Residential vs Commercial Trampolines: What Schools, Councils, and Families Need to Know

At Trampolines Ireland, one of the most common questions we hear from customers is:

“What’s the difference between a trampoline for home use and one designed for schools, playgrounds, or public spaces?”

On the surface, all trampolines look similar—frames, springs, a jumping mat, and safety padding. But the truth is that residential trampolines and commercial/public-use trampolines are worlds apart in design, build quality, safety standards, and lifespan.

Residential trampolines suit family back gardens with light use, while commercial trampolines are heavy-duty, safety-certified, and built for schools, parks, and public spaces with daily use.

This blog will explain those differences in detail, so families, schools, sports clubs, and councils can make the right investment.

Residential vs Commercial Trampolines – Key Differences - Summary Table:

Feature	Residential Trampolines	Commercial / Public-Use Trampolines
Intended Use	Family back gardens, private play	Schools, playgrounds, councils, clubs, gyms
Standards	EN 71-14 (domestic trampoline safety)	EN 1176 / EN 1177 (playground) EN 13219 / EN 913 (gymnasium)
Design Style	Round, oval, or rectangular Often above-ground with safety net	In-ground playground models Large rectangular gym trampolines
Durability	Built for light to moderate use	Heavy-duty frames, vandal-resistant pads, weatherproof or gym-grade
Supervision	Parent/guardian at home	Often unsupervised outdoors, or supervised by trained staff in gyms
Safety Features	Enclosure nets, padded springs, ladders	Ground-level access, impact-absorbing surfacing, spotting decks (gyms)
User Volume	A few children daily	Dozens or hundreds of users weekly
Installation	Simple self-assembly in gardens	Professional installation with surfacing, drainage, or spotting systems
Maintenance	Occasional pad/net replacement	Daily/weekly checks, annual certified inspections
Price Range	€400–€2,500	€3,000–€12,000+ depending on type and site
Lifespan (typical)	5–7 years in family use	10+ years with proper maintenance

✅ This table makes the differences easy to understand at a glance.

1. Why This Distinction Matters

Buying the wrong type of trampoline can lead to serious problems:

Safety risks – A home trampoline in a public playground may fail to protect children, leading to injury.
Insurance issues – Public liability policies often require equipment to meet specific safety standards.
Short lifespan – Residential trampolines used in high-traffic settings wear out rapidly, creating frustration and wasted money.
Non-compliance – Councils and schools risk failing inspections if equipment doesn’t meet the right standards.

That’s why we always start by clarifying whether the trampoline will be used in a private residential garden or a commercial/public environment like a school, crèche, sports club, or playground.

2. Residential Trampolines: Designed for Family Back Gardens

Residential trampolines are the type most families recognise. They’re designed for occasional to daily use by a small number of children in a private setting.

Key Features of Residential Trampolines

Size range: Usually 6ft–16ft in diameter.
Shapes: Round (most common), oval, or rectangular.
Installation: Above-ground with enclosure nets, or in-ground for a neater look.
Safety features: Padded springs, enclosure nets, ladder access.
Materials: Galvanised steel frames, UV-protected mats, and foam pads.
Price range: Approx. €400–€2,500 depending on size and quality.

Standards for Residential Trampolines

Residential trampolines are typically designed to meet EN 71-14, the European standard for domestic trampoline safety. It covers:

Stability of the frame.
Strength of springs and jumping mats.
Enclosure net safety.
Durability under normal family use.

Intended Usage

Occasional bouncing by children.
One or two users at a time (though only one jumper is recommended).
Short play sessions rather than continuous, high-frequency use.

In other words, residential trampolines are ideal for family fun—safe, enjoyable, and durable enough for years of garden use.

3. Commercial / Public-Use Trampolines: Built for Heavy-Duty Environments

Commercial or public-use trampolines are a different category entirely. These are designed for schools, public playgrounds, sports centres, trampoline parks, and community spaces where dozens—or even hundreds—of children may use them every week.

Key Features of Commercial Trampolines

Design: Often in-ground for playgrounds, or large rectangular frames for gymnasiums.
Materials: Heavy-gauge steel frames, reinforced mats, anti-vandal safety pads.
Durability: Weatherproof, UV-stable, resistant to high-frequency use.
Safety systems: Built-in impact protection, ground-level access, stronger fixings.
Price range: Approx. €3,000–€12,000+ depending on size, type, and installation.

Standards for Commercial Trampolines

Commercial trampolines must comply with different sets of European standards depending on the environment:

EN 1176 / EN 1177 – For trampolines in outdoor playgrounds (impact-attenuating surfacing, equipment safety).
EN 13219 / EN 913 – For gymnasium trampolines used in PE or competitive training.
EN 14960 – For inflatable trampolines and bounce houses (soft play).

These standards go far beyond residential requirements, covering durability, vandal resistance, surfacing, installation, and performance.

Intended Usage

Daily, heavy use by many children.
Public, often unsupervised environments.
Must withstand extreme wear and tear, weather, and accidental misuse.

4. The 7 Biggest Differences Between Residential and Commercial Trampolines

Let’s break down the differences into clear categories.

1. Design Purpose

Residential: Designed for fun, safe play in private back gardens.
Commercial: Engineered for safety, compliance, and durability in schools, playgrounds, and public spaces.

