The Ultimate Trampoline Buying Guide

The right size depends on your garden space and how many people will use it. We also recommend choosing the largest trampoline you have room for (or your budget will allow).

With more room to move, both children and adults have the freedom to perform more tricks, jump higher, and play together without limits.

A larger trampoline not only enhances safety but also offers more fun and varied exercise – perfect for the whole family! The bigger the trampoline the more likely kids will continue to use it when they are older.

You should allow at least 1 metre of clear space around the trampoline and ensure there are no trees, fences or obstacles nearby. Ideally it should be surrounded by lawn and not hard surfaces such as patios or decking. 

Historically, all trampolines were round. Over time people have come to love the benefits of oval and rectangle trampolines, both of which have a more even jumping area, giving a great bounce across the whole jump mat, rather than round trampolines which have a sweet spot in the centre, which is great of course for on the spot, solo jumping.

Rectangular trampolines can be a great choice for gymnasts and large families, there’s more room to travel across the trampoline for flips and tricks and multiple “sweet-spots” across the jump mat, this is the best shape for performance. Oval trampolines look great in longer, narrower gardens whilst still providing all the space needed for loads of fun! This can be a great compromise between a round and a rectangle trampoline as it has more than one “sweet spot” for bouncing but generally are less expensive than rectangle trampolines.

For most families, a 12ft or 14ft trampoline is a great choice as it provides plenty of space for safe jumping and allows all the family to enjoy it. Larger trampolines offer a bigger jumping area and higher weight limits, making them ideal for family use and reducing the chance of collisions during play.  

A small trampoline is better than no trampoline! Smaller trampolines start around 8ft-10ft in diameter, be aware though, that this measurement will normally include the padding which normally is around 12 inches minimum, so the jumping area might seem quite small.

A great option for smaller gardens is an Inground Trampoline, flush to ground they are less imposing and seem to take up less space that traditional trampolines. 

A good quality trampoline should easily allow the weight limit of older kids and teenagers (and mums and dads too!).

Be sure to choose a large, high-quality trampoline for older kids and teens, they are likely to be more confident and want to take on more advanced jumps so you would need a premium-build that is robust and unlikely to move when they jump.

We’d recommend a large trampoline, with a net of 180cm minimum, look for strong jump mats with long warranties and a strong rigid frame that is high off the ground.

Weight limited vary massively between trampolines. The weight limit of a trampoline depends on its size and construction, but most standard trampolines have a maximum user weight between 100 kg and 150 kg (220–330 lbs). Larger, high-quality trampolines often support higher weight limits thanks to stronger frames, more springs and reinforced jump mats.

Be aware that weight limits are different to the weight they have been safety tested to, which would be much higher. The weight limits specified are a guide for optimal safe bouncing in particular the max weight limit takes into account how stretched (and therefore exposed) the springs might be for a particular weight and for preserving the trampoline for longest. 

When choosing a trampoline, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommended weight capacity to ensure safe performance and durability. Premium trampolines are typically designed to handle both children and adults, making them ideal for family use.

A premium trampoline should include:

• Rigid, galvanised steel frame, even better if exposed parts are powder-coated
• UV-resistant jump mat with a long warranty (at least 5 years)
• High quality, soft, UV-resistant safety net, even better if it has a rip-stop design
• Thick protective safety padding
• Durable springs that won’t rust or break

Higher-end trampolines use stronger materials, thicker padding, better springs and longer warranties, which improves safety, durability and bounce performance.

Kids grow bigger and more confident over time, pushing cheaper trampolines to their limits and making them unsafe. Often buying a more premium trampoline is better value in the long run.

Many cheap trampolines rely on screws and bolts to hold the parts together, these can come loose as they are bounced on over time and can cause the trampoline to become weak. 

The lifespan of a trampoline depends on its build quality and materials. Lower-cost trampolines may last between 1 and 5 years, while high-quality trampolines with galvanised steel frames, durable springs and UV-resistant mats can last 10 years or more with proper care.

Regular maintenance, such as checking the springs, frame and padding, and using a weather cover when not in use, can also help extend the life of your trampoline.

