What Are the Different Common Types of Bollards?

Bollards come in many types and varieties, all of which have specific uses and offer unique benefits. You will need to consider the various types to select the bollard that best suits your business and its needs.

1. Fixed Bollards

You may also hear this type of fixed bollard referred to as recessed or permanent. The key feature of this bollard variety is how securely it is embedded in the ground or concrete. This embedment usually gives the bollard a little extra strength and security.
This type of bollard is a practical solution for permanent layouts that do not require a change in access. With greater embedment depth, fixed bollards are best suited for thick and secure foundations – if you are considering surfaces like parking lots or access drives, this type of bollard may be the easiest and most cost-effective option.

F103 Fixed Bollard

2. Decorative Bollards

Decorative bollards are designed to add aesthetic appeal to a sidewalk or building frontage. You can still use them to direct traffic and mark areas where vehicles should not enter. However, decorative bollards are not suitable for heavy use and should not be used to stop cars or other vehicles.
While decorative bollards are usually not as durable as fixed bollards, they are highly customizable. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as iron or aluminum, and they can be customized to fit almost any architectural style. In addition, you can use decorative bollards as sleeves to go over safety or security grade bollards. Decorative bollards are more versatile than any other type of bollard and offer a high degree of flexibility.

3. Automatic Bollards

Also known as rising or retractable bollards, automatic bollards are retractable bollards that can be raised from the ground to block traffic and returned to the ground to allow traffic to pass. Most extend to their maximum height within seconds, making them an effective, flexible way to manage traffic and keep pedestrians safe.
Primary Uses:These are ideal for situations where traffic flow changes frequently and where entrances and exits may change immediately. An example of a practical application for automated bollards might be a parking lot or parking garage. They are also ideal for use at the entrance to a museum, zoo or other public facility where staff may restrict access after a specific hour.

HA103-600 Hydraulic Automatic Bollard

4. Lighted Bollards

Lighted bollards serve a variety of functions and can come in a variety of styles. They can be retractable, fixed, recessed, or surface mounted. A common feature of these types of bollards is that they are equipped with lights, which add a great element of safety and aesthetics.
These bollards are most often made of aluminum or stainless steel, but other options are available. The light source itself may vary in color and intensity, allowing the architect to choose when creating a certain design aesthetic. The design style of bollards with lights can be more basic and functional, or more detailed and decorative.

5. Movable Bollards

Moveable Bollards, the same basic principle as retractable bollards, you need to change when to deny and grant access to the area. They come in a variety of materials and finishes, so you can customize them to match the surrounding area where you install them.
These removable bollards are highly flexible, and they come in a variety of different styles. This includes options for changing the bollard itself as well as the bollard head. As is the case with automatic and manual bollards, these removable bollards are suitable for situations where access rights need to be changed occasionally but less frequently. This includes government facilities and public buildings, parking lots, city streets and other areas where access is restricted.

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