A Guide To Bollard Spacing and Installation
Bollards are an essential safety item in a range of environments, from safeguard storefronts to parking lot safety. They help to protect property, vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from collisions and can help to direct the flow and direction of traffic.
There are a range of bollard types and uses, such as removable bollards and flexible bollards, and the location and the reason for your bollard installation will determine the best choice.
Bollards can be both functional and decorative and add an aesthetic touch in everyday environments. They come in a wide range of aesthetics, from stainless steel or galvanised steel to powder coated in safety yellow for greater visibility.
If you need bollards for your next installation project, we’re here to help you determine how many bollards you will need and how to install them for durability and safety.
How many bollards does your site need
The amount of bollards you will need will be determined by the size of your project and following the best practices for bollard spacing.
As a general guide, bollards should be spaced at 1.5 metres apart. The main reason for this spacing between bollards is that it will stop an average-sized car from being able to drive through the gaps and accessing the restricted area.
This spacing guideline will not always apply, particularly if the purpose of the bollard is to block the middle of an entrance, road, or singular car space. The site of your bollards will be the main determining factor, as they may not always be installed in a row, and can be used for everything from building access protection, walkway safety, around utilities, near loading docks, and to provide a perimeter around landmarks and gardens.
If you follow the general rule to limit car access between and around bollards, this will help you figure out how many bollards are required on your site.
Read on to learn the best ways to install a range of bollards for your project site.
There are a range of bollard types, which means that there is no one way to install your bollards. They can be fixed or removable, surface mounted or in ground, and high or low impact. Consider the type of bollards you want for your project and ensure you have the right tools and equipment before you begin installing.
General installation steps:
Measure and mark out your installation points
Clean and remove debris from the surface
If you’re installing an in ground bollard, use a drill to create a sufficient hole, room enough for the bollard sleeve or base. Then pour concrete around the base and allow it to cure.
If installing a surface mounted bollard, use a power drill with the correct head and mounting bolts, such as
concrete bolts
for mounting on concrete surfaces.
Once concrete has dried or the surface mounted bollard is installed, ensure that it is securely in place and ready to withstand impact and use.
The process is relatively easy, but if you want to ensure a good job, our team of professional installers can install bollards in Melbourne. Find out more about our installation service and get a free quote here.
Our range of bollards
In ground - In ground bollards are permanently installed in one place. They can be installed in concrete or asphalt, and are designed with fully welded hold down bars which help you install them in new concrete footings. These bollards are ideal for parking areas, shopping centers and warehouses to control traffic and improve safety. They can be stainless steel, hot dipped galvanized, or powder coated.
Surface mounted - When in ground bollards are not an option, you can use surface mounted. These bollards come with a welded base plate which can be bolted to the ground. They are available in hot dipped galvanized steel as well as stainless steel. They are ideal in shopping centres, warehouses, car parks, and driveways.
Removable - If you want the convenience and versatility to remove the bollards when you need, you can install removable bollards. They include a sleeve or a shoe which can be locked with a keylock or padlock. These bollards are designed to be strong and durable and can be removed whenever there is a need to free up space. It can be built using stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized steel.
Fold-down parking - If you want to reserve your parking space so that other drivers do not use it, you can install a fold-down parking bollard. These are designed to be installed on the concrete with nuts and bolts. They are locked into an upright position, and can only be folded down using your key. Once folded down, you can easily park your car in the space. These are ideal for car parks with reserved parking spaces and in residential areas and driveways.
Flexible - These bollards are made out of flexible polyurethane and come in a high visibility colour and include a highly reflective tape. The reason many people and organisations use them is because they can easily bounce back after impact and do not cause any damage to vehicles.
Retractable belt barrier bollards - Belt barrier bollards are the ideal solution for controlling, managing, and directing crowds and queues, particularly useful in shopping centres, airports, hotels, trade shows, and all retail environments. They come in a range of colours and finishes, including red rope and black and yellow safety tape.
Take a look at our handy buying guide to find the best bollard solution for your project.
For more information about how to install our bollards and determine how many you’ll need, speak to our team today.