A trampoline is one of the few things you can put in a garden that gets used almost every day it does not rain. It gets children off screens and outdoors, it wears them out before bedtime, and — unlike most outdoor play kit — it keeps earning its place for years rather than months. But a trampoline is also a big, permanent object that will dominate a chunk of your garden, and the gap between a good one and a cheap one is the difference between a decade of use and a sagging frame by year two.
We have brought in the ACON range specifically because it sits at the quality end: Finnish-engineered, properly sprung, and built to last outdoors through British winters. Here is how to choose the right one for your space and your family.
Round or rectangular?
This is the first and most important decision, because it changes both the bounce and how the trampoline fits your garden.
Round trampolines pull every bounce gently back toward the centre, which makes them the safer, more forgiving choice for children and general family use. They are also the better value per foot of jumping space. Models like the ACON Air 12ft and 14ft are the natural pick for most gardens — a generous jump zone, a self-centring bounce, and a footprint that suits a typical family lawn.
Rectangular trampolines give a stronger, more even bounce across the whole mat, which is why gymnasts and serious jumpers prefer them. They also fit better against a fence or down a narrow garden, where a round one would waste space. The ACON 13 HD and ACON X are performance-grade rectangular models — the right choice if someone in the house is past casual bouncing, or if the garden is long and thin rather than square.
Getting the size right
Size is where people most often over- or under-buy. Two numbers matter: the trampoline's own diameter, and the safety clearance around it.
A trampoline needs open space on every side — clear of fences, sheds, washing lines and overhanging branches. As a rule, leave at least 1.5–2 metres clear all the way round. That means a 14ft (4.3m) trampoline really wants a circle closer to 7–8m across to sit safely.
If space is tight, size down rather than squeezing a big one in. The compact ACON Air 10ft is built for smaller gardens and still gives a proper family bounce. At the other end, the 15ft Air is the largest round model in the range — only worth it if the garden genuinely has room for it. And if there is no outdoor space to spare at all, the foldable ACON Freestyle mini works indoors and out.
Springs and bounce quality
This is where cheap trampolines cut corners and where ACON does not. The number, length and quality of the springs decide how the trampoline feels underfoot and how long that feel lasts.
Across the HD and X models you will see a choice between air springs and performance springs. Air springs give the softer, family-friendly bounce most households want. Performance springs are firmer and more responsive — the choice for older kids, teenagers and anyone learning tricks. If in doubt, air springs are the safer default; you are buying comfort and control, not maximum height.
Don't skip the enclosure
A safety net is not optional on a garden trampoline — it is the single most important safety feature, and it is where most injuries are prevented. Every ACON model here comes with an enclosure, but they are not all the same. The standard nets do the job; the premium and GEN 2.0 enclosures use a sturdier design that lasts longer and sits more securely against the frame. On a trampoline you expect to keep for years, the better net is worth the small step up.
A ladder is the other sensible add-on for younger children — it stops them clambering up the frame and springs, which is exactly where trapped fingers happen.
The short version
For most families: a round ACON Air, sized so you can leave 1.5–2m clear all the way round, with air springs and the best enclosure your budget stretches to. For serious jumpers or a long, narrow garden: a rectangular HD or X with performance springs. For a small space or indoor use: the 10ft Air or the foldable Freestyle mini.
See the full range on the outdoor play page. And once the garden is set up for the kids, it is worth getting the grown-ups' side sorted too — a bistro set or some seating nearby means you have somewhere to sit while they bounce.
Every trampoline we stock comes with full assembly and safety guidance. If you are not sure which size suits your garden, email us at sales@oakandoutdoor.co.uk — send a rough idea of your space and we will point you to the right model. Explore more across outdoor play, seating and outdoor rugs.