12-Foot VS 14-Foot Round Trampolines: Size, Safety, and Suggestions
The 12-foot trampoline and the 14-foot trampoline are two of the most popular sizes of round trampolines that we carry. Many customers want to know if these two sizes are big enough to accommodate their situation.
Of course, different buyers have different needs: some people are shopping solely for their children, while others might be highly experienced jumpers.
It comes down to your personal choice and needs, but there are a few things that all buyers should consider if you narrowed your search down to the 12-foot and 14-foot versions.
The Size of Your Yard
For safety reasons, it’s important to have adequate space for your trampoline. Be sure to measure the area you’re planning to use so that there is enough space to onboard, maneuver, and prevent any collisions.
How much room is needed? Generally, you want about 5 - 10 feet of room around the trampoline, but if you have an enclosure it is possible to setup the trampoline in a smaller space.
Keep in Mind the Spring Count
Spring count affects the trampolines in a few major ways: One of them is bounce. More springs equate to more bounce. Longer springs also equate to more bounce if the individual is heavier.
For this reason, A 12-foot trampoline is often a great choice for children aged 12 – 16 because the fewer number of springs allows them to get a better bounce. For an additional level of safety we always recommend purchasing a 12-foot trampoline with an enclosure.
All of the products on trampolines.com have detailed information about the springs. For example our most popular 14-Foot trampoline has 96 double-tapered springs.
Weight, Size and Surface Area
Keep in mind that round trampolines with springs typically have between 14 and 18 inches shaved off the total diameter, depending on the length of the springs themselves. The surface area is calculated by taking the diameter of the mat and subtracting the 2x the length of the springs (not the entire trampoline itself).
How Big is a 12-Foot Trampoline?
The typical 12-foot trampoline has a surface area that is roughly between 86 and 93 square feet. It is big enough for everyone to enjoy - though it is best suited for two types of people: children and highly experienced solo jumpers. That seems odd but there is an explanation.
The 12-foot trampoline is big enough for two kids to jump around and do flips, but you start pushing its limits when adding more than one adult. When it comes to heavier adults, 14-foot trampolines might be a better option. Though 12-foot versions can be better suited for solo runs as they have a weight limit that falls between 250-350 pounds (113 to 159 kg) and the more limited surface area could potentially be viewed as a positive.
That’s one reason experienced jumpers love 12-foot trampolines. Their size allows them to be used in small backyards, while also being large enough to practice advanced flips and other jumps.
How Big is a 14-Foot Trampoline?
A 14-foot trampoline has a surface area between 122 and 130 square feet and is also a great choice for everybody - including adults.
A typical weight limit for a 14-foot trampoline is between 350 and 475 lbs. (158 – 216 kg). 14-foot trampolines are big enough for two adults, but it’s still recommended by Trampolines.com to jump one at a time for safety reasons.
If someone is serious about learning their flips and tricks, and really needs the additional space, the 14-foot trampoline’s extra surface area might just be what you’re looking for.
These two sizes are both great options for family fun, and ultimately it will come down to your family needs. If you have any other questions along your journey, do not hesitate to contact us.