When it comes to selecting the perfect bollard material, functionality, aesthetics, durability, and maintenance are all important considerations which should be taken into account. Different materials cater to different environments, providing unique benefits based on their composition. Whether a bollard is needed for a busy urban area, a rural park, or a coastal region, understanding the characteristics of each material can help you make an informed choice that will stand up to environmental pressures and usage demands.
In this blog, we’ll look at the various materials used to manufacture the bollards we offer. While all our products are high-quality and designed for durability, and no bollard will disappoint you, some materials may be better suited to your specific needs. This article should help you find the perfect bollard for your requirements.
Galvanised Steel
We steel is probably one of the most popular materials for outdoor items and street furniture. This is the case for a good reason – galvanised steel is the perfect blend of sturdiness and versatility. It is easy to work with, shape, and customise as it can be powder-coated, making it a cost-effective and preferred option amongst manufacturers.
Galvanising applies a protective zinc coating to steel, effectively preventing rust and extending the material’s life. This durable finish is a go-to choice for standard steel products. It takes the natural strength of steel and upgrades it even further, giving it greater corrosion resistance, corner and crevices protection, and extra resistance to impact. The so-called sacrificial protection of the zinc layer is another benefit, as even if the metal gets scratched, the zinc will take on the corrosion and “sacrifice” itself before it lets the rust get to the metal underneath. Galvanised steel can also be powder-coated, giving you many colours and look options. Additionally, one of the best things about galvanised steel products is how low-maintenance they are due to rust resistance; however, regular inspections can help ensure any scratches are promptly addressed to prevent rusting.
This makes galvanised steel bollards ideal for high-traffic areas where a durable, long-lasting material is required, galvanised steel is commonly used in city centres and commercial spaces.
Stainless Steel (Grade 304 and 316)
Stainless steel is another preferred option when it comes to bollards. It is an alloyed combination of primarily iron, carbon, and chromium. The chromium is responsible for the signature sleek look and great resistance to rust and corrosion.
Known for its sleek appearance and durability, stainless steel bollards are corrosion-resistant and available in various grades. Grade 304 is suitable for general use, while Grade 316, with its enhanced corrosion resistance, is recommended for coastal areas. To know more, you can read our blog about grades of steel.
The main benefits of stainless steel are its strength, durability and resistance to corrosion. This makes it a widely used material across dozens of industries, from construction to food processing. Like galvanised steel, it also requires minimal maintenance. However, to keep the shiny stainless steel finish looking new, occasionally clean it with a mild water and detergent solution.
Stainless steel bollards are often used in high-end or aesthetic-focused environments, such as retail or large city developments, which are going after a certain clean and modern aesthetic. Additionally, stainless steel is a good choice for coastal properties due to its resistance to salt water. Stainless steel offers a modern look that complements both contemporary and classic designs.
Concrete Bollards
Concrete bollards are robust, durable structures made primarily from reinforced or precast concrete, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. Concrete’s high compressive strength makes these bollards ideal for resisting vehicle collisions, while the reinforced steel bars inside enhance impact resistance and prevent cracking over time.
Concrete is a great material to make bollards – it is very tough and resistant to weathering, corrosion, and UV rays. It also requires minimal upkeep compared to metal or plastic alternatives.
Concrete bollards are commonly used to protect buildings, pedestrians, and infrastructure from accidental or intentional vehicle impacts. Even though they have quite a utilitarian look, they blend well with most environments.
Rubber Bollards
Rubber bollards are perhaps a little less of a common sight, but we stock them because they are an excellent tool in traffic and parking management. They are typically made from vulcanised granulated rubber with polyester fibres which is also often recycled. Rubber bollards, like our Konus Recycled Rubber Flexible Bollard, are highly robust and durable, with no sharp edges, which make them ideal for places where there are pedestrians and cyclists, not just cars.
These flexible bollards withstand mild impacts by bending down to 90 degrees without normally being damaged. Then, in time, they return to their original position, which is very impressive and cost-effective. They are built so that low-speed impacts cause essentially no damage and no need for replacement. They are ideal for environments that experience occasional, low-impact collisions. Another benefit is that they are virtually maintenance-free, and the rubber comes pre-coloured, so there is no painting to worry about. Saying this, regular cleaning can help maintain their appearance, especially in high-use areas.
Rubber bollards are perfect for parking lots, loading docks, or areas with light traffic, where they can absorb impact without damaging vehicles or themselves.
Recycled Plastic
Recycled plastic bollards are durable, light, and flexible. They have excellent impact resistance and are made from recycled plastic waste, making them eco-friendly. One of the key benefits of this material is that it resists rot, fading and corrosion, and its adaptable composition makes it versatile for a range of settings. Recycled plastic means you also don’t need to worry about the elements – rain, frost, moisture and UV rays included. These bollards are low-maintenance and fade-resistant, but periodic cleaning may be required to remove surface dirt and maintain appearance.
Recycled plastic bollards are perfect for parks, pedestrianisation schemes, traffic calming, highways and pavements, estates, car parks, pubs, hotels, leisure, industry, commerce, public and private sectors.
Cast Iron
Cast iron bollards are a classic traditional choice. Cast iron is a heavy and extremely durable material often seen in towns and high streets across the UK. It can be moulded into intricate designs, lending a timeless aesthetic to historical or classic environments. Cast iron bollards are beautiful and add character; however, they require more maintenance to prevent rust and chipping. Regular inspection and touch-up painting help extend their life and preserve their appearance.
They are suitable for heritage areas, historical landmarks, and other environments aiming to retain a traditional look.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is another very interesting material -lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and incredibly durable. It resists corrosion and harsh weather, lasts a very long time with virtually no maintenance and can be recycled at the end of its life, making it another eco-friendly option. Many polyurethane bollards, like our Macherster Flexi Impact Bollard, have a bounce-back design once the load is removed, and they retain strength after many impact events, making them highly durable.
Polyurethane bollards are often found in areas requiring resilient yet lightweight bollards, such as pedestrian pathways or bike paths. These flexible bollards are used primarily in areas that frequently get knocked by vehicles at low speed. They are ideal for those situations as they reduce impact damage to the vehicle and remove the need for bollard replacement.
Choosing the right bollard material is a crucial decision that depends on your specific needs, environmental conditions, and design preferences. Galvanised and stainless steel stand out for their durability and low maintenance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and modern designs. Concrete bollards provide great strength and security, perfect for areas requiring robust protection. Rubber bollards offer flexibility and cost-effective impact resistance, while recycled plastic bollards combine sustainability with excellent performance for eco-conscious projects. Polyurethane’s resilience and lightweight nature make it suitable for areas prone to frequent low-impact collisions, and cast iron remains a timeless choice for heritage sites with its traditional charm.
By understanding each material’s unique strengths and applications, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your functional needs and aesthetic goals. No matter the choice, each material delivers distinct advantages to help you find the perfect bollard for your project.