Most manufacturers recommend trampolines for children aged 6 years and older, as younger children may not yet have the balance and coordination needed for safe jumping. Younger children should always be closely supervised, and many safety experts recommend allowing only one jumper at a time to reduce the risk of collisions.

Choosing a trampoline with strong safety padding, a durable frame and a stable jumping surface can also help make trampolining safer for children.

Yes, when used correctly. Look for trampolines with thick safety padding, a strong galvanised frame and high-quality springs.

Most trampoline accidents are when the trampoline is misused, for example multiple jumpers on the trampoline at one time, or kids forgetting to zip up nets.

Choose a trampoline with an overlapping safety entrance where possible, as you cannot forget to do up the zipper, meaning you can be reassured your kids cannot fall out.

Safety nets are required by law in the EU on above-ground trampolines and Inground trampolines.

However, often our customers remove the safety net on their inground trampolines when not is use to minimise the visual affect on their garden.

This is only recommended if there is at least 2 metres of safety surfacing (like soft lawn) around the trampoline. Beware of trampoline brands not including a net with an inground trampoline.

When choosing a trampoline, look for features designed to protect jumpers and improve durability. The most important safety features include:

• Safety enclosure net and entrance – A strong net surrounding the trampoline helps prevent users from falling off the edge while jumping. Always choose a safety entrance that overlaps on above ground trampolines, as kids do not remember to close zippers! This is not such a concern with in-ground trampolines as there is no height to fall from and a zipper in this case can be more useful for getting in and out of the trampoline.

• Thick spring and frame padding – Protective pads should fully cover the springs and frame to reduce the risk of injury if someone lands near the edge. 

• Strong galvanised steel frame – A durable, rust-resistant frame improves stability and ensures the trampoline remains safe over time. 

• No-gap design – Some trampolines position the safety net inside the springs to prevent arms or legs slipping through gaps. Others, such as North trampoline have zippers that completely lock away the springs and mean access is not possible when on the trampoline. 

• Padded enclosure poles – These reduce the chance of impact if a jumper falls toward the edge. 

Choosing a trampoline with high-quality materials and well-designed safety features will help create a safer jumping experience for children and families.

Most trampoline injuries happen due to multiple people jumping at the same time, falls from the trampoline, or attempting flips and tricks without supervision. Collisions between jumpers are one of the most common causes, particularly when children of different sizes use the trampoline together.

According to Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), many trampoline injuries occur when:

· More than one person is jumping at the same time

· Someone falls off the trampoline

· Children attempt somersaults or flips without proper training

· Jumpers land on the frame or springs rather than the mat

· Very young children use trampolines designed for older users

RoSPA recommends several safety steps to reduce risk, including adult supervision, allowing only one jumper at a time, and using trampolines with proper safety features such as padding and enclosure nets.

Choosing a high-quality trampoline with strong construction and protective padding can also help reduce the risk of injury and create a safer environment for family use.

The best trampoline springs are durable galvanised steel springs that are long, strong and corrosion-resistant. Longer, high-quality springs provide a smoother bounce and help the trampoline last longer.

However, longer doesn’t always mean better if they are not using premium materials – the trampoline price and long warranties are a good indication of the quality of materials.

The best trampoline frames are made from galvanised steel, which provides excellent strength and rust resistance. A high-quality steel frame helps ensure the trampoline remains stable, safe and durable for many years of outdoor use.

Trampoline padding should be wide enough to fully cover the springs and frame, helping protect users if they land near the edge of the trampoline. Most good-quality trampolines use padding that is around 20–30 mm thick, designed to absorb impact and prevent contact with the springs.

Premium trampolines often use extra-thick, high-density safety padding combined with durable, weather-resistant materials to improve safety and longevity. Some in-ground trampolines also use vented padding, which allows air to escape during jumps for a smoother, more controlled bounce.

A quality trampoline should offer around a 10-year warranty on the frame, with 2–5 years on the mat and springs and 1–2 years on padding and nets. Longer warranties usually indicate stronger materials and better overall durability.

A quality trampoline should offer around a 7-10-years warranty on the frame, with 2–5 years on the mat and springs and 1–2 years on padding and nets. Longer warranties usually indicate stronger materials and better overall durability.