2. Safety Standards

Residential: EN 71-14 (domestic use).
Commercial: EN 1176/1177 for playgrounds; EN 13219/913 for gyms; EN 14960 for inflatables.

3. Durability

Residential: Frames and pads last several years with family use.
Commercial: Heavy-duty frames, vandal-resistant pads, weatherproofing for continuous daily use.

4. Installation

Residential: Quick assembly in the garden, often above-ground with a net.
Commercial: Professional installation with groundworks, drainage, and certified surfacing.

5. User Numbers

Residential: One jumper at a time, with occasional multiple use (though discouraged).
Commercial: Designed to cope with hundreds of users weekly without rapid wear.

6. Cost

Residential: Affordable for families, starting at a few hundred euros.
Commercial: Higher upfront investment, but longer lifespan and lower cost per user.

7. Maintenance

Residential: Occasional pad/net replacements.
Commercial: Structured inspection schedules (daily, weekly, annual) with independent certification.

5. Why Residential Trampolines Should Never Be Used in Public Settings

Sometimes schools or community groups are tempted to buy a cheaper, residential trampoline for a public play area. Here’s why that’s a mistake:

Fails safety inspections – Residential trampolines don’t comply with EN 1176/1177.
Not weatherproof – Pads crack, nets tear, frames rust quickly.
Unsafe in high traffic – Springs and mats wear out rapidly under constant use.
Insurance risks – If an accident occurs, the organisation may be held liable.

What seems like a cost-saving measure quickly becomes an expensive—and potentially dangerous—mistake.

6. Residential Trampolines: Best for Families

For families, residential trampolines are perfect. They provide:

Affordable fun in the garden.
Safe, supervised play for children.
A great way to encourage fitness, balance, and outdoor activity.

Brands like BERG, EXIT, and Springfree provide excellent options with durable build quality and strong safety features for home use.

7. Commercial Trampolines: Best for Schools, Councils, and Clubs

For organisations responsible for public or group use, only commercial trampolines will do. The benefits include:

Compliance with all relevant standards (EN 1176, EN 1177, EN 13219).
Long-term durability in all weather conditions.
Lower maintenance costs over time.
Safe, inclusive design for children of all abilities.
Confidence for parents, teachers, and insurers.

Yes, the upfront cost is higher—but the investment pays off in safety, compliance, and longevity.

8. Real-World Examples

Example 1: A Family Garden in Limerick

Solution: A BERG Elite 12ft round above-ground trampoline with safety net.
Reason: Perfect for two children, supervised use, and a medium-sized back garden.
Compliance: EN 71-14 for residential use.

Example 2: A Primary School in Dublin

Solution: An in-ground BERG Elite Playground trampoline, EN 1176 certified.
Reason: Inclusive, ground-level access for all pupils, safe for unsupervised break times.
Compliance: EN 1176/1177.

Example 3: A Secondary School Gym in Galway

Solution: Rectangular gymnasium trampolines with spotting decks.
Reason: For PE and gymnastics training, supervised use only.
Compliance: EN 13219/913.

These examples show how the correct choice depends entirely on the setting.

9. Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs Long-Term

A residential trampoline might cost €700–€1,500 and last 2–3 years in a high-use setting before needing replacement. Over 10 years, that’s €5,000+.
A commercial trampoline might cost €5,000–€8,000 upfront, but last 10+ years with proper maintenance. Over the same period, the cost per user is far lower.

This is why we always advise schools and councils to invest in commercial-grade equipment from the outset.

10. Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Residential trampolines

Visual checks by parents.
Replace pads, nets, or ladders when worn.
Seasonal checks for rust or damage.

Commercial trampolines

Daily visual inspections (nets, pads, mats).
Weekly operational checks (springs, fixings, anchors).
Annual independent inspection for compliance with EN 1176 or EN 13219.
Records kept for insurance and liability purposes.

11. Inclusion and Accessibility

Commercial trampolines are also designed with inclusion in mind. In-ground playground trampolines allow:

Wheelchair access up to the mat edge.
Safer entry and exit for pupils with mobility challenges.
Use in therapeutic and SEN environments.

Residential trampolines, with ladders and above-ground frames, are less suitable for inclusive group use.

12. Conclusion: Which Trampoline Do You Need?

For families at home: A residential trampoline, EN 71-14 certified, provides safe and affordable fun.
For schools, councils, and public spaces: A commercial trampoline, EN 1176/1177 or EN 13219 certified, is essential for compliance, durability, and safety.

At Trampolines Ireland, we supply both types—but we always ensure you choose the right one for your environment.

Remember:

Residential trampolines = private fun, light use, EN 71-14.
Commercial trampolines = public responsibility, heavy use, EN 1176/1177 or EN 13219.

The right trampoline will bring joy, confidence, and long-term value to your pupils, visitors, or family.

13. How Trampolines Ireland Can Help

We provide:

Expert advice on the right trampoline for your needs.
Supply and installation of both residential and commercial trampolines.
Groundworks and surfacing solutions for schools and councils.
Maintenance advice and spare parts.
Peace of mind that your trampoline is safe, compliant, and built to last.

If you’re unsure which trampoline is right for you, contact us today—we’d be delighted to help.