When choosing bollards, you’ll find that they come in various shapes and sizes. Therefore, it is important to decide what type of bollard and bollard dimensions you require to secure your property. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about bollard dimensions.
Why are bollard dimensions important?
One of the most complex aspects of bollards is installing them. It's quite a lengthy process that may require you to enlist the help of a professional due to the fact that a lot of engineering and planning goes into ensuring that they are installed safely and securely.
The holes made in the ground for bollard bolts and rebel cages need to have accurate measurements. Making slight miscalculations in this regard could result in a bollard being improperly placed and, therefore, losing its effectiveness.
Installation aside, dimensions are also important in terms of bollards fulfilling their function and in terms of aesthetics. Depending on the physical nature of an area, certain dimensions might work better than others. Lastly, knowing bollard dimensions is key to ensuring that placing them doesn't violate local regulations.
Dimensions & contrast
Dimensions
When determining the dimensions of bollards, the following clarifications have to be taken into account:
- Height is always measured from the surface of the path
- The smallest dimension, the overall width or diameter, is measured in the horizontal plane.
The minimum height of a bollard is 50 centimetres. So, if a bollard's height is 50 centimetres, it should have a minimum diameter of 28 centimetres.
If a bollard is taller than 50 centimetres, always remember that the diameter of its base is inversely proportional to its height. For example, a bollard with a width of 21 centimetres should be at least 60 centimetres high.
Contrast
For the visually impaired, the contrast could be the difference between them effectively seeing something and not seeing it. Helping the visually impaired see an item of street furniture is thus a matter of ensuring it has a stark contrast with the immediate surroundings.
Here are two examples that you can use before you get a bollard:
- Light-coloured bollards contrast well with dark ground.
- You can create a good contrast between dark-coloured bollards and light-coloured buildings.
If the surroundings don't offer much in terms of contrast, then the body of the bollard should contrast with the top. The most common case is a top being over a height of 100 millimetres.
How do you size a bollard?
If you can't find the dimensions of a bollard, then here's how you can go about sizing one:
- Measure the bollard's exact circumference, the distance around the outside of the bollard. Be sure to use a flat measuring tape while doing this.
- Divide the circumference of the bollard by 3.14. Doing this will give you the bollard's outside diameter.
You can then use this result to order a bollard or bollard cover. Luckily, at Bollards Direct, we ensure that the products on our website outline all the necessary information, such as materials and dimensions. Be sure to check out our extensive collection of bollards to find the one you've been looking for.
Standard dimensions of bollards
These are the standard sizes for the following types of bollards. Please note that these sizes are simply the most common and could vary depending on your individual needs and aesthetic preferences.
Fixed
Fixed bollards are installed directly into the ground to provide permanent security.
- Round, 90cm tall, 8cm diameter
- Flat, 90cm tall, 8cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 11cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 16cm diameter
Fixed surface-mounted
These are similar to fixed bollards and can be installed on new and existing concrete.
- Round, 90cm tall, 8cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 11cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 16cm diameter
Removable locking
The external padlocks and helix lock options with these allow you to choose the level of security you need.
- Round, 90cm tall, 8cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 11cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 15cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 16cm diameter
Removable non-locking
These are dropped into the ground sleeve but don't lock into it.
- Round, 90cm tall, 8cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 11cm diameter
- Round, 90cm tall, 16cm diameter
Removable parking
This type of bollard is ideal for providing parking lot security as needed. They have internal locking mechanisms and external options.
- Round, 90cm tall, 5cm diameter
Collapsible parking
Collapsible parking bollards are generally used for medium-security properties in residential areas.
- Flat, 106cm tall, 4cm diameter
- Flat, 106cm tall, 5cm diameter
Collapsible single post
These high-strength bollards and flexible bollards provided easy accessibility when needed.
- Flat, 76cm tall, 10cm clearance height
- Flat, 76cm tall, 12cm clearance height
Collapsible double-post
These bollards can be folded in opposite directions, and you can add an external padlock as needed.
- Flat, 76cm tall, 7cm clearance height
Collapsible double-post screw lock
Double-post screw lock bollards have the same features as collapsible double-post ones. The only difference is that instead of having an external padlock, it has a locking bolt which keeps the two posts in place.
- Flat, 76cm tall, 7cm clearance height
Collapsible round post
This type of bollard utilises a lock pin system at the base to offer flexible site protection.
- Round, 90cm tall, 10cm clearance height
- Round, 120cm tall, 10cm clearance height
FAQs
How tall are bollards?
Bollard posts typically measure between 90 and 130 centimetres in height. Like the other dimensions, the height of bollards is usually determined by their function.
Are bollards effective?
Bollards can be an extremely effective tool when it comes to directing traffic and protecting both civilians and physical assets. Do bear in mind that the efficacy of a bollard can depend on several factors. Primary factors include the type of bollards you choose, where you place them, and how well they're installed.
Can I paint a bollard in any colour?
Bollards can usually be painted any colour. However, this may depend on where you intend to use the bollard. If you plan on using a bollard in a public area, you may be slightly restricted in terms of what colour you can paint it. This is because certain bollard colours may be recognised as indicators for things such as emergency warnings.
This will vary from region to region, so always check with your local council to confirm regulations related to bollard placement and painting.
What's a bollard cover?
Bollard covers are covers that slip over a bollard. They come in many different sizes, materials, and colours but are primarily designed to provide the structure with additional protection. Getting a bollard cover can be a good solution if you don't want to paint it and can extend its lifespan.
Stainless steel bollards generally won't need a cover, as it's a material with good weather resistance.
Should bollards be heavy?
Bollards don't necessarily need to be heavy. A bollard's weight is usually determined by its function. Heavy-duty bollards are good options in areas where substantial collisions are common and likely to pose a threat. On the other hand, you may not necessarily want a heavy bollard if you want to avoid cars being damaged.