5 Bollards and Brands for Your Parking Perimeter Needs

A Line of Defense and Safety

Picture this: It's a busy Tuesday afternoon at your office complex or community residence. Cars circulate, searching for a parking spot. A vehicle, attempting a parallel parking maneuver, misjudges the space and scrapes against a nearby light pole, narrowly missing a pedestrian. This scenario is unfortunately common in parking lots and perimeters lacking proper protection. Without clear boundaries and physical deterrents, vehicles can easily veer off course, causing damage to property and injury to individuals. A well-defined parking area is essential for safety, organization, and peace of mind.

Parking bollards provide the solution. These sturdy, often cylindrical posts act as physical barriers, defining boundaries, protecting pedestrians, and preventing vehicles from accessing restricted areas. They are crucial for property owners and managers looking to enhance safety and security. Strategically placed bollards can prevent a vehicle from accidentally crashing through a storefront window, increasing safety for customers and employees. Beyond safety, bollards also contribute to a more organized and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Selecting the right bollard for your specific needs requires careful consideration of the many options available. At All Security Equipment, we understand the importance of making informed decisions regarding perimeter security. This blog post seeks to introduce you to key features to consider when selecting bollards and highlights leading brands and products in the industry. 

Features to Look Out for in Parking Bollards

When selecting parking bollards, several key features should be considered to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and value. These features contribute to safety, security, and overall effectiveness in managing parking areas.

• Material and Construction: The bollard's core construction is crucial. Look for robust materials like steel (especially with a powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance), concrete for high-impact resistance, or durable high-impact plastics. The quality of welding, if applicable, and the anchoring system are also important for withstanding impacts and remaining secure.

• Size and Visibility: Bollard diameter and height should be appropriate for the intended use and vehicle types. Larger diameters offer greater stopping power. High visibility is essential, particularly in low-light conditions. Reflective tape or paint significantly improves visibility. The top design (flat, domed, angled) also influences visibility and aesthetics.

• Installation and Maintenance: Consider the ease of installation. Some bollards are designed for bolt-down installation, while others require concrete pouring. Long-term maintenance needs vary by material. Some require more frequent painting or cleaning. Removable bollards offer flexibility for temporary access. 

• Security Level: For areas requiring higher security, consider crash-rated bollards designed to withstand vehicle ramming attacks. These bollards are typically engineered and tested to specific standards.

• Aesthetics: While functionality is paramount, the bollard's appearance can also be a factor. Choose a style and finish that complements the surrounding environment. Decorative bollard covers can enhance the aesthetic appeal. 

Reliance Foundry and the R-7539 Classic Decorative Bollard

With a rich history dating back to 1925, Reliance Foundry has established itself as a leading supplier of high-quality metal castings across North America.

Their expertise in metal casting, combined with a commitment to quality and service, has earned them numerous awards. Today, Reliance Foundry continues to innovate, particularly with their illuminated bollard designs, blending practicality with artistic expression to enhance urban landscapes.

The Reliance Foundry R-7539 Classic Decorative Bollard offers a timeless design, making it a versatile choice for both traditional and contemporary settings. Crafted from highly resistant carbon steel, these bollards feature distinctive fluting and spherical top castings, adding a touch of elegance to any environment. The durable powder coating provides excellent protection against wear and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance.   

Beyond its robust construction, the R-7539 bollard excels in its aesthetic contribution.  The classic design complements a variety of architectural styles, enhancing the visual appeal of the surrounding space.

For property managers and owners, this translates to increased property value and a more welcoming environment for tenants and visitors. Imagine a row of R-7539 bollards lining a pedestrian walkway, creating a sense of sophistication and order while providing essential protection. This attention to aesthetics can significantly elevate the overall impression of a property.

Post Guard and The 4"x48" Bolt Down Bollard

Post Guard began by creating post sleeves designed to protect bollards from damage and rust. They quickly expanded their offerings to include a variety of bollard covers in different colors, enhancing both visibility and curb appeal. Post Guard continues to provide practical and aesthetically pleasing solutions for bollard protection and enhancement.

The Post Guard 4"x48" Bolt Down Bollard offers a simple and effective way to protect property and guide traffic. This surface-mounted bollard eliminates the need for core drilling or excavation, saving time and installation costs. Constructed from durable Schedule 40 steel and finished with a bright yellow powder coat, the bollard provides excellent visibility and long-lasting protection. The one-piece design with a welded-on cap ensures strength and stability.

