Main Products
- Clearance Sale Items
- Zip Wire
- Tandoori Ovens
- Wood Burning Pizza Ovens
- Luxury Wooden Garden Gazebos
- Chimineas
- Garden Games
- Giant Garden Games
- Teak Garden Furniture
- OctaJump Trampolines
- Trampolines By Size
- Trampolines GB
- Jump For Fun Trampolines
- Jumpking Trampolines
- Wooden Kombi Kart
- Outdoor uPVC Sports Posts
- Metal Detectors
- Shade Structures
- Outdoor Table Tennis Tables
- Dino Scooters and Wheelbarrow
Contact Details
For Outdoors Limited
55 Dukes Ride
Crowthorne
Berks
RG45 6NS
United Kingdom
Tel: 01344 750788
Email: sales@foroutdoors.co.uk
VAT No: 821 6384 36
Company Reg No: 05750860
Trampolines
Points to consider when buying a Trampoline:
Before you begin your search or purchase of your new trampoline, there are a number of things that you need to take into consideration before making your purchase and this buyers guide has been put together with the help of our suppliers to assist you.
Location
Shape
Size
Framework
Weight Limit
Surround Padding
Springs
Jump Mat
Safety Enclosure
Warranties
Replacement Parts
Location:
First and foremost please make sure that you have a clear space to locate your trampoline in. Be careful in choosing your location if placing near trees, hedges, fence or any over hanging things. Make sure that the trampoline you are considering to purchase will fit into the space you have available and that you are able to leave a gap around your trampoline.
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Shape:
There are now many different shapes available to consider when buying a trampoline.
Round - Octagonal - Rectangular - Oval
The choice of which trampoline to buy is really going to be determined by the size and shape of your garden in which you are looking to put the trampoline.
Octagonal trampolines are a combination of a circular and rectangular trampoline and have been designed with safety foremost. Apart from the safety aspect, they also combine the joy of a circular one with the power of a better bounce from a rectangular one.
Round trampolines were designed for all the family to have fun on. This was the original design of trampoline and still remains to be one of the most popular shape of trampoline to be brought. Beacuse of the round shape and the configuration of springs on a round trampoline it means that all the springs work together in unison which makes for a slower and more controlled bounce, it also works that the user of the trampoline will bounce back into the middle of the trampoline.
Rectangular trampolines are built to provide a better bounce - A Rectangular trampoline because of the shape and spring configuration causes the springs to work at a different rate, this allows for a more powerful bounce, these trampolines are better for experienced children who are members of a trampoline club, these clubs are where you will find rectangular trampolines.
All trampolines have their benefits and downsides, but generally a trampoline is brought for the amount of available space there is in the garden.
Remember you can always sink your trampoline down to ground level, which will increase the safety. If your children are thinking of becoming gymnasts, then a rectangular trampoline is better suited to gaining more height in order to do a summersault etc.
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Size:
Trampolines come in a variety of sizes and serious consideration should be given as to the size of your trampoline. If possible measure out the size of the trampoline as this will give you a good idea as many people have said that when erected the trampoline was bigger than they thought it would be.
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Framework:
The size of steel used in manufacturing a trampoline varies between 1.0mm - 2.0 mm thickness and generally speaking as a good guide the more you pay for a trampoline, the better the thickness of steel used hence a studier trampoline. Make sure that any trampoline you buy is using steel that has been galvanised both inside and out as this will help prevent rust from appearing.
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Another consideration to do with the framework is the way that the frame has been constructed. Some cheaper trampolines use welded joints which usually is the weak link in any trampoline as they are usually on the leg joints connecting to the body/top frame. A lot of the better trampolines now incorporate what is known as T-Joint's and work by slotting the legs and rail together without using any welding joints and therefore making your trampoline that much stronger.
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Weight Limit:
All trampolines have a maximum weight limit associated with them. These have been set by the manufacturers and are determined by the size of steel used in the top rail where the springs attach. Please make sure that you are aware of these limits and that you order your trampoline accordingly. Do not exceed the maximum weight indicated.
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Surround Padding:
Just like the steel the surround padding used on trampolines come in various thicknesses and coverings ranging from 10mm - 50mm. The same guidelines apply to the surrounding pads in that the more you pay for a trampoline, the better quality and thicker the pads will be and offering better protection against injuries.
