If you’ve ever compared different bouncy castles, you may have noticed two common materials in the product descriptions: Oxford fabric and PVC tarpaulin. At first glance, Oxford fabric often sounds like the obvious winner — it’s gentler on the skin, lighter, and easier to slide on. Yet, many commercial rental companies still prefer PVC tarpaulin for their inflatable slides and castles.
So why does this happen? Is PVC really “better,” or is it just more practical from a business standpoint?
What is Oxford fabric?
Oxford fabric is a woven polyester material, usually coated with PU (polyurethane). It’s commonly used for:
- home-use bouncy castles
- smaller inflatables
- indoor play structures
- children’s tents and playhouses
Key advantages of Oxford fabric
Gentler on skin – The surface is softer and less abrasive. Kids can crawl, sit, and slide with less friction and fewer “carpet burn” sensations.
Lightweight – Oxford fabric inflatables are significantly lighter, which means it is easier to carry, easier to set up and easier to fold and store.
Better sliding experience – The fabric is smoother and usually allows children to glide down slides with less resistance.
Great for younger kids and indoor play – Its softness and lighter build make it suitable for safe, low-impact play environments.
Limitations of Oxford fabric
However, this gentleness comes with trade-offs:
- less resistant to UV exposure
- more susceptible to wear and tear
- easier to puncture
- less tolerant of heavy, repeated jumping
This is where PVC starts to take the lead for commercial applications.
What is PVC tarpaulin?
PVC tarpaulin is a thick, plastic-coated material designed for heavy-duty use. It is reinforced, waterproof, and highly durable. It’s the same family of materials used in:
- truck covers
- outdoor advertising banners
- industrial tents
- heavy-duty inflatables
Key advantages of PVC tarpaulin
Extremely durable – PVC withstands constant jumping, adult weight, rough play and outdoor ground surfaces.
Better UV and weather resistance – Sun, rain, grass, and heat are less damaging, which is critical for rental businesses operating outdoors.
Higher weight capacity – This matters for older kids, multiple children at once and sometimes even adults during family events.
Longer lifespan – Although more expensive upfront, PVC inflatables usually last longer, lowering long-term replacement costs.
Trade-offs of PVC tarpaulin
PVC is not perfect, of course as it is heavier and harder to move, bulkier when folded, stiffer surface, can feel rougher on the skin and sliding may be slower without added water or lubricant spray
Yet, despite these drawbacks, commercial providers overwhelmingly choose it.
Here is a table that summarises it nicely:
When PVC vs. Oxford Is the Better Choice
| Situation / Requirement | PVC Tarpaulin – Better Choice | Oxford Fabric – Better Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of use | Heavy, repeated commercial use | Occasional home or party use |
| Type of users | Older children, mixed ages, or heavier loads | Toddlers and younger children |
| Environment | Outdoor rental, variable weather | Indoor playrooms or sheltered areas |
| Durability needs | High durability, abrasion resistance | Moderate durability acceptable |
| Business risk | Lower risk of tears and downtime | Not suitable for rugged rental cycles |
| Safety/load standards | Higher structural strength and ratings | Light-duty play environments |
| Weight of inflatable | Heavier weight acceptable | Need lightweight, easy to move |
| Setup & transportation | Larger teams/vehicles available | Single person portability important |
| Texture/feel | Slightly rougher surface acceptable | Softer, gentler on skin preferred |
| Sliding experience | Often needs water to slide faster | Naturally smooth sliding |
| Maintenance | Tolerates rough handling, cleaning | Needs gentler care |
| Lifespan priority | Long-term return on investment | Comfort and convenience priority |
Growerks Bouncy Castle Rentals — We Match the Right Inflatable to Your Party
At Growerks, we know every party is different — the space, the theme, the age group, and the level of activity all matter. That’s why we don’t just drop off any bouncy castle. We recommend the correct inflatable for your event so the kids have fun and everything runs smoothly.
We carry inflatables made from both Oxford fabric and PVC tarpaulin, and we choose the best option based on how and where your castle will be used.
How we help you choose the right inflatable
When you book with us, we’ll ask a few simple questions:
- Is your party indoors or outdoors?
- What is the age range of the children?
- How many kids will be playing at one time?
- Do you prefer soft, gentle play or high-energy jumping and sliding?
- How much space do you have at your venue?
From there, we recommend the inflatable that best fits your party — not just what happens to be available.
When we recommend Oxford fabric castles
We usually suggest Oxford fabric inflatables when:
- the party is for younger children
- comfort and gentler surfaces are a priority
- you want a lighter, softer feel
- the event is indoors or under shade
- sliding and gentle play are the focus
Oxford fabric is popular for birthday parties, toddler celebrations, and indoor venues where a softer touch is preferred.
When we recommend PVC tarpaulin castles
We recommend PVC tarpaulin inflatables when:
- the inflatable will be used outdoors
- there will be many kids playing continuously
- the party includes older children
- you want something highly durable and sturdy
- you’re expecting active jumping and long hours of use
PVC is ideal for school events, community celebrations, and larger parties where the castle needs to handle serious, energetic play.
Why book with Growerks?
- We recommend responsibly, not just rent and forget
- We consider safety, age group, and venue conditions
- We provide setup guidance and friendly support
- Our castles are cleaned and maintained after every rental
At Growerks, our goal is simple: the right inflatable, for the right party, for the right kids — every time.