Two things determine which trampoline is right for you: how much garden space you have, and how old your children are. Everything else — brand, colour, spring type — comes second. Get those two right and the rest is straightforward.
We sell a lot of trampolines. We also field a lot of calls from people who've bought the wrong one. This guide is here to make sure you don't end up in that category.
Start with your garden
Measure the area where you plan to put the trampoline before you do anything else. Most people skip this step, buy based on vague impressions of their garden size, and either end up with a trampoline that barely fits or one so small it looks lost out there.
The rule is simple: add at least 1 metre of clear space around the entire frame. A 10ft trampoline has a 10ft diameter frame, but needs a clear area roughly 12ft across in every direction. That 1-metre buffer matters for safety — children fall, they land on the enclosure net, they need space to recover their balance before they're near a fence or wall.
A few practical measurements to keep in mind:
- 6ft trampoline: needs approximately 9-10ft of clear space in each direction
- 8ft trampoline: needs approximately 11-12ft of clear space
- 10ft trampoline: needs approximately 13-15ft of clear space
- 12ft trampoline: needs approximately 15-17ft of clear space
- 14ft trampoline: needs approximately 17-19ft of clear space
If your garden is on the smaller side, our trampoline size guide has a full breakdown of clearance requirements per size, which might help you compare options before committing.
One thing worth flagging: the frame size and the jumping mat size are different numbers. A 10ft trampoline has a jump mat of roughly 7ft across. That's the actual usable surface your child bounces on. When a manufacturer quotes "12ft trampoline," they mean the outer frame — the jump mat will be somewhat smaller. It's still a meaningful size difference between models, but don't expect a 10ft mat on a 10ft trampoline.
Match the size to the age
Children grow fast. The 6-year-old who'll be using the trampoline when it arrives will be a completely different jumper by the time they're 9. This is why going slightly larger than you think you need today is usually the right call — as long as the garden fits it.
Here's how we think about age and size:
Ages 3-6: A 6ft trampoline is designed for this age group. The bounce area is appropriate for a small child, and it fits in gardens where nothing larger would work. That said, the 6ft is the option with the shortest useful lifespan — children outgrow it noticeably by age 7 or 8. If you're buying for a 5-year-old and have room for an 8ft, the 8ft will serve you considerably longer.
Ages 5-9: Our 8ft trampoline range is the sweet spot for this age group. It fits in a medium-small garden, handles a single child or two younger siblings sharing, and typically supports up to 75-100kg. Many families with one child aged 6-8 will be happy with an 8ft for several years.
Ages 8 and up: This is where 10ft and 12ft trampolines come into their own. Our 10ft trampoline range suits children from around 8 upwards and will remain usable well into early teenage years. If you have siblings sharing, go to a 12ft — the extra space makes a real difference when two children want to jump at the same time.
Teenagers and adults: Anything from 12ft upwards. If you're buying for a 13-year-old and expecting the trampoline to last into late teenage years, a 14ft is worth considering if the garden space is there. The weight limit on larger frames is generally higher, which matters when teenagers start hitting 50-60kg.
Round or rectangular?
The majority of garden trampolines are round, and for most families that's the right choice. Round trampolines have a consistent, self-correcting bounce — the springs pull the jumper toward the centre, which helps younger children maintain control. They also distribute weight evenly regardless of where the child lands.
Rectangular trampolines have a fundamentally different bounce. The bounce is higher, more even across the entire mat, and doesn't automatically redirect toward the centre. This is ideal for gymnastic-style jumping, older children who want more air, or gardens that are longer and narrower than they are wide. Our rectangular trampoline range tends to appeal to families with children who have some gymnastics background or teenagers who want the bigger performance envelope.
Price is also a factor — rectangular models generally cost more than comparable round sizes, partly because of the additional engineering required and partly because they're less common to manufacture at scale.
If you're not sure which shape suits your family, our round vs rectangular post goes into considerably more detail on the bounce differences and the garden space requirements for each.
What comes in the box
All trampolines we sell come with a jump mat, frame, springs, and an enclosure net with poles. You won't receive a bare trampoline and need to source a net separately — the safety enclosure is part of the package.
A few specifics worth understanding before you order:
The enclosure net attaches to poles that surround the perimeter. It keeps children inside the bouncing area. On most models the net attaches at the top of the poles and is zipped closed at the entry point. The quality of this entry point matters — a reliable zip closure that children can operate themselves from inside is worth checking for.
The jump mat is the woven surface children bounce on. It's typically made from UV-resistant polypropylene. Look for mats with a tight weave and reinforced edges — the edge is where most mat failures occur after extended use.
