Basic Trampoline Assembly Mistakes to Avoid
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:21 December 2025
Ensure your trampoline setup in Perth is perfect by following essential tips to avoid common assembly mistakes and create a safe play space for fun.
Setting up a new trampoline in Perth is meant to be a fun job that ends in happy bouncing, not frustration. But a few small mistakes during setup can lead to bigger problems down the track. Whether it’s your first time putting one together or you’ve done a few before, it’s easy to miss steps or rush through bits that seem obvious. The last thing you want is an unsafe frame, loose springs, or a setup so unstable you have to pull it all apart halfway through summer.
Getting the trampoline setup right means more bounce time and less worry. And in Perth, where backyards see plenty of action over the school holidays, it’s even more important to do it properly. This guide walks through the most common mistakes people make during trampoline assembly and how to avoid them from the start. Taking it slow now can save you a lot of time and hassle later.
Misreading The Instruction Manual
This might sound too simple, but the number one mistake people make is skipping over the instruction manual. It’s easy to think you’ll figure it out as you go. But trampolines come in different shapes, frame styles, and sizes, so what worked last time might not apply this time.
Not reading the manual all the way through before starting usually leads to these problems:
- Putting parts together out of order
- Missing small items like washers or spacers
- Misunderstanding how springs should be placed
- Tightening bolts too early, making it hard to fix alignment later
These mistakes lead to uneven tension, wobbly frames, or having to undo big sections of your work. Manuals may not be the most exciting read, but they’re written based on how the parts interact. Some even mention helpful tips you won’t learn just by looking at the box.
If the manual isn’t printed clearly or pages get lost, it’s worth checking the manufacturer's site to see if there’s a digital version. Try setting aside 10 minutes just to read the whole thing without building anything yet. That small pause can make a big difference. One Perth dad shared how he nearly finished setting up his kids’ trampoline before realising he’d missed a locking pin on the lower frame. Reading back through the manual helped him catch it before anyone started using it.
Incorrect Frame Assembly
Getting the trampoline frame wrong is one of the tougher mistakes to fix. It often starts with aligning parts incorrectly or rushing through before double-checking the shape is balanced. This can lead to gaps in the ring, poles not sitting straight, or the whole structure tilting once everything is tightened up.
Here’s what tends to go wrong during frame setup:
- Poles placed facing the wrong direction
- Sections not clicked or bolted in all the way
- Assembly on uneven ground throwing off the line-up
- Tightening bolts before checking the full circle or rectangle shape
A smart move is to lay out all the frame pieces on the ground where they’ll go before connecting anything. That way, you can double-check how each section joins together. For circular trampolines, the shape should always form a perfect ring before you screw anything tight. For rectangles, make sure your corner brackets line up and the long bars run parallel.
Don’t forget to give each joint a small shake before moving on. If something moves or wobbles when it shouldn’t, don’t ignore it. It’s easier to shift or adjust now than once the springs go in and start pulling the structure tighter.
Taking a slow walk around your frame before adding springs helps you spot any misalignments early. If you’re working in a pair, having a second set of eyes can catch things you may have missed.
Improper Spring Installation
Springs may look simple at first glance, but how they’re installed can completely change how the mat works. Placing springs unevenly or rushing through the pattern means one side might have too much tension while the opposite side is loose. That can cause the mat to sit wonky, sag in spots, or in some cases, make springs pop off under pressure.
Here are the most common spring slip-ups:
- Starting at one side and working around in a single direction
- Pulling springs across the mat before attaching nearby ones
- Skipping over the star pattern recommended in some manuals
- Not using gloves or a spring tool when stretching them into place
When adding springs, alternate sides and go bit by bit across from where you started. Most trampoline manuals suggest a star or clock-face method, which balances spring tension evenly around the frame. This prevents the mat from getting stretched in one spot more than others.
If a spring ever feels like it’s too tight to reach the hook, don’t force it. Double-check that the frame brackets and mat rings are aligned correctly. A spring that takes too much effort is probably being added out of order. Check each one is linked on both ends before you move on.
By following the proper pattern and pace, you create a bouncier, safer trampoline that doesn’t wear out one section more than another. It’s one more reason to go steady, especially during a Perth summer when trampolines get daily use and the heat can make parts expand slightly.
Skipping Safety Features
Leaving off the trampoline’s safety parts is one of the biggest shortcuts people take during setup. By the time the frame and mat are in place, the kids are ready to jump, and it’s tempting to let them have a quick bounce before sorting out the net or padding. But waiting even a day to install the safety gear can lead to injury.
Here’s where people get it wrong:
- Skipping the enclosure net because it looks like a hassle
- Forgetting to install pole caps or padding
- Not tying down edge cushioning securely
- Assuming ground-level trampolines don’t need much protection
The net and pads aren’t optional extras. They’re there to stop falls, shield frame parts and soften jumps gone slightly wrong. Even if your trampoline is built into the ground, kids can misjudge landings or scoot too close to the edge. A well-fitted safety enclosure helps lessen those moments.
Set up the net straight after the mat and springs. It’s much easier than going back later. If wind’s picking up or it’s a summer scorcher, you won’t want to fiddle with clips or strings at the end. And when the padding is in place from the start, it helps stop toys or shoes from being wedged underneath, which can also be dangerous.
One Perth family shared how their oldest child jumped before the safety net was installed. A stray bounce led to a wobbly landing right on the frame. Luckily there was no injury, just a scary moment. Those extra ten minutes to install the net would have saved the worry.
Ignoring Level Ground Requirements
Trampolines need a flat, stable surface. That doesn’t mean perfectly paved or level to the millimetre, but uneven or soft ground can cause trouble. In Perth, where soil conditions vary all over the suburbs, paying attention to where you place your trampoline can help avoid problems after it’s assembled.
If part of the trampoline frame rests on a slope or loosely packed sand, it may not distribute weight evenly. That can lead to:
- Sagging or tilting frames
- Springs being pulled more on one side
- Gaps where soil washes away after rain
- Areas where feet sink slightly on impact
Here’s how to prepare a better base without overdoing it:
1. Choose the flattest part of the yard early, before unpacking
2. Use a garden rake to even out dips or bumps
3. Add a bit of soil or lawn dressing if needed
4. Press down on the ground with your weight to check stability
5. Avoid places where water pools or roots feel close to the surface
6. Once assembled, test bounce in various spots to check stability
If the frame starts on slightly sloped or soft ground, small fixes aren’t always enough once everything is tightened. Better to shift now than deal with tilting or loosening parts in a few weeks.
In some Perth suburbs with rockier soil, like parts of Morley or Beckenham, the trampoline might hold steady without much prep. But in sandy areas like Butler or Byford, taking the time to firm things up can prevent movement later.
Let the Bouncing Begin Safely
When setup is done right from the first bolt and spring, trampoline time is safer, smoother and just more enjoyable. Mistakes like skipping the manual or rushing the safety net don’t always cause problems straight away, but they often show up once kids start bouncing daily.
Fixing these issues later usually takes more time and frustration than doing it right from the beginning. Give yourself a buffer and work through each setup step patiently. From checking that the frame is balanced to installing the padding properly, every part plays a role.
If you’re building a trampoline in Perth, it pays to account for heat, backyard layout and soil type. Being mindful of these small points now sets up a summer of stress-free bounce time. And the best part is knowing you chose safety and comfort from the start. Nothing beats sitting back in the shade, watching the kids jump with confidence and a big smile.
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