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The covering of the surround pads again come in various coverings with cheaper trampolines tending to have PVC covered padding, however PVC covered padding can crack if it has not been UV stabilised. Surround pads that have a mixture of PVC and Rubber based covering, and that have been UV treated, are highly recommended but as an alternative a waterproof Polyester covered padding would be good as it will be superior to the standard PVC padding and won't crack or fade in the sun.
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Springs:
Nearly all trampolines are made use galvanised springs. There are two things to consider with springs when purchasing a trampoline. First the number of springs and second the length of springs used. These are both important factors to consider as they contribute strongly to the performance in terms of bounce that you will experience from a trampoline.
Spring lengths vary from 4" in a very small junior trampoline up to 9" in a high performance trampoline with the rule of thumb being - the longer the spring (combined with the number of springs) the better the bounce you will experience.
The number of springs in a trampoline varies anything from 36 in a small junior trampoline up to 112 in a high end performance trampoline with the rule of thumb being - the higher the number of springs (combined with the length of spring) the better the bounce you will experience.
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Jump Mat:
The Jumping mat is the surface that is used to jump on and this should be made from grade A Permatron polypropylene. The trampoline mat should be UV treated and a V or D ring connection to the trampoline spring is also recommended.
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Safety Enclosure:
A safety enclosure with your trampoline is something that is very highly recommended. Adding a safety enclosure will give you peace of mind but it is not a 100% guarantee that you or your child will be totally safe and secure. This is why it is always recommended that all children be supervised at all times when using a trampoline.
If purchasing a safety enclosure please try and purchase at the same time as the trampoline as safety enclosures are designed especially to fit the trampoline you are buying. If ordering separately after purchasing your trampoline please try and purchase from someone selling your make of trampoline as most safety enclosures are not interchangeable with other makes.
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Warranties:
Trampoline Warranties can vary from manufacturer, and is based on the quality of materials used. As a guide we recommend a minimum of a 10 year warranty on the frame section with a minimum of 2 years on the springs, padding and jump mat.
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Replacement Parts:
A reputable company will hold a complete set of spare parts for your trampoline, supported by your warranty and customer care service. If your supplier cannot offer warranty or spares, we would not recommend purchasing from them.
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Table Tennis Tables
Before you begin your search or purchase of your new Table Tennis table, there are a number of things that you need to take into consideration before making your purchase and this buyers guide has been put together with the help of our suppliers to assist you.
Indoor or Outdoors
Storage
Size of Table
Playing Surface
Playing Surface Colour
Frames
Net and Posts
Leg Assembly
Wheels
Folding System
Guarantees
Indoor or Outdoor:
One of the first things to consider when buying a Table Tennis table is whether you require an Indoor or Outdoor table. The playing surface differs between an Indoor and an Outdoor table and generally the more you pay the better quality the material will be.
Indoor tables are made from high density chipboard and are not waterproof and if an indoor table is exposed to wet and damp it will warp and expand making it unusable.
Outdoor tables are generally more expensive than an Indoor table but they are usually made from Resin Laminate which makes them weatherproof and in most cases are rain and sun resistant. Although designed to be left outdoors, it strongly suggested that to prolong the life of the table, a cover is used on an Outdoor table and that they are stored away during adverse bad weather or long periods of non use.
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Storage:
Another important point for consideration when buying a Table Tennis table is where you will store the table if it is not permanently set up. There are 2 main ways that a table can be got ready for storage after use. The modern way is to have a table that uses a modern folding system and is on wheels which can then be rolled away for storage or the old fashion way where you take the table down in 2 parts for storage.
When not in use an Indoor table needs to be stored in either a room or Garage which is not affected by damp or humid conditions. If storing in a garage please make sure that suitable enough for storing your table as not all garages are suitable or dry enough. It is preferably that if you have to store an Indoor Table Tennis table then it should be in a room of consistent temperature and humidity. If in any doubt it is recommended that you buy an Outdoor table as these have been built to withstand the sort of conditions mentioned above.
Outdoor tables, due to their construction, have been designed to be left outdoors all year round. However, to prolong the life of the table, it is strongly suggested that a cover is used on an Outdoor table and that they are stored away during adverse bad weather or long periods of non use.
