The popularity of trampolines in family homes has soared in recent years and with so many on the market, it can be difficult to know how much weight each one can hold.
Not long ago, trampolines were only aimed at children and mostly present only at parties or events, with a clear sign displaying how much weight the equipment could hold. Well, times have changed.
Now, trampolines are built for both adults and children and are widely available to buy for personal use. This means you have to pay attention to labels and product descriptions to identify how much weight your trampoline can hold.
As it’s so important to abide by this weight to avoid injury and falling off, I’ve written this article to explain a little more about the reasoning behind a weight limit on a trampoline and to find out just how much weight a trampoline can really hold.
Why Do Trampolines Have Weight Limits?
This is the main question on people’s minds with everything. But why they ask? We all know that if the trampoline has considerably too much weight to bear, it will inevitably break, but weight limits do so much more than prevent breakage.
It’s more about the operation and the structure of the equipment. The materials used to build the trampoline should be able to return the downward force of a jump with an equal upward force and to do this, springs are needed.
This is when the weight limit comes into effect as if a dense spring material is used to make a trampoline with a very lightweight limit, the user will not be able to enjoy as much as the downward force they generate will not produce an equal upward force.
Whereas if a heavier person used the same piece of equipment, they would be able to produce enough downward force to enjoy it properly.
This also works both ways however as if a heavier person uses a trampoline that is not designed to bear their weight, there is a high chance it will bottom out because the downward force will be too intense for the set of springs to provide an equal upward force.
So Just How Much Weight Can A Trampoline Hold?
This depends on several factors. A trampoline made for toddlers is going to hold far less weight than a 16-foot garden trampoline for example. Toddler trampolines are usually aged at children from around 3-10 years old who weigh 100 pounds or below.
Most have a specific range of between 75-150 pounds maximum. They are lower on the ground and often include safety handrails. They’re usually also built smaller and measure around 8-10 feet.
A 12-foot trampoline however should hold between 250-300 pounds, a 14-foot trampoline can hold around 250-350 pounds and a 15-16-foot trampoline can usually hold around 250-450 pounds at a time.
These measurements are based on rounded trampolines and as I will explore later in the article, rectangular trampolines have a slightly different weight limit, so bear in mind the shape when it comes to researching which trampoline to buy for your home.
How Is The Weight Limit Determined?
Despite there being so many things to determine a weight limit of a trampoline, materials used to make it often come at the top. Along with the style and brand of the trampoline making a difference too.
Springs
These create the bounce and henceforth are directly linked to the weight limit. Lightweight springs will be designed for lightweight people, yet heavy-duty springs are built for heavyweight people. This is because the springs will require more weight to stretch.
The Frame
The material of the structure and its design will affect how much weight a trampoline can hold. Most heavyweight trampolines have thick gauge steel for maximum stability and to stop them buckling when a bouncer is on them.
A lightweight trampoline however will have thinner steel as it can easily withstand the person’s weight.
The Jumping Pad
The jumping mat and the material it’s made out of will also determine the weight limit. Most pieces of equipment are made with either waterproof canvas or woned polypropylene.
A lightweight trampoline will have fewer stitching rows than a heavyweight trampoline so it can work with the springs to hold the user. Jumping pads come in a range of sizes, are easy to install, and provide maximum enjoyment.
Style
Trampolines come in a range of different styles. We’re going to take a look at the two most popular, the rectangular and rounded trampoline, and how which one you purchase will affect how much weight it can hold.
Rectangular trampolines that measure around 6 by 12 feet have a weight limit of around 450 pounds and can often hold more weight than rounded trampolines. Rounded 14 feet trampolines for example usually have a weight limit of around 400 pounds.
Related: Round vs Rectangle Trampoline
Brand
If we take a look at Springfree trampolines, one of the best brands in the world, they have flexible composite rods instead of springs.
They do however still come with a weight limit depending on which size you purchase and the maximum weight that a Springfree trampoline can hold is usually around 330 pounds.
Skywalker trampolines on the other hand use the American Society for Testing and Materials to determine their weight limits. The maximum weight limit their trampolines can hold is on a rectangular trampoline that measures 17 feet and that is 350 pounds.
How Much Does The Trampoline Weigh Itself?
Trampolines come in all shapes and sizes as I have discussed and how much they weigh on their own will be determined by this. It’s important to consider this weight depending on which surface you intend to place the trampoline on.
The average weight of a trampoline is around 250-350 pounds and this is determined by several factors. The brand and weight capacity will be the main two but also materials play a big part.
A trampoline designed with a high weight limit will have robust springs and a thick steel frame whereas one with a lower weight limit will have lighter springs and the jumping pad will have fewer stitching rows, meaning the weight of this trampoline will be lower than the first.
Final Thoughts
I hope by reading this article you’re all clued up on how much weight a trampoline can hold. We’ve learned that trampolines do have weight limits but not only to avoid accidents from falling but also to improve the quality of the bounce.
The weight limit will depend on many factors from age to the shape of a trampoline. So, next time you’re about to buy a trampoline, take note of the weight limit and go with this for better bouncing all day long!
