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Can I mount an olympic trampoline on a wooden frame?

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Hard
Posts: 458 - Karma: 653
I have an olympic trampoline that is currently in-ground and it needs to be moved and placed above ground. Sadly going back in-ground isn't an option at it's new location. The company who makes the trampoline does not make above-ground frames. The trampoline consists of a steel frame perimeter; each of the 4 sides of the trampoline consisting of 3 separate pieces that bolt onto the in-ground frame which is made from 4x4 posts. The springs and mat then attach to that.

My hope is to build an above-ground wooden frame out 2x6's, making basically a square pool type structure following traditional wall-framing methods with 45 braces inside (making sure no not be under the trampoline). The whole thing would be built on level concrete and can and will be anchor-bolted to the concrete.

Does anyone have any experience / knowledge on olympic trampolines and the sort of forces they exert on the frame? I'm a carpenter by trade with the know-how and tools to pull it off and am willing to spend quite a bit of money on building a solid and sturdy structure. Debating whether or not lumber can withstand double-cork forces over many years. Looking for feedback if anyone wants to help and talk about options. Thanks!
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Sep 7 2020 11:25PM
1 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 51600 - Karma: 161,787
Find somebody who welds and have them weld some legs on it. Could prolly donit with wood but might as well make it solid.

What does the thing look like?
Sep 7 2020 11:33PM
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yungona
Posts: 2374 - Karma: -5,807
sure can. you have my permission buddy
Sep 7 2020 11:35PM
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Hard
Posts: 458 - Karma: 653
theabortionatorFind somebody who welds and have them weld some legs on it. Could prolly donit with wood but might as well make it solid.

What does the thing look like?

Yeah, that's an option. Hoping to avoid it if at all possible.

Here she is:
Sep 7 2020 11:41PM
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iH8pow
Posts: 1805 - Karma: 7,650
They built roller coasters out of wood, hell yea bud it’d be sick. Just build it right
Sep 7 2020 11:55PM
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TheMoostafian
Posts: 4504 - Karma: 9,435
You can definitely do it. I'd put some simspon hold downs on the legs and use approximately a fuck ton of lateral bracing.
Sep 8 2020 12:15AM
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xxACIDTRIPxx
Posts: 5980 - Karma: 8,175
Mount it on to 4 Jenga towers pussy
Sep 8 2020 12:24AM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6598 - Karma: 69,834
Is the inground frame just laying ontop of the dirt and not supported by concrete/rebar or anything of the sort? If so, you'll have no problem building legs out of wood to support the frame.
Sep 8 2020 12:53AM
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TheMoostafian
Posts: 4504 - Karma: 9,435
BiffbarfIs the inground frame just laying ontop of the dirt and not supported by concrete/rebar or anything of the sort? If so, you'll have no problem building legs out of wood to support the frame.


Not quite that easy.. once you put it up on legs you create hinge points and it can withstand WAY less lateral pressure and torsion.

OP id be happy to draw you some plans to build this fucker if you send me the dimensions of the frame.
Sep 8 2020 1:30AM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6598 - Karma: 69,834
TheMoostafianNot quite that easy.. once you put it up on legs you create hinge points and it can withstand WAY less lateral pressure and torsion.

OP id be happy to draw you some plans to build this fucker if you send me the dimensions of the frame.


Doesn't that depend on how the frame is mounted in the ground? What's the difference between the frame being placed on an earth 'shelf' vs the frame being placed on some well braced legs?
Sep 8 2020 1:47AM
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TheMoostafian
Posts: 4504 - Karma: 9,435
BiffbarfDoesn't that depend on how the frame is mounted in the ground? What's the difference between the frame being placed on an earth 'shelf' vs the frame being placed on some well braced legs?


If its just sitting on an earth shelf, its a lot harder for it to tip over. Think about trying to balance standing on top of a vertical 4x4 post vs just standing on the ground.
Sep 8 2020 1:58AM
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TheMoostafian
Posts: 4504 - Karma: 9,435
You are right though, it wouldn't be that hard to build a frame.
Sep 8 2020 1:59AM
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Randol
Posts: 115 - Karma: 591
My ski club had to put ours above ground on this super gnarly wooden frame thing for a summer while the hole was being redug. It was pretty sketchy, but no one died so I'd say your good to go.
Sep 8 2020 11:20AM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51600 - Karma: 161,787
RandolIt was pretty sketchy, but no one died so I'd say your good to go.


Pretty much the meaning of life right here
Sep 8 2020 11:49AM
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JoshWong
Posts: 2823 - Karma: 20,539
If it's built correctly, 100% yes. It probably wont have the same lifespan as a welded metal frame. But realistically would last much longer then the life of the bed itself.
Sep 8 2020 2:34PM
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Casey
Posts: 7844 - Karma: 24,263
Make sure and use pressure treated lumber, if it is all sitting in on a concrete slab it will be fine my main concern was going to be the weak point will be what the wood is supported by don’t just lay it on the ground or it will sag over time. Use Simpson brackets/ties and exterior coated decking screws to fasten everything together the stress of jumping will likely put stress on the structure in weird directions and want to work everything loose over time so be thorough with your fasteners. Otherwise you can look up standard plan sets for building decks on google, when in doubt copy someone else!
Sep 8 2020 3:10PM
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Casey
Posts: 7844 - Karma: 24,263
HardYeah, that's an option. Hoping to avoid it if at all possible.

Here she is:

Jesus that thing is a monster. I would not use 2X6 you are going to want to cross brace post and beams in both directions lagged together. It probably would be cheaper and more practical to call a steel fabricator I would estimate at least 5 grand in lumber and hardware materials.
Sep 8 2020 3:16PM
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