Outdoor Trampolines: All Your Questions (answered)

Gymnastics Equipment, Trampolines / By

So you are thinking of buying a trampoline but are unsure of a few things. We have answered 10 commonly asked questions to help you find a new trampoline that’s right for you and then make the most of it.

Let’s dive into the vital information!

Table of Contents

What to put under a trampoline?

You can put your trampoline on grass but this will probably kill the grass as the shade will stop it from getting enough sunlight.

underneath trampoline

If you put the trampoline on grass but want to improve the landscaping you can put the following things under the trampoline:

Just be aware that things like woodchip or sand can easily end up on the trampoline from the bottom of someone’s feet. This can cause damage to the trampoline so be sure to brush it off. However, it will still look way better than dead grass or mud.

You should avoid putting any obstacles under the trampoline as they can cause an injury to the person jumping. Keep underneath the trampoline clear!

What is the best base for a trampoline?

Concrete or paving will create a sturdy and level base for a trampoline but you will definitely need a safety enclosure to prevent those hard falls.

Grass is a perfectly adequate base as long as it is level.

Most outdoor trampolines have frames in ‘U-shaped’ sections that connect together. The most important thing about the base is to keep the frame level. This will make the trampoline safer to jump on and it will reduce the chance of it tipping over.

You can also secure the frames to the ground to stop it from tipping over. Grass is easier to peg into – you’ll just need a mallet or hammer. If you’re pegging down into something solid like concrete, you’ll need a drill and a bit of DIY experience.

How much does a trampoline cost?

The main factor that affects cost is the size of the trampoline.

The most popular outdoor trampoline is round and is made from materials to withstand the outdoor environment. Outdoor trampolines can also be rectangular in size. The guide below shows you how much a typical round trampoline will cost.

SizeBudget TrampolineHigh-End Trampoline
8 ft$150$300 – $400
10 ft$200$500 – $600
12 ft$310$600 – $700
14 ft$375$750 – $850
16 ft$600$900 plus
Outdoor round trampoline price guide

Professional gym facilities will usually use rectangular trampolines. They are bigger and bouncier but are designed mainly for indoor use and will rust quickly if left outside. A few companies are now designing rectangular trampolines specifically for outdoor use, including Skywalker Trampolines on Amazon.

Prices for professional indoor trampolines will start at around $3,000 with high-end models costing at least $7,000 so if you are going for rectangular be sure that it’s suited for outdoor use!

What shape trampoline do I need?

If you are looking for an outdoor trampoline, the main choice is round or rectangular – but how do you know which is right for you?

Rectangular trampolines are ideal for practicing gymnastic skills and dance-type tumbles as they are a similar shape to gymnastics floors. The corners are starting points for rounds or flips. Rectangular trampolines also tend to be bouncier which is why the first trampolines invented were this shape and they are still used in competitions.

Round trampolines feel safer and the bigger ones are great for jumping with friends. They also look more suited to the backyard as the round shape is less intrusive.

What size trampoline do I need?

This will also depend on how much space you have in your backyard. If you have the space and budget try and go for the biggest possible so that your children don’t outgrow the trampoline.

Round trampoline size guide:

  • 8 ft and 10 ft trampolines are suitable for smaller children (under 10).
  • 12 ft and 14 ft trampolines are suitable for any age children including teens. They’ll handle two children at a time as well.
  • 15 ft and bigger are more suitable for teenagers and larger families that will have multiple children on at one time. Smaller children won’t have enough weight to get much bounce

Rectangular trampoline size guide:

  • 7 ft x 10 ft are suitable for smaller children (under 10)
  • 8 ft x 12 ft is a popular size for children and teens. plenty of space for somersaults and flips. Two children could use it at the same time.
  • 9 ft x 15 ft are ideal for teenagers who want to link round-off back tuck or back handspring
  • Full-size trampolines used in competitions and professional facilities are 10 ft x 17ft. Assuming the trampoline is of good quality then this size will be suitable for adults and teenagers performing advanced routines.

