If you’ve ever pulled into a gas station, parked in front of a grocery store, or entered a secure facility, chances are you’ve seen a bollard — even if you didn’t know what it was called. While some people refer to them simply as “those short poles in the ground,” bollards are so much more. These versatile structures are a key element in public and private safety, design, and infrastructure.
From protecting pedestrians and buildings to guiding traffic and controlling access, different types of bollards serve a wide range of purposes. Whether permanent or temporary, functional or decorative, bollards come in many forms — each tailored to meet specific needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common and specialized types of bollards, explain how they are used, and help you determine which might be best for your next project.
What Are Bollards, and Why Are They Important?
Bollards are short, vertical posts typically made from steel, concrete, plastic, or a combination of materials. They’re installed in public and private spaces to serve as protective barriers, control traffic flow, secure property, or enhance visual appeal.
You’ll find bollards everywhere — from city sidewalks and parking lots to stadiums, airports, loading docks, and high-security zones. The wide variety of bollards available today makes them an essential part of both urban planning and facility management.
12 Types of Bollards and Their Applications
Whether you’re securing a storefront, managing traffic flow, or enhancing a public space, there’s a bollard designed for the job. Below are some of the most common types of bollards and how each one serves a unique purpose.
1. Removable Bollards
Removable bollards are ideal for areas where access needs change frequently. Whether it’s a pedestrian plaza that opens to traffic during certain hours or an event space that requires flexible entry control, these bollards can be unlocked and lifted out of the ground with ease.
They provide a balance between access and security and are especially popular in mixed-use spaces.
2. Permanent Bollards
These bollards are fixed firmly into the ground and are designed for locations that require constant, unmoving protection. Typically made from metal or concrete, permanent bollards are often found in front of storefronts, along curbs, and outside public buildings where vehicle access needs to be completely restricted.
Because of their durability and strength, this type of bollard is commonly used to prevent ram-raiding and vehicle-based attacks.
3. Retractable Bollards
Also known as telescopic or collapsible bollards, retractable bollards can be lowered into the ground when access is needed and raised again to restore security. They are most often used at entry and exit points to control vehicle access to secure zones such as government buildings, loading bays, or gated communities.
Retractable bollards are often operated manually or via key-lock mechanisms, offering a practical, space-saving solution.
4. Automatic Bollards
Taking retractability a step further, automatic bollards are motorized and controlled electronically. These high-tech bollards are integrated with security systems and are often found at airports, embassies, or other sensitive locations requiring quick, remote access control.
With the push of a button or the swipe of a card, these bollards rise and lower with speed and precision — perfect for areas with high traffic and security demands.
5. Flexible Plastic Bollards
Commonly used for traffic guidance and lane delineation, flexible plastic bollards are built to bend and bounce back into place after impact. You’ll often see these types of bollards on highways, construction zones, and in parking lots where temporary separation of lanes or areas is necessary.
These bollards are highly visible, affordable, and ideal for areas where vehicle contact is expected and safety is a top priority.
6. Decorative Bollards
Functional doesn’t have to mean boring. Decorative bollards combine utility with aesthetics, enhancing the visual appeal of commercial or public spaces while still providing protection. These types of bollards are often found in front of retail centers, parks, and cultural venues.
They can be made from steel, cast iron, or concrete and are often finished with ornate designs or architectural styles to match their surroundings.
7. Security Bollards
When maximum protection is needed, security bollards are the answer. Built to withstand high-impact collisions, these bollards are engineered to stop vehicles in their tracks. Often embedded in reinforced concrete and made from high-grade steel, they are used around military bases, government facilities, financial institutions, and other high-risk sites.
There are crash-rated standards, such as ASTM or PAS ratings, that guide the design of these types of bollards to ensure they can stop specific vehicle types traveling at certain speeds.
8. Steel Bollards
Steel bollards are among the most popular choices for both security and structural reinforcement. Their strength, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation make them suitable for everything from traffic control to asset protection.
Whether embedded into concrete or surface-mounted, steel types of bollards are versatile enough to be used in industrial settings, urban areas, and even parking garages.
9. Lighted Bollards
Combining illumination with boundary control, lighted bollards are commonly used along pathways, building entrances, and parking areas. These bollards not only help mark boundaries but also enhance nighttime safety and visibility.
LED technology has made lighted bollards more energy-efficient and customizable, making them a popular choice for commercial and residential landscaping.
10. Pedestrian Bollards
Designed to guide foot traffic and protect people from nearby vehicles, pedestrian bollards are typically shorter, rounded, and spaced closely together. They are often used along sidewalks, plazas, and school zones.
These types of bollards prioritize safety without obstructing visibility or ease of movement, making them vital for urban planning.
11. Traffic Bollards
These are used primarily to direct, channel, or restrict vehicle movement on roads and in parking areas. Traffic bollards can be fixed, flexible, or temporary depending on the traffic pattern and level of enforcement required.
They often feature reflective surfaces or bright colors to ensure visibility day and night.
12. Removable Sleeve Bollards
A hybrid solution for those seeking flexibility and durability, sleeve bollards involve a steel core combined with a removable decorative cover or sleeve. This allows for easier replacement or design updates without uninstalling the entire structure.
They’re especially useful in places where aesthetics and maintenance efficiency both matter, such as shopping centers or campuses.
Choosing the Right Bollard for Your Needs
With so many different types of bollards to choose from, the right choice depends on your specific goals. Are you trying to control traffic, protect a building, or enhance the look of a storefront? Do you need permanent, flexible, or retractable access? Understanding the function of each type of bollard will help you find the ideal solution for your property or project.
Consider factors like:
- Frequency of access
- Level of security required
- Aesthetic requirements
- Environmental exposure
- Compliance with safety regulations
Whatever your needs, there’s a bollard designed to meet them.
Find Quality Steel Bollards at Tampa Steel & Supply
If you’re looking for high-quality bollards that combine strength, durability, and value, look no further than Tampa Steel & Supply. We offer a wide selection of steel bollards and accessories for commercial, industrial, and residential applications. Whether you need a simple security barrier or a custom solution for a larger project, our knowledgeable team is here to help.
We’ve proudly served the Tampa Bay area for nearly four decades and continue to support customers with reliable materials and expert guidance. Request a quote online or call Tampa Steel & Supply at (813) 241-2801. You can also stop by our showroom to explore our extensive inventory of steel products in person.