How Do I Know What Type Of Bollard Is Best For My Business?

There are numerous types of bollards available to protect or enhance your building. Some of these, such as concrete bollards or steel bollards, are crash-rated to absorb the impact of a vehicle crashing into them; while others are flexible. There are also removable bollards for times when your need to restrict access is only temporary.

Whether you need permanent or temporary options, there are a wide array of different styles and sizes of bollards available for commercial properties.

1. Fixed or Permanent Bollards – Often used as parking or security bollards, these posts are secured into cement or pavement and expected to last for many years. They are sturdy to protect storefronts or pedestrian areas from vehicles that may try to enter.
2. Retractable (manual or automatic) Bollards – Once placed, these bollards are able to be raised or lowered as needed. These are ideal for areas where you may need to restrict access sometimes, but desire to leave accessible at other times. Automatic bollards require less manpower to raise or lower as they are controlled by a mechanized retraction process operated by a button or a remote control.
3. Removable Bollards – These bollards are temporarily placed where traffic control is needed, and they can be removed as needs change.
4. Flexible or Collapsible Bollards – These bollards are meant to bend or collapse if they are struck. Collapsible bollards have the ability to be folded down when not needed.
5. Decorative Bollards – These bollards are used to enhance the beauty of a property. There are many styles available, and they can serve as an eye-catching enhancement or match the architecture of surrounding buildings to blend in seamlessly.
6. Lighted Bollards – Bollards now come with built-in lighting to provide more visibility along a pathway or within landscaping. Businesses also use these as a method to discourage crime and vandalism.

With so many choices, you’ll need to think about the main goals you want to accomplish by installing bollards. Here are some key questions to think through:

1. What is the primary purpose of your bollards? Are you looking for safety measures in front of your building, enhanced traffic control, or an updated look?
2. Do you require permanent bollards, or will you need the ability to remove them?
3. What material best suits your needs? Permanent bollards are often made out of concrete or steel, while flexible bollards could be made of plastic.
4. Do you require lighting to be a feature of your bollards?
5. Is there an architectural look that you will need to match?