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Size of Table:
There are various sizes of Table Tennis tables on the market with the smaller ones being designed more for fun and environments that have limited space. Although these smaller table tennis tables will provide much fun, a full size table tennis table is by far the best experience. The International dimensions of a Table Tennis table are 274cm x 152.5cm x 76cm (9' x 5' x 2' 6")
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Playing Surface:
In any Table Tennis Table the bounce quality will vary according to the panel size used. Basically the thicker (the denser or harder the panel) the higher and more uniform the bounce will be. The quality of play is directly linked to the thickness of the playing surface and this will vary between an Indoor and an Outdoor table. Generally and as a rule of thumb, the more you pay the better quality the material used will be and therefore the better the table.
Indoor tables can be made from different types of chipboard starting with a basic chipboard right up to high density chipboard. These will not be waterproof and something you need to remember is that if an Indoor table is exposed to wet or dampness, it will warp and expand making it unusable. The thickness of the top used for an Indoor table can vary anything between 10mm to 25mm and this will determine the bounce and quality of play. Obviously the higher the thickness of board used the better the game. A good size and indication of thickness to look for in an Indoor table to use at home is between 16mm - 22mm.
Outdoor table tennis tables are usually made from Resin Laminate which makes it weatherproof and in most cases they will be snow, frost, rain and sun resistant although it is strongly suggested that you do not leave a table out in continuous adverse bad weather. The Resin Laminate used on most Outdoors Tables will be between 4mm - 7mm and like an Indoor table the same applies to an Outdoor table in that the thicker (the denser or harder the panel) the higher and more uniform the bounce will be.
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Playing Surface Colour:
Until quite recently Table Tennis tables were normally made with one choice of colour playing surface, Green. Nowadays you can get playing surface colours in different colours and is very much a personal choice.
Colours currently available are Green, Blue and Grey and are model dependent.
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Frames:
The thickness of the table frame will determine the rigidity and flatness of the table. Ideally on an Indoor table you should look for a table frame between 30mm - 70mm and on an Outdoor table you should look for a table frame between 40mm - 60mm.
On good quality table tennis tables the frame can also be corrosion and scratch resistant. The quality of each component will have an effect on the price of a table tennis table, so always try to think long term and pay a bit more. Table tennis has been around for decades and has never lost its appeal as a fun outdoor and indoor sport in which any member of the family can participate.
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Net and Posts:
Here you have the choice of 2 types of Net and Posts. Firstly there is the traditional type of post and net which is detachable and needs putting back in place if the table is stored. This type of net tends to be used on the tables that break down into 2 halves for storage.
The other and more modern Post and Net is on the tables that fold and then Rollaway for storage. These tables have Posts and Net that are fixed that don't need adjusting and when the table is folded for storage, fold with the table. Although a good idea there is one downside to having a fixed Post and Net set, and that is that is takes up slightly more room when folded for storage. However this type of table has proven to be more popular.
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Leg Assembly:
Steel legs are the most common used in Table Tennis tables and the thickness of the steel will determine the sturdiness of the table. On better quality table tennis tables the steel legs will have a plastic/resin surround for additional strength. Plastic supported with steel increases the strength and is relatively light, making it easier t erect and dismantle.
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Wheels:
All folding table tennis tables will have wheels which make it easier to move to and from its storage place. If the ground over which you will be moving your table tennis table is very uneven, stony or muddy then consider a table without wheels - these tables are cheaper, because they are made up of two halves they are lighter to carry and take up less space. Wheels are best where you have an even surface to roll it on. The wheels should have brakes, to lock the wheels when in storage or when being played on.
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Folding System:
A folding table tennis table folding system is vitally important as cheaper tables will have weak folding systems that will not last. The price and length of guarantee will indicate the quality. Folding tables have the disadvantage of not being able to use the table for anything else but table tennis. Tables that are made up of two separate halves can double up as useful working and serving surfaces inside or outside e.g. for projects and extending your dinner table. These tables also take up less space as each half can be stored either side of your garage.
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Guarantees:
For an Indoor table the guarantee will need to cover all the parts and the table itself and can be anything between 1 to 3 years. A good indication of the quality of a table is that the better the table the longer the guarantee.
For an Outdoor table there are 2 types of guarantees that you need to look out for. The first is the guarantee given for the playing surface and the second is for all the parts covering legs, post and net etc.
These can vary immensely between Manufacturer and Manufacturer but generally will be between 3 - 10 years for the playing surface and 1 - 3 years for the all parts guarantee.
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