Bollards are devices used by businesses and security personnel to block vehicles from entering specific zones. Each unit is placed at a distance that makes it impossible for cars, trucks and SUVs to cause property damage or harm groups of people. There are several types of bollards available on the market in terms of functionality, sizes, materials, heights and colors. Property owners and builders must decide on the right variety to exceed goals for performance and practicality.

Types of Bollards

What are the different types of bollards? Bollards fit into three main categories: decorative, safety and security. Each category is designed for different applications.

It is important to choose bollards from the category that meets your durability needs.

Decorative Bollard

Decorative bollards offer low impact ratings and help guide traffic safely. Lights can also be added to these bollards. Decorative bollards are installed 4 to 6 feet apart and are bolted to the ground. Common materials for decorative bollards are aluminum, cast iron, plastic, wood or concrete.

Safety Bollard

Safety bollards provide medium impact ratings and are suitable for directing traffic or blocking entrance into an area. They are made out of steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Safety bollards are usually spaced 4 to 5 feet apart to stop cars from driving between them. Installation requires an engineered footing with a concrete enclosure and structural cage.

Security Bollard

Security bollards have a high impact rating and are designed to protect people and property from intentional vehicle intrusion. They are made out of steel or stainless steel and are often spaced as little as 3 feet apart. Installation requires an engineered footing with a concrete enclosure and structural cage.

Bollard Design

You need to consider several design aspects when figuring out bollard uses:

• Material: Steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum and recycled plastic are the most common materials for bollards.
• Functionality: Popular designs are fixed, removable, collapsible, retractable manual and retractable automatic.
• Footing type: Standard footings secure the bollard to the ground using concrete and reinforcing steel.
• Spacing: The spacing between bollards is determined by what you need to keep out and what you need to allow in.

Common Bollard Uses

Bollards control vehicle movement and safeguard people and property. Bollards come in various shapes, sizes and designs and are an excellent solution for a wide range of applications. They serve as fixed guides and barriers that shape traffic flow, prevent vehicle intrusion, and can complement site design. You’ll find them at storefronts, drive‑thrus, campuses, warehouses, and work zones in both functional and decorative forms.

At Blockaides, we work with customers who have diverse structures and usage needs for bollards. We help you create the unique design you require for a project. If you’re curious about how to use bollards or how bollards work, look at our list of common applications below.

1. Blocking or Directing Traffic

Bollards keep drivers from getting in the wrong lanes, on the curb or in restricted areas. They can also serve as a visual guide to help people know where to go as they navigate a street, merge onto a lane or turn down a new road.

When you set up bollards along high-risk areas, such as bike or pedestrian paths, you help drivers stay in their lane and protect passersby.

2. Parking Lot Protection

If you’re looking for a solution to protect your parking lot from intruders, bollards are an excellent way to restrict access and safeguard vehicles inside. Access control and safety devices, like bollards, serve as visual deterrents that prevent vandalism, raids of adjacent buildings and other risks.

3. Drive-Thru Lanes

Guide visitors through drive-thru lanes with bollards to direct them along the right path, maintain order and minimize confusion from drivers about where to go. These access control devices can help drivers stay in their lane as they follow the drive-thru while safely keeping space for other individuals.

4. Factories and Warehouses

With bollards in factories and warehouses, you can easily direct inventory loads, forklifts, pallet trucks and workers to the right locations. These access control and safety devices help maintain a seamless flow of traffic during daily operations, which protects operators, floor workers and inventory while optimizing efficient workflows.

5. Retail Locations

Bollards are ideal for several different uses at retail locations, from parking to guiding the flow of foot traffic in and out of the building. Protecting storefronts is particularly critical — doing so can ensure access for company vehicles or unloading trucks. These safety devices also help safeguard storefronts from crashes due to careless driving or slippery conditions.

Custom Bollard Installations

You can install bollards as close together as you need and choose whatever style and material suits your purpose. The only rules are that you must choose a material and installation equipment that is strong enough for your purpose and spacing that will effectively block the vehicles you are trying to prevent from entering the area.

It is recommended that you or a professional provide a site assessment prior to installing bollards on your commercial property. This will help you understand the complexity of your project and any additional features you might want to have for your devices, such as lighting or retractable capabilities. A reputable bollard provider like Blockaides will consider your requests for device heights, material, color and finish to exceed your expectations for aesthetics and performance.

It is also a good idea to map out your installation site so that you can envision what security solutions will look like once an installation is complete. Chalk and spray paint are useful for this process. The general process for installing custom bollards includes the following steps:

1. Measure out spaces for bollards.
2. Utilize mounting accessories at marked locations.
3. Excavate soil or concrete (only for retractable designs).
4. Position your accessories accordingly.
5. Fasten the bollards in place with the appropriate anchors.
6. Incorporate any additional accessories you want.

Find Your Best Bollard Solutions With Blockaides

Whether you want to use bollards for directing traffic and parking, protecting a space or guiding pedestrians, Blockaides is here to help. We offer customized solutions to match your requirements and deliver the right design, size and functional specifications you need from your bollards.

We work with specific aesthetics and applications to ensure you get the best solutions for your needs.

If you’d like to learn more about our services, contact us to request a quote today.