Space Requirements for Rectangle Trampolines at Home
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:2 November 2025
Rectangle trampolines are becoming a popular pick for families in Perth looking to add something fun to the backyard. Their shape makes them a great match for narrow yards or along fences, and they’re often the go-to option for kids who love gymnastics or doing flips. While they may look sleek and compact, they do still take up space. It’s easy to underestimate how much room you’ll actually need between the trampoline and other parts of your yard.
Before getting too carried away planning where the trampoline will go, it’s worth having a clear look at how much space you really have. It won’t just help with fitting the trampoline in. It’s also about making sure there’s a safe area around it for kids and adults to move comfortably, as well as setting it up properly without crowding other backyard features. When you sort the layout ahead of time, it saves a lot of stress come delivery day.
Measuring Your Yard
Getting the measuring tape out might seem like an obvious step, but this is where many people slip up. A trampoline’s size isn’t just about the frame. There are soft pads, flexible nets, ladders and the clearfall zone to think about too. Taking proper measurements helps you avoid running into surprises when it’s time to unpack the box.
Here’s how to go about it:
1. Pick the general area you want to place the trampoline.
2. Clear away any items like toys or garden furniture so you get a clean measurement.
3. Measure out the maximum footprint you can afford to use, not just the space for the frame.
4. Add at least 1.5 to 2 metres of free space around all four sides as a safety buffer.
5. Check the height around the trampoline if you have overhead branches, clotheslines or low verandas.
You want the trampoline to be safely spaced from anything else in the yard that people could hit or walk into. This is especially important if young kids will be bouncing around. One Perth family we worked with had their heart set on placing their trampoline between two lemon trees. The frame technically fit, but once nets and ladders were added, the space was too tight for comfort. Measuring out the whole area ahead of time helped them pick a better spot.
Understanding Trampoline Dimensions
Rectangle trampolines come in a few different sizes across Australia, and picking the right one starts with understanding how these numbers actually relate to usable space. The listed size usually refers to the outer edge of the frame, not the jumping mat. That’s something people often don’t realise until after the trampoline’s been delivered and unpacked.
Here’s a quick breakdown of common rectangle sizes you’ll find locally:
- Small (approximately 7ft x 10ft): fits in tighter city yards or suits single jumpers
- Medium (approximately 8ft x 12ft): good for two kids or basic routines
- Large (approx. 9ft x 14ft or more): better for gymnasts or shared use
If your child is into sports like tumbling, or if multiple kids will be using it together, the larger options give more room for movement. But these sizes also need more open space around them. It’s not just about fitting the trampoline. It’s about giving yourself enough walking room so it doesn’t feel like the trampoline’s taking over the entire yard.
When choosing the size, also keep in mind how else that patch of your backyard is being used. If there’s already a veggie garden, mowing path, dog kennels or storage sheds nearby, make sure the trampoline won’t block access to those areas or leave you cramped.
Placement Tips for Rectangle Trampolines
Once you’ve got your yard measured and you know what size trampoline works for your space, finding the right spot is what ties it all together. Rectangle trampolines give you more flexibility than round ones since their shape fits better along fences, down the side of the house or in longer yards. But picking the first flat patch you see isn’t always the best idea.
Here’s what to think about before settling on a location:
- Flat ground is a must. Any kind of slope will throw off the bounce, make it harder to set the frame level and affect safety.
- Avoid low-hanging branches and clotheslines. Even if something is a little out of reach now, it can still interfere when kids are jumping high.
- Don’t line it up too close to walls or hard surfaces. A 1.5 to 2 metre buffer zone all around allows for better safety net performance and safe access.
- Keep it away from fences or sharp garden edges. Kids can climb or fall into them while getting on or off the trampoline.
- Leave room for walking around. This comes in handy when cleaning, mowing or supervising kids at play.
Some people prefer tucking the trampoline into a quiet corner of the yard, but just remember these areas tend to collect leaves and hold on to moisture, especially after Perth’s wet winter months. That can lead to quicker wear on mats and springs. You want a spot that gets a good bit of sun and breeze without being completely exposed to harsh weather.
One handy trick is to lay out a garden hose or rope in the shape of the trampoline and safety zone. This rough outline gives you a solid feel for how much space it will actually take up and whether walking paths or garden beds will be blocked.
Safety and Local Rules to Keep in Mind
Making sure your setup is safe should come before anything else. Even if you've got the space and the trampoline fits well, overlooking safety basics can lead to issues later. Most of the time, it’s not one big hazard you need to watch for. It’s usually little things like gaps between structures, clutter underneath the mat, or poor access that cause problems.
To avoid that, here are some simple safety checks to go through before and after setup:
- Keep access paths clear. Hard to reach trampolines tend to get climbed on from odd angles, which can be risky.
- Make sure the trampoline is on a soft surface or grass, not concrete.
- Remove tools, bikes, bricks or garden gear sitting underneath before anyone uses it.
- Double-check that the immediate area is dry and not too muddy, especially after Perth’s rainy spells.
If you're in a newer suburb or have neighbours close by, it’s worth checking your local council’s rules around trampoline placement. Some councils have rules about setbacks from fences, sightlines from the street or shared boundaries. These might be more relevant if you've got a particularly large trampoline planned or a narrow lot where things will be tight.
And while it’s not a legal must-have, letting your neighbours know can head off any future noise issues if your kids love to bounce daily after school.
Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Once it’s up and running, a rectangle trampoline can start to feel like a permanent feature in your backyard. The good news is, it doesn’t need to clash with your outdoor setup if you’re smart about integrating it. A few small changes around your trampoline can help make it blend in and still leave space for other play or garden uses.
Here are some low-effort ways to make the most of that yard area:
- Plant low shrubs or native grasses around the safety space zone to act as a soft border.
- Add flat pavers or stepping stones to help kids approach safely without tracking mud onto the mat.
- Use storage benches nearby to keep shoes, balls or mats in one handy place.
- Lighting can be a nice touch if your kids use it in the late afternoon. Solar spike lights along the edge do the job without getting in the way.
Think about the things you still want to use your yard for – whether that’s relaxing, having a BBQ, gardening or giving the dog room to run. If the trampoline’s placement respects all that, everyone’s happier in the long run.
Keep Your Trampoline Ready for Fun
Installing a rectangle trampoline is a decision that pays off when you plan ahead. Making time to measure space properly and thinking about how it will fit around the rest of your yard goes a long way in keeping the setup safe and functional. The right size, in the right spot, with the right clearance makes all the difference for long-term use.
Perth backyards come in all shapes and sizes, but that doesn’t mean you need to squeeze in something that doesn’t work. A bit of forward thinking and smart placement will help you avoid future headaches and give your kids a safer, more enjoyable spot to bounce their energy away. With the warmer months around the corner, now’s a great time to sort your space so the fun can start as soon as the trampoline arrives.
Adding a rectangle trampoline to your yard in Perth can be a fun and rewarding decision for your family. By preparing your space properly and choosing the right size, you’ll ensure both safety and enjoyment for years to come. Explore our selection of rectangle trampolines in Australia to find a fit that suits your outdoor layout and lifestyle. Jump Star Trampolines is here to help you create the perfect backyard setup.
