Bollards

Which Bollard Is Right for Your Site?

The right bollard depends on what you need it to do, where it will be installed and whether access needs to remain permanent or flexible.

Before choosing a bollard, consider:

• Whether you need permanent or removable access control
• Whether the bollard will be surface-mounted or installed in-ground
• How often vehicles need access to the area
• The level of vehicle protection required
• The existing surface and installation conditions
• Whether appearance and finish are important
• The space available around the bollard
• Any site-specific security or access requirements

Types of Bollards

The Bollard Shop stocks a broad range of bollard types for different access, traffic-management and security applications.

Base Plate Bollards

Base plate bollards are surface-mounted using a bolted base plate, making them useful where an in-ground installation is not practical.

They are commonly used around car parks, warehouses, shopfronts, machinery areas and commercial sites. Bollard Shop offers base plate bollards in a range of diameters, finishes and materials, including galvanised and stainless steel options.

Inground Bollards

Inground bollards are installed into the ground for a permanent barrier.

They can suit parking areas, warehouses, commercial sites and other locations where vehicle access needs to remain restricted. The range includes different diameters and finishes for different site requirements.

Removable Bollards

Removable bollards provide flexible access control where an area sometimes needs to remain open to authorised vehicles.

Depending on the product, removable bollards can be installed in-ground or surface-mounted and secured using key-lock or padlock mechanisms. They can suit driveways, shopfronts, warehouses, laneways, parks and event spaces where access requirements change.

Retractable Bollards

Retractable bollards lower when access is needed and return to position when the area needs to be restricted.

They are useful where regular vehicle access is required but permanently removing and storing a bollard would be inconvenient.

Reboundable Bollards

Reboundable bollards are designed to flex when struck and return towards their original position afterwards.

They can suit car parks, traffic areas and other locations where low-level vehicle contact is more likely and a rigid bollard may not be the preferred option.

Extra High Bollards

Extra high bollards provide greater visible height than standard bollards, making them easier to identify around larger vehicles, loading areas and commercial or industrial sites.

They can be useful where increased visibility is needed or where standard-height bollards may be less noticeable around trucks, machinery or other large vehicles.

Solar Bollards

Solar bollards combine a bollard with solar-powered lighting for applications where visibility and illumination are required.

They can help improve visibility around access routes, pedestrian areas, car parks and other locations where a clearly visible boundary is useful, particularly in lower-light conditions.

Stainless Steel Bollards

Stainless steel bollards combine vehicle control with a cleaner architectural finish.

They can be useful around shopfronts, commercial buildings, entrances and public-facing spaces where appearance is an important part of the project as well as access control.

Ram Raid Bollards

Ram raid bollards are intended for higher-security applications where buildings, entrances or vulnerable areas need additional vehicle protection.

The level of protection varies by product, so check the specifications and intended application of the individual bollard before ordering.

RHS Bollards

RHS bollards use a rectangular hollow-section profile rather than a round post.

The Bollard Shop stocks both base plate and in-ground RHS options for heavier-duty commercial and industrial applications.

Pedestrian Barriers

Pedestrian barriers help create a clear physical boundary between people and vehicles or restricted areas.

They can be used around commercial, industrial and public-space environments where pedestrian movement needs to be guided or separated from traffic.

Temporary and Plastic Bollards

Temporary and plastic bollards can be used where a permanent steel barrier is not required, such as temporary traffic-management areas, events or short-term access control.

Check the individual product specifications to make sure the bollard suits the intended application.

Replacement Caps

Bollard caps provide a replacement or finishing component for compatible bollards.

They can help close the top of the bollard and replace damaged or missing caps without replacing the entire post.

Permanent, Removable or Retractable Bollards?

One of the first decisions is whether the bollard needs to stay permanently in position.

Permanent bollards are suited to areas where vehicle access needs to remain restricted. Inground options provide a permanent installation, while base plate bollards provide a surface-mounted alternative.

Removable bollards are useful where access only needs to be opened occasionally. The bollard can be removed when authorised vehicles need to pass and returned afterwards.

Retractable bollards are suited to areas where access changes more regularly. Instead of removing the entire bollard, it lowers out of the way when access is required.

The best option depends on how often the area needs to open, the available installation depth and how the site is used.

Base Plate or Inground Bollards?

The installation method is another important consideration.

Base plate bollards bolt to a suitable surface and can be a practical choice where excavation is difficult or unnecessary.

Inground bollards are installed into a footing below ground level and are generally used where a permanent installation is required.

Before deciding, consider:

• The existing surface
• Underground services
• Available excavation depth
• Vehicle movements around the bollard
• The level of protection required
• Whether the bollard may need to be removed in future

Where Are Bollards Used?

Bollards are used across a wide range of commercial, industrial, residential and public settings, including:

• Car parks
• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Shopfronts
• Driveways
• Shopping centres
• Pedestrian areas
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial sites
• Loading areas
• Machinery areas
• Access roads
• Restricted zones
• Public spaces

The right bollard will depend on whether the main purpose is vehicle access control, traffic guidance, pedestrian separation, property protection or a combination of these.

In workplaces where vehicles and pedestrians operate in the same area, traffic management should consider how the two are separated. Safe Work Australia recommends measures such as barriers, fences and bollards to help separate pedestrians from vehicle movements.

Choosing the Right Bollard Material and Finish

Bollards are available in different materials and finishes to suit different environments and design requirements.

Galvanised and powder-coated steel options are commonly used for commercial and industrial applications, while stainless steel can provide a more architectural finish for public-facing areas.

When comparing products, consider:

• Indoor or outdoor exposure
• Corrosion resistance
• Visibility
• Maintenance requirements
• Surrounding architecture
• Whether a high-visibility finish is needed
• The product’s intended application

Do not choose on appearance alone. The bollard still needs to suit the installation method and level of protection required.

Bollard Installation

The installation method depends on the type of bollard, the existing surface and the purpose of the installation.

Before installation, check:

• Whether the bollard is base plate or in-ground
• The existing surface
• Fixing or footing requirements
• Underground services
• Vehicle and pedestrian clearance
• Access requirements
• The spacing and layout of multiple bollards
• Any site-specific requirements

The Bollard Shop also provides professional bollard installation services, with its current service page covering installation in Perth and Brisbane.

What To Check Before Ordering Bollards

Before ordering, consider:

• Application: Decide whether the bollard is for access control, parking, traffic guidance, pedestrian separation or property protection.
• Access: Choose permanent, removable or retractable depending on whether vehicles still need access.
• Installation: Check whether the site suits a base plate or in-ground installation.
• Size: Compare the diameter, height and other dimensions of the individual product.
• Material: Consider the finish, environment and appearance required.
• Visibility: Decide whether a high-visibility finish or reflective detail is needed.
• Security: Match the product to the level of vehicle protection required.
• Site conditions: Consider traffic levels, the existing surface and surrounding structures.
• Quantity and spacing: Work out how many bollards are required and how they will be positioned before ordering.

Do All Bollards Provide the Same Level of Protection?

No. Bollards are designed for different applications, and their construction, dimensions, mounting method and intended use vary.

A flexible or temporary bollard serves a very different purpose from a heavy-duty permanent bollard. Where impact resistance or a particular security performance is required, check the individual product specifications rather than assuming that any bollard will provide the same level of protection.

Need Help Choosing a Bollard?

Not sure which bollard is right for your site? The Bollard Shop can help with product selection, specifications and installation requirements.

You can shop bollards online with nationwide delivery or contact our team in Perth or Brisbane for help with your project.