Installing a trampoline is usually straightforward and can often be done in a few hours with basic tools. North trampolines are designed to be simple to assemble, with clear instructions and step-by-step guides to help you through the process.

For in-ground trampolines, installation involves digging a hole to the recommended depth before assembling the frame, springs and jump mat. Many homeowners choose to install their trampoline themselves, although professional installation is also an option if preferred.

Assembly manuals and videos are available to guide you through each step, making the process manageable for most DIY projects.

Absolutely! Most garden trampolines are designed to be easily installed at home in just a few hours.

No, definitely not. However sometimes it’s great to have the option for someone else to do it for you. North Trampoline offer assembly service in some markets. 

Placement of the trampoline is personal preference, most people opt for at the side or end of the garden, so as not to obscure the view. It’s always advisable to have it in view, for supervision. If you opt for an inground trampoline it can be a real feature, and you may choose to have it much nearer the house. 

For safety and performance, trampolines should always be installed on level ground. Uneven surfaces can cause the frame to sit incorrectly, which may affect stability and create uneven tension on the springs and jump mat. 

If your garden is slightly uneven, the ground can usually be levelled before installation to create a stable base. For in-ground trampolines, the hole should be dug and shaped carefully to ensure the frame sits evenly and the trampoline performs as intended.

Installing your trampoline on flat, well-prepared ground will help ensure the best bounce, stability and long-term durability. 

Trampolines are pretty low maintenance. We recommend annually checking the integrity of the safety net and jump mat, and checking for any signs or wear or damage to springs or padding. To keep your trampoline clean, simply wipe over with warm water.  

Using a weather cover will help maintain your trampoline for longer, especially if kept under trees.

A quality good jump mat should last for a minimum of 5 years. Cheaper trampolines often sacrifice quality over cost with jumpmats and often only have 1 year warranty which can be costly and potentially dangerous over time. 

Yes, trampoline parts should and can be replaced over time. Always check your trampoline and replace any damaged parts that have signs of wear and tear. Choosing a high quality trampoline ensures you are able to buy replacement parts for a longer periods of time, rather than budget models which often you cannot even buy parts for. 

The bounce is determined by a combination of the frame, the springs and the mat. A weak frame will not hold up to good performance as the energy is eaten up by friction and instability.

Springs that are small will be hard for small children but stretch out and be damaged by older users resulting in spongy response. Springs need enough material in them to flex without deforming, in essence giving the energy back to the user.

The most important part is the ventilation through the jumpmat and padding for an inground trampoline. The more air the jumpmat can let through the better jumping response. 

Gymnasts typically opt for rectangular trampolines as there is space in the length of the trampoline to run and perform their gymnastics flips and tricks. However, for home use, an oval or rectangular trampoline offer great even bounce across the whole jumping zone. 

Rectangular trampolines do have a great bounce, mainly due to the positioning of the springs. Great bounce occurs where you have springs directly opposite each other following the strings of the jumpmat.

On a rectangular trampoline that happens all over the jumpmat, on an oval it happens around the center line and on a round it focuses on the centre point area.

The even bounce across the entire jump mat on rectangular trampolines gives a great and consistent bounce all over the trampoline, which is loved by both kids, gymnasts and professional trampolinists! 

A net is essential with any trampoline and we do not recommend ever using a trampoline without one, (unless you are purchasing a professional trampoline which will be used under professional supervision with trained spotters on either side).

Trampoline ladders are optional, however if your trampoline is quite high off the ground, a ladder makes it safer for little ones to enter and leave the trampoline, so we would recommend purchasing one.

Covers are optional based on where your trampoline is positioned. Using a cover will likely help your trampoline last longer, so they are a worthy, but optional investment. Keeping a cover on will ensure your trampoline is clean and bounce ready in the spring. 

Ground anchors are advisable in very open gardens where wind or storms are common.

A premium trampoline will weigh much more than a budget one, and be less likely to move in storms, however they are not immune to it, so an anchor is a wise investment for peace of mind.

If you live in a particularly exposed area an in-ground trampoline can be a great option!