Can you put a normal trampoline in the ground?

Putting a normal trampoline into the ground is perfectly OK. It will reduce the chance of injury as it will be level with the ground and it will probably look a lot nicer.

However, there are a lot of factors to consider when digging the hole for the trampoline to go into.

  • Size of the hole
  • Drainage (nobody wants a swimming pool under the trampoline!)
  • Construction of the walls and floor
  • Being level

The type of trampoline that goes into the ground isn’t a major factor. But do concentrate on the quality of the hole and the retaining walls.

Trampoline parks and professional gym facilities sink trampolines into the ground for the very same reasons as those at home albeit they are usually indoors.

How long do trampolines last?

A typical outdoor trampoline should last at least 3 to 5 years.

But it depends on how often your trampoline is used, the climate and how well it is maintained.

Most manufacturers will provide a warranty and this gives a good idea of how long you can expect a specific trampoline to last. If it’s a higher-priced model with a 10-year warranty then you would expect it to last for at least 10 years.

The bed (or jumping mat) of the trampoline will often fail first as it takes the most use. Tears will appear around springs or in the central area that is most used. Once a tear starts to appear it will very quickly spread and cannot usually be repaired.

The good news is that a bed can be replaced without needing to buy a whole new trampoline.

The frames should last the longest however they can be prone to rust especially if you are in a wetter climate. Once the frame is no longer safe its probably time for a new trampoline!

Springs should last for a good number of years and are also easy to replace. They can rust and also lose their elasticity over time but they are relatively cheap.

Safety enclosures also get a lot of wear and tear. They probably won’t last as long as the frames or the springs but can be replaced easily.

Pads cover the springs and will also take a lot of wear and tear. The pads are there to protect jumpers from landing on the springs and feet getting stuck in the gaps. This means when someone lands on them they can catch the springs and get torn. They can be replaced really easily though.

To extend the life of your trampoline:

  • Keep it covered in bad weather with a trampoline cover
  • Disassemble it in the winter months
  • Keep it clear of debris such as twigs and dirt
  • Use WD40 or something similar to prevent rust on the frame
  • Avoid overloading it with lots of people at the same time

Can you wear shoes on a trampoline?

Yes, shoes can be worn on outdoor trampolines.

However, I would recommend jumping in socks as it will help your trampoline last longer and most people jump better without shoes.

Can I have a trampoline in my front yard?

This will all depend on where you live.

There are no specific laws (that I’m aware of) that ban trampolines from being in the front yard. Maybe you don’t have room in the backyard or it will just look better at the front! But many areas of housing development will have specific rules that cover what you can and can’t have at the front so read these first before you decide anything.

You should also be a good neighbor and check with those around you to see if they have any major objections.

Also, bear in mind that you will be liable for anyone who injures themselves on your trampoline – even someone who jumps without permission. Can you secure your trampoline when it’s not in use? If not, I would advise putting the trampoline somewhere else or taking advice from a legal professional.

Can you jump on a trampoline while pregnant?

The short and safe answer is no.

The risk of a fall whilst jumping is high, especially in later pregnancy and there are much safer ways to exercise during pregnancy.

However using a trampoline in early pregnancy, or before you realize you are pregnant, probably won’t cause any harm. A small bouncing motion in the first trimester can still be OK and the rhythm may even soothe the baby.

Always consult with a doctor or midwife to discuss the best types of exercise whilst pregnant and reduce the chances of injury as much as possible. So for that reason avoid using a trampoline whilst pregnant.

The exact same advice is true if you are wondering can jumping on a trampoline induce labor?

It’s just not a safe way to find out! The risk of tripping, falling or losing balance is higher with the large bump and your body will be more injury-prone as well. Even getting on and off the trampoline will be more hazardous whilst pregnant.

In fact, it is more common in our gym facility to have someone trip after they finish bouncing and are trying to get back down to the floor!