Rugby Inflatables Planning Guide
How to Measure Your Garden for a Bouncy Castle
Wondering whether a bouncy castle will fit in your garden? A few simple measurements can help you find out before you book.
This quick guide shows you exactly what to measure, including the available width, depth, overhead clearance and access route.
Important:
The size of an inflatable is not the same as the total space required for installation. Always check the Required Space shown for the inflatable you're interested in.
Before You Get the Tape Measure
When checking your garden, measure the usable area rather than the overall size of the garden.
Things such as flower beds, sheds, garden furniture, play equipment, trees and other obstacles can reduce the amount of space actually available for an inflatable.
You should also check the route we'll use to bring the equipment from our vehicle into the garden.
Four Measurements to Check
All you'll need is a tape measure and a few minutes.
1
Measure the Width
Measure the usable width of the area where you'd like the inflatable installed. If the garden narrows, measure the narrowest part that would affect the setup.
2
Measure the Depth
Measure the usable space from front to back, excluding flower beds, sheds, furniture, play equipment and other obstacles.
3
Look Above
Check for tree branches, washing lines, pergolas, cables, garden lights or anything else above the proposed setup area.
4
Measure the Access
Measure the narrowest point between the unloading area and your garden. We normally require approximately 3ft of clear access.
What Measurements Should I Send?
If you'd like us to help check your garden, you can send your measurements in a simple format like this:
Example
Usable garden space: 18ft wide × 25ft deep
Clear height: No restrictions
Access: 4ft side gate
Surface: Natural grass
If you're unsure about anything, photographs of the proposed setup area and the access route can also be very useful.
Now Compare Your Measurements
Once you know the usable width and depth of your garden, compare those measurements with the Required Space for the inflatable you're interested in.
Don't compare your garden measurements with the inflatable's physical dimensions alone. Additional room is needed for safe installation and operation.
Quick Measuring Checklist
Before choosing your inflatable, check:
- ✓ The usable width of your garden.
- ✓ The usable depth of your garden.
- ✓ Any overhead restrictions.
- ✓ The width of the access route.
- ✓ The surface is suitable natural grass or soil.
- ✓ Your measurements meet the inflatable's full Required Space.
Don't Forget About Access
Even if an inflatable fits perfectly in your garden, we still need to be able to safely transport it to the setup area.
Our inflatables are rolled for transport but are still large and heavy pieces of equipment. We normally require approximately 3ft of clear access.
Please check for:
- Narrow gates.
- Tight turns.
- Narrow alleyways or paths.
- Steps or significant slopes.
- Bins, bicycles or garden furniture.
- Other obstacles along the delivery route.
Unsure about your access?
Send us photographs showing the route from the front of the property to the proposed setup area and we'll take a look.
Check the Surface Too
For Rugby Inflatables' outdoor hires, the setup area must be suitable natural grass or soil so the inflatable can be securely anchored using suitable ground stakes.
✓ Natural Grass or Soil
Suitable where the ground allows the inflatable to be correctly anchored.
✕ Artificial Grass
We do not install our outdoor inflatables on artificial grass.
✕ Hard Standing
We do not install our outdoor inflatables on concrete, tarmac or similar hard-standing surfaces.
For more information about outdoor setup requirements, preparation, access and garden hires, see our complete Garden Bouncy Castle Hire Guide.
Still Not Sure Whether It Will Fit?
You don't need to guess.
Send us:
- Your usable garden width and depth.
- Any overhead restrictions.
- Your access width.
- The type of surface.
- Photographs of the setup area.
- Photographs of the access route.
- The inflatable you're interested in.
We'll be happy to look at the information and advise which of our inflatables may be suitable before you book.
Useful Guides Before You Book
We've created detailed guides covering the other important parts of planning your hire.
Bouncy Castle Size & Space Guide
Compare inflatable dimensions with the full installation space required.
Read the Guide
Garden Bouncy Castle Hire Guide
Learn more about surfaces, access, preparation and what to expect from an outdoor garden hire.
Read the Guide
Garden Measuring FAQs
Should I measure the whole garden?
Measure the usable area where you'd like the inflatable installed. Exclude flower beds, sheds, furniture and other obstacles.
Do I only need the inflatable's dimensions?
No. You need to check the full Required Space, which allows for the additional room needed for installation and safe operation.
How wide does my access need to be?
We normally require approximately 3ft of suitable clear access. Please contact us before booking if your access is restricted.
What if my garden is an unusual shape?
Measure the usable area and the narrowest relevant points. Photographs can also help us understand the proposed setup.
Can you check my measurements?
Yes. Send us the measurements, surface type, access details, photographs and the inflatable you're interested in and we'll be happy to advise.