PlayBase will not only look great but also provide safe, long-lasting enjoyment.

2. Suitable Surfaces for the BERG PlayBase

One of the most common questions families ask is: “What kind of surface should I install the PlayBase on?”

Here are the most suitable options:

Grass (Most Popular)

Why it works: Grass is the most common surface in Irish gardens, and it provides a natural cushion for falls. It’s cost-effective because you don’t need to add anything extra.
Benefits: Soft, safe, and blends naturally with the PlayBase’s sleek design.
Things to consider: Over time, heavy use can wear away patches under swings or climbing walls. You may want to reseed or add mats in high-traffic areas.

Wood Chippings or Bark

Why it works: Wood chips are widely used in public playgrounds because they provide excellent shock absorption.
Benefits: Natural look, great safety surface, relatively low cost.
Things to consider: Chips need topping up every couple of years and can scatter outside the play area. A wooden or rubber border helps keep them contained.

Artificial Grass

Why it works: Artificial turf creates a smooth, durable, and mud-free play area.
Benefits: Looks neat year-round, no muddy patches, low maintenance.
Things to consider: Ensure it’s laid over a suitable underlay for shock absorption. Some cheaper artificial grass surfaces can get hot in strong sun (rare in Ireland, but worth noting).

Rubber Tile Surfaces

Why it works: Interlocking rubber tiles or wet-pour rubber are often used in professional playgrounds.
Benefits: Excellent fall protection, durable, easy to clean.
Things to consider: Higher upfront cost than grass or bark. Best for families who want a professional finish and long-term durability.

3. Surfaces That Are NOT Suitable

While the PlayBase is versatile, some surfaces are not recommended:

Concrete or Paving Stones

Why not: These surfaces are too hard. Falls onto concrete can cause injury, and the frame can shift if not properly anchored.
Exception: If you cover concrete with professional-grade shock-absorbing mats or tiles, it can be made suitable.

Gravel or Pebbles

Why not: Loose stones do not provide stable footing or good fall protection. They can shift underfoot and cause trips.

4. Garden Size and Shape

Once you’ve decided on a surface, the next consideration is space.

PlayBase Sizes

The PlayBase comes in four versions:

Medium: ~2.85 m wide
Large: ~3.8 m wide
Extra-Large: ~4.9 m wide
Wall version: ~1.2 m wide, installed against a wall

All are approximately 1 m deep and 2.45 m tall.

Recommended Clearance

In addition to the frame footprint, you need clearance space around it:

Swings: At least 2 m in front and behind the swing arc.
Sides: At least 1–1.5 m clearance.
Basketball hoop: Ideally 3–4 m in front for safe play.

Minimum Garden Sizes (Including Clearance)

Medium: ~6 m x 4 m
Large: ~7 m x 5 m
Extra-Large: ~8.5 m x 6 m
Wall version: ~4 m x 3 m in front of the wall

Shape Considerations

A rectangular garden is usually ideal, as it allows you to position the PlayBase lengthwise with plenty of space.
Square gardens can also work well, especially with the Medium or Large frame.
For narrow gardens, the Wall version may be the most practical option.

5. Sloping Gardens: What to Do

Many Irish gardens aren’t perfectly flat. The good news is that a slight slope is manageable—but some preparation is necessary.

Mild Slopes

If the slope is gentle, you can often level the area by removing turf and adding a small layer of topsoil or sand before installation.
Alternatively, position the PlayBase so that the slope runs lengthwise rather than across the width.

Steeper Slopes

A steeper incline may require groundworks, such as terracing, retaining walls, or creating a level platform.
In some cases, a professional landscaper can help create a flat pad where the PlayBase will sit.

Why Level Ground Matters

A level surface ensures the frame is stable and secure.
It prevents undue stress on joints and connectors.
It ensures swings swing straight and accessories like basketball hoops function properly.

6. Safety and Comfort Considerations

When assessing your garden, think not just about space but also about safety and comfort:

Sunlight: Ideally, choose a spot with a balance of sun and shade so children can play comfortably.
Visibility: Place the PlayBase where you can easily supervise children from the house or patio.
Wind exposure: Coastal gardens may want to place the frame in a more sheltered area to reduce wind impact.
Ground drainage: Avoid areas that become waterlogged, as this can make play muddy and damage surfaces like bark.

7. How to Prepare Your Garden

If you’re ready to bring a PlayBase home, here’s a step-by-step preparation guide:

Choose your site – Measure out the space and ensure it meets clearance requirements.
Check the slope – Decide if levelling work is needed.
Prepare the surface – Grass, bark, artificial turf, or rubber tiles should be ready before installation.
Mark clearance zones – Use rope or spray paint to mark the swing arc and clearance.
Anchor securely – Ensure the PlayBase is correctly installed with its anchoring system.

8. Common Questions

Q: Can I install a PlayBase on decking?
A: Standard wooden decking is not ideal—it’s too hard for falls and may not provide stable anchoring. If you want to use decking, you’ll need safety mats and reinforcement.

Q: Do I need planning permission?
A: No. The PlayBase is not a permanent structure and does not exceed typical planning limits.

Q: Can I move the PlayBase later?
A: Yes, the frame can be disassembled and repositioned, though it’s best to choose a long-term site from the start.

9. Why the BERG PlayBase is Worth Adapting Your Garden For

Even if your garden needs a little preparation, the PlayBase is worth it because:

It replaces multiple pieces of equipment (swings, climbing frames, gym rigs).
It adapts to children of all ages and even adults.
It’s designed to last 10–15 years or more in Irish conditions.

Many families find that investing in ground preparation (like levelling or adding bark) is a small cost compared to the years of safe play and fitness benefits the PlayBase provides.

10. Why Buy from Trampolines Ireland?

When making an investment like the PlayBase, you want expert guidance. At Trampolines Ireland, we provide:

Authorised BERG retailer status, so you know you’re buying genuine products.
Expert advice on choosing the right PlayBase size and preparing your garden.
Nationwide delivery across Ireland.
Trusted service—we’ve worked with families and schools for years.
Aftercare support for installation and maintenance.

Conclusion

So, is your garden suitable for a BERG PlayBase? The answer is yes—most likely. As long as you have a level space, a safe surface (grass, bark, artificial grass, or rubber), and enough clearance, you can create the perfect spot.

Avoid unsuitable surfaces like bare concrete, gravel, or uneven ground, and take time to prepare the area if you have a slope. Once installed, the PlayBase will become the heart of your garden, offering fitness, fun, and family time for years to come.

If you’d like expert help in choosing the right size and preparing your garden, contact Trampolines Ireland today. We’ll make sure your PlayBase is set up for maximum safety, durability, and enjoyment.