Springs (on spring-based models) connect the mat to the frame and provide the bounce. Spring count and quality matters. A 10ft trampoline might have anywhere from 60 to 96 springs depending on the model — more springs generally means a smoother, more consistent bounce. Spring-free designs exist and use elastic rods or composite materials instead, but spring-based trampolines remain the mainstream option.
The frame is the steel skeleton. All our frames use galvanised steel for rust resistance, but frame gauge (thickness) varies. Thicker gauge steel holds up better over years of outdoor use. Cheaper frames can bow or corrode at the joint points after a few seasons.
Ladders are sold separately on most models — they're not included as standard. If you have younger children (under 7) who can't climb over the enclosure entry easily, a ladder is worth ordering alongside. We stock them in our accessories range.
Things worth checking before you order
Most people look at size and price and stop there. These are the questions we'd suggest asking as well:
Frame gauge: How thick is the steel? A standard gauge for a quality garden trampoline is around 1.5-2mm. Anything significantly thinner is more likely to show wear after three or four seasons outdoors in British weather.
Spring count: Compare models at the same size. More springs isn't always better — it depends on spring length and tension too — but spring count is a useful proxy for bounce quality and longevity when comparing similar price points.
Weight limit: Check this against the actual users. A 75kg limit on an 8ft trampoline means a single adult shouldn't use it. If adults in the household want to have a go, look for higher weight limits rather than hoping it's fine.
UV resistance: The mat and padding spend their entire life outdoors. UV-resistant materials last significantly longer than standard ones. Most decent trampolines specify UV resistance — if a listing doesn't mention it, ask.
Warranty terms: What's covered, for how long, and by whom? A one-year warranty on parts and frame is standard. Some manufacturers offer extended frame warranties (five years or longer) — this tells you something about confidence in the build quality. Check whether the warranty requires registration and what the claims process looks like.
Delivery: Trampolines are large and arrive in multiple boxes. Kerb delivery is standard — your courier will bring it to the door but won't typically carry it through the house to the garden. If your garden access is awkward (narrow gate, side passage, flights of steps), plan for this in advance.
How much should you spend?
The honest answer is: enough to get a trampoline that will last five or more years outdoors.
Budget trampolines exist. Some of them are fine. More of them are genuinely not — thin frames that rust at the joints, mats that wear through in two summers, nets that split at the poles. A trampoline that needs replacing every two years ends up costing more than a solid one bought once.
We'd frame it this way: the parts most likely to fail first are the mat, the padding around the springs, and the net. These take the most sun and rain. If those components are visibly low quality in product photographs — thin padding, lightweight net material — they're going to show it in year two.
For context, our full range of garden trampolines sits at the quality end of the market without the premium-brand markup. We've been selling trampolines for over 15 years and the most common thing we hear from returning customers is that they wish they'd bought bigger. The price difference between an 8ft and a 10ft is usually modest. The difference in how long it remains fun is significant.
If you'd like help matching a specific size to your garden dimensions, our trampoline size guide gives clearance requirements and age suitability for every size we stock.
Frequently asked questions
Can two children use a trampoline at the same time?
It depends on the size and the ages of the children. On an 8ft trampoline, two younger children can share but it's crowded. On a 10ft or 12ft, siblings sharing is much more practical. Always check the weight limit — this is a combined weight limit when multiple people are using it at once. Most manufacturers and safety guidelines recommend one user at a time for under-10s, but in practice sibling use on larger models is very common.
Does the trampoline need to be on flat ground?
Ideally yes. A slightly uneven surface can be managed, but any significant slope affects how the frame sits and can put uneven stress on the joints over time. If your garden slopes, you can either level a patch of ground under the trampoline or look at trampoline levelling kits. Getting this right at installation is much easier than adjusting it once the trampoline is assembled.
Do I need an anchor kit?
If your garden is exposed to wind, yes. An unanchored trampoline can be lifted and moved by strong gusts — even large trampolines. Our anchor kits secure the frame to the ground and are a worthwhile addition, particularly in gardens without natural windbreaks like fences or hedges on all sides. This is especially worth considering for 6ft and 8ft models, which are lighter and more susceptible to wind lift.
How long does assembly take?
With two adults, most 10ft or 12ft trampolines take two to three hours to assemble. Smaller models are faster. The most time-consuming part is attaching the springs — a spring tool (sometimes included, sometimes not) makes this significantly easier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions in sequence rather than improvising — the order of steps matters, particularly for the enclosure poles.