Trampolines are a great form of outdoor entertainment for both the young and the young at heart. There are so many different trampoline sizes, but the 10ft is a popular size for many households, as it offers a good amount of jump space without taking up too much room in your garden.
This article will look at whether a 10ft trampoline is big enough for your family, whether it is suitable for the age range of your users and how much room you need to set it up. We will also look at the challenge of fitting a trampoline in small yards, as well as some important safety advice to bear in mind.
Evaluating the Adequacy of a 10ft Trampoline
10ft Trampolines are a great option for homeowners who want to fit a decent-sized trampoline into a smaller-sized outdoor space. A 10ft trampoline offers enough room to ensure an enjoyable experience, without dominating the whole of your outdoor space.
When compared to an 8ft trampoline, the additional 2 feet in diameter makes a pretty big difference. This extra space gives users more room to explore and enjoy. It also makes the trampoline better suited to a wider range of users, from little children to older kids.
If you’re trying to decide whether a 10ft trampoline is “big enough”, this depends on its intended use. For leisurely bouncing and playing around, a 10ft trampoline is plenty big enough, especially if your children are fairly young.
However, if your kids are looking for space to practise advanced gymnastics, or if you have bigger kids/multiple children who want to bounce at the same time, you should consider a larger trampoline, maybe a 12ft or 14ft. Bigger trampolines offer more room for manoeuvres, plus, they can withstand higher weight capacities meaning they are better suited for older children.
Size Matters: Is a 10ft Trampoline Too Small?
Shoppers deliberating between an 8ft trampoline or 10ft trampoline often end up going for the latter. There are a few reasons for this.
An 8ft trampoline is great for younger children, roughly aged 4+. It is also perfect for homeowners with smaller yards who are looking for a reasonable-sized trampoline that doesn’t overwhelm their outdoor space.
However, a 10ft trampoline offers a more exciting jumping experience without actually taking up that much more room in your garden. The 10ft model will also have a higher weight capacity, so it will still be a safe space for kids to enjoy long after their growth spurts. The larger surface area and higher weight capacity usually pursued shoppers to go for the 10ft trampoline, seeing it as a better long-term investment.
Then, we look one step further at the 12ft trampolines or even 14ft models. For adrenaline junkies or gymnastic enthusiasts, a 10ft trampoline might be a little restrictive. If your kids are serious trampoliners, you might want to invest in a 12ft or even 14ft trampoline. These models offer more space for manoeuvre, plus they are designed to withstand increased weight and more rigorous use. If you have pre-teens or older teenagers, a 12ft trampoline or 14ft is the better option for your home.
Age Appropriateness of a 10ft Trampoline
Usually, a 10ft trampoline is recommended for children aged 6+. This guideline is based on the average physical development and usual capabilities of children this age.
That being said, the most important factor is weight capacity when looking at whether a trampoline is suitable for a particular child. Weight capacities are a much better determiner than age range. Different models are engineered to withstand various weight levels, from young children through to adults.
Safety measures will also impact the age appropriateness of a 10ft trampoline. Purchasing a 10ft trampoline with enclosure is essential. A safety net is a much-needed protective measure, especially for younger children who are still learning about balance and coordination! Making use of safety features, such as a safety net, offers bouncers and guardians peace of mind that users are staying safe whilst jumping on the trampoline.
Space Requirements for Installing a 10ft Trampoline
When purchasing a trampoline, you need to think about the size of the trampoline as well as the size of your outdoor space.
For trampolines of any size, guidelines recommend a minimum safety margin of 2m around the edge of the trampoline. This ‘safe zone’ should be free of any obstructions such as garden furniture, plant pots, walls or fences. This space around the trampoline is a buffer in case of any accidental exits from the trampoline.
Accounting for this safe zone means you actually need around 20ft of space for a 10ft trampoline. Use a tape measure to check whether your yard/garden can accommodate a space this size. You need to ensure this space is on flat, even ground that is away from any hazards such as hanging branches or power lines.
One thing to bear in mind is that a 10ft trampoline offers a fair amount of flexibility when it comes to garden reorganisation. Whether you’re worried about your grass or you want to make way for a garden party, a 10ft trampoline is more easily moved than 12 or 14ft versions.
Conclusion
A 10ft trampoline is a popular size for homeowners who want to make the most of their available outdoor space. A 10ft model offers a great amount of jumping room without completely taking over your garden.
But, the suitability ultimately depends on more than just available outdoor space. You also need to factor in the user's age as well as the manufacturer’s weight limits, future growth spurts, safety features and the 2m buffer zone. If you have carefully considered all of these factors, and are happy that a 10ft is suitable, then go ahead and purchase your new trampoline!
