So, before we get into the nitty-gritty of PP, PVC, and PE, it's worth thinking about what actually makes trampoline fabric good, or even amazing? I mean, it's doing a lot more than just being something you bounce on, right? It has to handle all that force, support every single jump, and put up with the sun and rain for months, even years!
Really good trampoline fabric needs to be tough and flexible. It's got to be strong enough to take constant pressure and not wear out quickly, but also stretchy enough to give you that really satisfying bounce. And since most trampolines live outside, it's super important that the fabric can handle UV rays and all sorts of weather. Oh, and safety is a big one, of course – the material should be non-toxic, sewn together well, and have nice smooth edges so nobody gets hurt.
Basically, top-notch trampoline fabric performs great, lasts a long time, and keeps everyone who's bouncing safe and happy – whether it's just for fun in the backyard or serious training.
What Makes a Good Trampoline Fabric?
It is pertinent to highlight which materials work best for trampoline fabric before looking onto them in detail. A high-quality trampoline fabric should be:
1. Durable – able to withstand heavy loads and repetitive bouncing
2. UV-resistant – especially important for outdoor use
3. Weather-resistant – to endure sun, rain, and humidity
4. Flexible and supportive – providing smooth bounce without tearing
5. Safe – non-toxic, with secure stitching and edge design
Now, let’s compare PP, PVC, and PE in each of these categories.
PP (polypropylene): Professional-grade "Bounce Champion"
Polypropylene is one of the most widely used fabrics currently used by professional and high-end home trampolines.
Advantages:
Excellent rebound performance: PP material adopts a woven structure, has good elasticity and energy feedback, and a better sense of jumping;
Excellent weather resistance: Most PP fabrics are treated with UV protection and are suitable for long-term outdoor use;
Breathable and quick-drying: not easy to accumulate water, mold, and easier to clean and maintain;
Strong pressure bearing capacity: suitable for high-intensity sports and long-term use, with a long life.
Disadvantages:
Sensitive to sharp objects, easy to be scratched or worn;
The material cost is slightly higher, but in terms of durability, the cost performance is still very high.
Scope of application:
Suitable for high-quality home trampolines, sports training trampolines and outdoor environments that require long-term use.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride): wear-resistant and strong but slightly "bulky"
PVC is mostly used for edge protection pads, fence structures or some low-end jumping surfaces of trampolines. Its characteristic is "durability", but it is not suitable for users who pursue jumping experience.
Advantages:
Extremely wear-resistant and waterproof, not afraid of rain and sun;
It has flame retardancy and meets the requirements of some commercial places for fireproof materials;
The cost is low and suitable for budget-sensitive projects.
Disadvantages:
Insufficient elasticity, the jumping feeling is "hard", not suitable for users who pursue jumping height;
It is easy to heat up in the sun and feels hot in summer;
Poor air permeability, if not handled properly, it is easy to accumulate water and mold.
Scope of application:
Mostly used for protective accessories, fence cloth, or low-end indoor trampoline products.
PE (Polyethylene): Light and cheap but not suitable for main jumping surface
PE is often used in economical products or protective nets and other components. It is rarely used as a jumping surface, mainly for cost considerations.
Advantages:
Light and cheap, easy to transport and install;
A certain degree of waterproofness, can cope with medium-intensity outdoor use.
Disadvantages:
Insufficient elasticity, unable to provide a high-quality jumping experience;
Poor UV tolerance, easy to age;
Overall durability is low, not suitable for frequent use.
Scope of application:
Suitable for temporary trampolines, protective nets, lightweight products or children's non-jumping use.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If performance, safety, and long-term durability are priorities, PP (Polypropylene) is the clear winner. It’s the go-to material for most premium and professional-grade trampolines thanks to its ideal balance of flexibility, strength, and weather resistance.
PVC is excellent for support components such as frame pads or enclosure net edging, and PE may be suitable for cost-sensitive applications or non-load-bearing parts.
How We Supports Trampoline Manufacturers
We understand how important material choice is when designing or producing trampoline components. That’s why we supply high-quality woven polypropylene trampoline fabrics, engineered for:
1. UV resistance
2. High tensile strength
3. Environmental durability
4. Consistent bounce and surface tension
With tailored options for color, weave density, and fire-retardant treatment, we help you build trampolines that last—and that your customers love to use.
While cost is always a factor, choosing the right trampoline fabric is an investment in safety, performance, and customer satisfaction. PP leads the way, with PVC and PE each having their place depending on the application.
