How to Assemble a Trampoline

Table of Contents

The first preparation in assembling a trampoline is to ensure you have enough space proportionate to the trampoline size you wish to set up. Once you have designated a site, the second preparation step is to be sure you have the time to assemble your trampoline to completion.

How Long Does It Take To Build A Trampoline?

The duration taken you to build your trampoline depends on the size and type of the trampoline you intend to build. For a small trampoline of 6 feet, you need about 2 hours. Eight feet and 10 feet Trampolines will need 2-3 hours, while larger ones (12 ft, 14 ft, 16 ft, and above) will need 3-4 hours.

What Tools Would You Need For Assembling Your Trampoline?

You do not need many tools. You only need a spring puller, screwdriver, and mallet to assemble your trampoline. To be safe from cuts, you should also consider wearing safety gloves, though some people prefer to work without them.

With that out of the way, it is now time to start the actual building. Regardless of the size, the standard assembling procedure remains the same in most cases. There may be slight variations here and there depending on your particular trampoline design, but the basics remain similar.

So, here’s the procedure of how to assemble a trampoline:

1. Unpack and Layout all the Trampoline Parts

Different parts of your trampoline will be delivered in separate packages. All the boxes may not be delivered on the same day, so you wait until everything you ordered is home.

You do not want to start assembling your trampoline only to remember the springs have not been delivered, so you have to stop and wait until the day they arrive. You should have a checklist to help you monitor the delivery process so that no item is amiss by the time you start stringing them up.

What Trampoline Parts Should Make Your Checklist before you Start Assembling?

The trampoline pre-assembling checklist should have the following essential parts:

  • The trampoline legs
  • The Steel Frame
  • Enclosure Net
  • The enclosure poles
  • The T-section Joints
  • Ladder
  • The Spring Cover
  • Padding
  • Anchor Kit Pegs
  • Strings

Once everything is checked, and you are sure you received the right package you ordered, it is time to get to work.

2. Building the Frame

How Do You Build The Trampoline Frame?

To build a trampoline frame, use the steel frame parts to form a circle. You then connect the T-sections to this circular steel frame. It would help if you were sure the trampoline frame parts equal the number of T-joints.

The T-sections will aid in connecting the frame to the trampoline legs. Use a power drill to save time and energy.

Ensure there are no loose screws and bolts left unattended because should they come out when the trampoline is in use, the result could be severe injuries.

After joining each piece of the frame, you end up with a perfect circle or the shape your trampoline is designed to have. From here, the trampoline has taken its shape, and you can easily see the space the mat should occupy or where to fix the legs.

It would help if you went out of your way to ensure the frame is firmly fixed together because it is the ultimate pillar of your trampoline.

With the frame tightened, you now add the legs. Connect the legs to the T-sections that you already joined to the frame. You should start with the dual leg then to the next.

Check that the legs and the T-sections and tightly screwed before you move to the next step.

3. Adding the Mat and Springs

How Do You Add The Jump Mat And Springs To Your Trampoline?

The jump mat is the primary impact area, so you have to double-check that it is in perfect condition before adding it. The jump mat should not have holes or tears. At the same time, ensure the springs to intend to use are genuinely new and have never been used before.

Any used springs should cast a shadow of doubt on your mind. You should immediately reach out to the retailer.

If everything is in order, spread the jump mat in the frame opening. Add springs to the jump mat and connect them to the trampoline springs. Once you attach the first trampoline spring to the jump mat spring, attach the spring opposite it.

You then rotate 90 degrees and repeat the same procedure for the next two springs opposite each other. This way, the trampoline mat will be perfectly balanced.

Once you have added four trampoline springs, follow the same procedure to add another but on a different side. Spread out each spring equally and ensure you do not put excess pressure just on one side of the trampoline at the expense of the other.

When you get to 8 springs, work around clockwise, adding springs and connecting them to the mat.

The more springs you attach, the more difficult it becomes to pull the springs to the frame holes from the V-rings. That is why it is highly recommended you have a spring tool with which to pull the springs. The alternative is to use your body as a weight to pull the springs, but arm struggle can be tiring and slow.

You must have guessed it right: you need a partner to do this part effectively. With a partner on the opposite side of the frame, the work becomes more manageable.

Can 1 Person Put Together a Trampoline?

You can build a small trampoline alone without needing a partner. However, a larger one will take you a lot of time to build if you are alone. The spring pulling part is tiresome and time-consuming, so it is best you do it with a partner.

What If All The Springs Are In Place Yet The Jump Mat Still Sags?

If the jump mat still sags to the point of touching the ground even after you tighten the cords and the springs are in place, it means the jump mat is faulty, and you should have it replaced. You should call the company.

4. Padding and Springs

Once the above setup is complete, you then add padding and the spring cover to the trampoline frame. Ensure the trampoline spring cover really covers all springs. It should also be fixed firmly to the trampoline frame for the safety of those who will be using the trampoline.

5. Adding Support Fixtures

You then add the support fixtures. They provide extra support to the structure.

6. Building the Trampoline Enclosure

How Do You Build The Trampoline Enclosure?

To build the trampoline enclosure, lay out the enclosure poles and check that you have all the right parts. If they are accounted for, you then attach the first pole to the trampoline fixture. Ensure it is lined up correctly and that the screw is securely tightened in the hole.

Once the enclosure poles bottoms are secured to the trampoline legs, build the poles to full height. They should provide reliable support to the trampoline.

How Many Enclosure Poles Do A Trampoline Need?

The number of enclosure poles depends on the size of the trampoline. A smaller trampoline of 8 feet will require three support poles, while a larger trampoline will need 3-6 enclosure poles.

7. Adding the Enclosure Net and Steel Rods to the Trampoline

The next step is adding the enclosure net and steel rods. The net encloses the trampoline. The net also comes with its own frame, which you have to set up first before attaching it to the trampoline frame. Once the net frame is in place and attached, hook the net into the frame.

The steel rods keep the net from sagging. Again, the net is more protective when working hand in hand with steel rods.

The steel rods also give support to the round shape on top of the trampoline. You should screw these rods together. Once you have screwed them, thread them through the enclosure top. There should be a hole there where they go smoothly.

You then join the trampoline rods to create a large round ring.

Some trampoline packages do not come with an enclosure net, in which case you may have to buy it separately.

Why Is The Enclosure Net Vital for a Trampoline?

The enclosure net protects jumpers, especially the children who may leave the trampoline after a high jump or mid-direction bounce. Missing the mark and falling to the ground from an elevated trampoline could be fatal.

8. Adding the Trampoline Ladder

The trampoline ladder comes in separate parts, which you then put together. The ladder is vital in helping the children climb up or down the trampoline.

9. Screwing the Anchor Kit

The anchor kit is there to secure the trampoline to the ground. You should first screw it down into the ground then attach it to the trampoline.

What Happens if You Leave Out the Anchor Trampoline Kit?

Without the anchor kit, your trampoline can easily be blown away by a strong wind.

The Takeaway

A trampoline is one of the simplest ways to have fun that involves physical activity. How much fun you get from your trampoline depends on how effectively it is assembled. To preserve your jump mat, remove it and keep it indoors during adverse weather. That is also the time to have it repaired if it has holes.

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

I like to jump, as high as I can, so what else I can do in these days? in these quarantine days? to jump on my large-sized trampoline! (an extreme jumper)