What to Put Under a Bounce House

When you set up a bounce house, it’s essential to choose the right surface. Putting the right flooring product under a bounce house can help keep it stable, prevent damage, and maximize its lifespan. It may also play an important role in the safety of those using the bounce house and those around it. Understanding what to put under a bounce house can help you to prepare for a successful installation.

What to Put Under a Bounce House

The surface underneath your inflatable house needs to be flat and forgiving. The surface that you have available to you isn’t always the best. Loose gravel, rocks, and sticks can puncture and damage the house, and while concrete offers a flat surface for setup, it can cause abrasions and damage the bottom of the house.


Even if you’re setting up the house over grass, placing a barrier material between the house and the grass offers extra protection. Some manufacturers recommend placing a tarp down over grass, but that can create a slick surface and might cause people to slip.

It’s important to consider the features of the bounce house itself. If you’re installing a bounce house waterslide, flooring can get slippery, so choosing a surface with drainage and a bit of traction is important.

The following options tend to work well for a bounce house setup:

• Foam or rubber materials are flat and forgiving, but they’re also durable enough to act as a barrier between the bounce house and the ground. These materials can withstand repeated use, and foam is lightweight so it’s easily portable.


• Perforated mats and tiles are another good option. The perforations help maximize drainage, speeding drying. These tiles can be easily installed over a flat, hard surface, like a driveway.

The Best Products for Use Under a Bounce House

At Greatmats, we have an excellent selection of products that are ideal for use under a bounce house. All of these products are suitable for an outdoor installation, plus they’re durable enough to withstand repeated installations. Whether you’re installing a bounce house at your home for a special event or are going to be renting out your bounce house and want to prolong its lifespan, these products are great options.

StayLock Tile Perforated Black

The StayLock Tile Perforated Black is crafted from recycled PVC plastic. These waterproof tiles feature perforations to quickly drain water away, so they’re ideal for bounce houses and inflatable waterslides. They create a slip-resistant surface for safety, while their 20-inch ASTM fall height rating helps minimize injury just in case any falls do occur.

The tiles feature an active locking connector system that holds them securely together while in use. Installation is easy; just line the tiles up and press down until they snap together. They’re a durable choice for outdoor use.

Interlocking Rubber Tile Gmats Black

The Interlocking Rubber Tile Gmats Black offers the durability of rubber in a conveniently sized tile that’s easy to transport and install. The tiles feature tight-fitting seams for a secure connection, plus they’re reversible, so you can ensure that both sides wear evenly over time.

Though rubber flooring can be heavy, these tiles weigh just two pounds each. They’re commercial-quality for long-lasting use, and they’re backed by a five-year manufacturer warranty.

Sport Plus Designer Foam Tile

The Sport Plus Designer Foam Tile is lightweight for easy transportation. The tiles are cushioned for a comfortable feel underfoot, plus they offer protection for your bounce house. The EVA foam is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about moisture or spills, making them an ideal surface for outdoor use. Plus, the materials are lead- and latex-free, perfect for use around children.

The tiles feature puzzle-style edges that securely fit together for a quick and easy installation. They also include border edge pieces, so you can create a clean, finished, and professional-looking installation.

Foam Kids and Gym Mats Premium

The Foam Kids and Gym Mats Premium create a ⅝ inch barrier between the ground and your bounce house. Crafted from high-quality EVA foam, the tiles are resistant to stains and water for long-lasting durability. Their 2x2-foot size makes the tiles easy to transport, but it also means you can quickly cover a larger surface during installation.

The tiles come in many color options, so you can choose a color that complements or blends with your bounce house. The tight-fitting puzzle edges keep the tiles securely connected during use, while the included border strips allow you to create a clean, finished edge.

Portable Outdoor Tent Tile

The Portable Outdoor Tent Tile is a highly versatile tile that can be installed over slightly uneven ground, including dirt and grass surfaces, protecting your bounce house from rocks, sticks, and other debris. The tiles are made of durable polypropylene plastic, and they can be used repeatedly. They’re designed to quickly drain away moisture, plus the slip-resistant surface helps maximize safety.

The tiles have a hinge-style connection that holds them securely together, and the clickable edges make the installation process quick and easy.

Order Bounce House Flooring from Greatmats

When you understand what to put under a bounce house, you can prolong its lifespan and perform successful installations. Contact Greatmats today with any questions; we’re happy to help you find the right product for your needs.