This bollard's high visibility is a key benefit, especially in busy areas with both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The bright yellow color immediately draws attention, alerting drivers and pedestrians to the bollard's presence. This helps prevent accidents and minimizes the risk of damage to property.

For property managers and owners, the Post Guard 4"x48" Bolt Down Bollard offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for enhancing safety and protecting valuable assets. 

BEA Sensors and The BEA Bollards with Ho

BEA Group, has over 50 years of experience and is a global leader in motion sensor development. Their sensors are integrated into various applications, including automatic doors, vehicle gates, access control systems, and security systems.

BEA Bollards with Hole offer a practical solution for mounting push plates that activate automatic doors, particularly in locations lacking suitable mounting surfaces. This is especially beneficial for enhancing accessibility for individuals with limited mobility or disabilities. These bollards are compatible with a wide range of push plate shapes and sizes, including wireless transmitters, simplifying installation by eliminating the need for wiring. 

While primarily designed for accessibility, these bollards also contribute to a more secure environment by providing a physical barrier and defining access points.

The BEA bollards enhance user experience by providing easy access to automatic doors for everyone. For property managers and owners, they represent a valuable investment in accessibility and convenience.

But beyond accessibility, these bollards excel in security by acting as a physical deterrent against vehicle incursions and clearly delineating pedestrian walkways from vehicle areas. Their robust construction and strategic placement contribute to a safer environment for both pedestrians and property. The defined access points also aid in controlling and monitoring entry, further enhancing security measures.

K12 Defense Consultants and The K12 Minuteman 

With over 25 years of experience, K12 Defense Consultants provides security products and services globally, earning customer trust through their commitment to excellence in hardware installation and technological integration. Headquartered in Arizona, K12 Defense Consultants is a trusted name in security solutions.

The K12 Defense Minuteman Manually Retractable Bollards offer a unique, patented vehicular barrier system that is both precisely counterbalanced and rapidly deployable. A two-bollard array can be fully deployed in under a minute with minimal effort. Each bollard weighs over 350 lbs and can be easily moved into the up or down position without the need for heavy machinery. 

The Minuteman system's robust construction and versatile design make it suitable for a wide range of applications. 

Its key features and benefits include:

• Rapid Deployment: Deploys in seconds with minimal effort. 

• Robust Construction: Hot-dipped galvanized steel and rebar reinforcement for superior durability. 

• Manual Operation: No power or controls required, ideal for remote locations.

• Versatile Use: Suitable for various applications, from parks to military bases. 

BFT and The Stainless Steel PILLAR B

BFT is a leading provider of advanced automation solutions, specializing in hydraulic operators, swing and slide gate openers, barrier gate operators, and a range of accessories. Their products cater to both residential and commercial properties, offering solutions for homeowners, businesses, and institutions seeking to enhance perimeter security.

The BFT PILLAR B 275/800.10C LI Stainless Steel 316 Hydraulic Bollard is a high-strength, automatic hydraulic bollard designed for demanding security applications. This bollard is tested and certified under PAS68:2010 with a 7500/50/N2 rating, demonstrating its ability to withstand significant impact. This particular model features an SD version, ensuring the bollard remains raised even during a power outage, providing continuous protection for sensitive sites.

Beyond its robust security features, the BFT PILLAR bollard is designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind. The included foundation box simplifies the installation process, ensuring proper placement and stability. 

While professional installation is recommended for optimal performance, the design minimizes complexities. Maintenance is also streamlined, reducing long-term costs and ensuring reliable operation. Key features related to installation and maintenance include:

• Simplified Installation: Included foundation box facilitates proper placement. 

• Easy Maintenance: Designed for minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs. 

• Automatic Lowering: Bollard lowers automatically in case of power outage for added safety and convenience.

This combination of high security, simplified installation, and ease of maintenance makes the BFT PILLAR bollard a valuable asset for property owners and managers seeking reliable and cost-effective perimeter protection.

Best in Bollards

From classic decorative bollards that enhance curb appeal to crash-rated hydraulic bollards that provide maximum security, the options for protecting your property and managing access are vast. Choosing the right bollard depends on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Whether you're looking to define parking areas, protect storefronts, or secure high-security perimeters, understanding the key features and available brands is essential.

Ready to fortify your property with the perfect bollards? Don't navigate the world of perimeter security alone! Our expert customer service team at All Security Equipment is here to guide you. Contact us today to discuss your requirements, explore our extensive selection of bollards, and find the ideal solution for your unique needs.