When designing a site for safety, looks, and function, one question is sometimes overlooked until it becomes critically important: Where should bollards be placed? Strategic bollard placement can make a big difference in protecting people, buildings, and other assets. Whether you’re planning a retail storefront, an urban sidewalk, or a commercial loading dock, understanding how and where to place bollards can improve both safety and site design.
In this guide, we’ll walk through different bollard types, review installation methods, and explore placement strategies based on application. Our goal is to provide a clearer sense of how to approach your next project, considering bollard placement, to achieve the smoothest possible site planning process.
Bollards and Their Functions
Bollards are short vertical posts installed to control or direct road traffic, prevent vehicle access, protect buildings, or guide pedestrians. They come in a wide range of materials and types — including steel, concrete, and plastic — and can be fixed, removable, or even retractable. While they are widely used in public spaces, private properties, and commercial zones, not every location calls for the same approach.
Determining where bollards should be mainly placed depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. That’s because objectives like traffic control, safety, aesthetic enhancement, or asset protection can often have different placement needs.
Types of Bollard Installations
Before determining where bollards should be placed, it’s helpful to understand the primary installation types, including:
Embedded (Fixed) Bollards
These are permanent bollards embedded deep into the ground with a concrete foundation. They’re designed for maximum strength and are commonly used for security and impact resistance.
Surface-Mounted Bollards
Surface-mounted bollards are bolted onto existing concrete surfaces. While easier to install, they are typically less impact-resistant. They’re suitable for light-duty applications like directing foot traffic or adding visual boundaries.
Removable Bollards
These bollards can be locked into place or removed as needed. They’re ideal for areas that need occasional vehicle access, such as event spaces or service roads.
Retractable (Telescopic) Bollards
Retractable bollards can be lowered into the ground when not needed. These are great for high-security areas that require flexible access.
Decorative Bollards
Though they may not provide high impact resistance, decorative bollards enhance site aesthetics while providing a basic level of protection and traffic guidance.
Bollard Placement and Spacing Considerations by Location
Effective bollard placement depends on multiple factors, including location, safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. Below are key considerations and best practices for installing bollards across different environments.
1. Storefront Protection
Retail storefronts are particularly vulnerable to vehicle intrusions — both accidental and intentional. Parking lots often front retail entrances, and without barriers, a vehicle can easily crash into a building, posing serious threats to customers and employees.
Where should bollards be placed at storefronts? Ideally:
- In front of all pedestrian entry points that are accessible from drive lanes.
- At regular intervals, to prevent vehicle access while allowing pedestrian movement.
- Close enough to the curb to stop vehicles without blocking sidewalks — typically three to five feet from building entrances.
- Spaced no more than five feet apart, center to center, to prevent cars from slipping through.
For storefronts, embedded steel bollards with concrete fill offer strong protection without compromising aesthetics when capped or clad with decorative sleeves.
2. Sidewalk and Pedestrian Safety
Urban areas with heavy foot traffic often use bollards to define boundaries between pedestrian spaces and roadways. Bollards create a physical barrier while still maintaining an open, walkable atmosphere.
Where should bollards be placed along sidewalks?
- At the edge of sidewalks where vehicles might mount curbs, especially near intersections, crosswalks, and transit stops.
- Around outdoor seating areas, bike lanes, and pedestrian plazas.
- Near schools, libraries, and parks to protect vulnerable users.
Spacing should comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines — typically a minimum of 36 inches of clear space between bollards to allow wheelchair access.
3. Asset and Infrastructure Protection
Many facilities house critical assets — HVAC systems, electrical transformers, generators — that are vulnerable to vehicular damage. In warehouses and industrial settings, forklifts and delivery vehicles present daily risks.
Where should bollards be placed to protect infrastructure?
- Around the perimeter of outdoor mechanical systems.
- In front of vulnerable corners and doorways in parking garages and warehouses.
- Along loading dock edges where trucks back up frequently.
In these cases, high-impact rated bollards are a must. Reinforced steel bollards embedded in deep concrete foundations can withstand repeated hits, protecting both people and property.
4. Landscaping and Aesthetic Design
Bollards aren’t always about security — they’re also great tools for guiding foot traffic, outlining spaces, and enhancing landscape designs. When integrated creatively, bollards blend functionality with beauty.
Where should bollards be placed in landscaped areas?
- Along garden borders to discourage foot traffic on fragile plants.
- Around water features or public art to offer protection without fencing.
- In plazas and promenades to create a visual rhythm and define walking paths.
In these applications, decorative or low-impact bollards are ideal. Materials like timber, stone, or painted steel can complement surrounding architecture and greenery.
5. Loading Docks and Service Areas
In busy loading zones, bollards serve as critical protective elements to guide vehicles and prevent structural damage. Accidents here are not uncommon due to tight maneuvering and heavy vehicle use.
Where should bollards be placed in loading dock zones?
- Along the edges of loading bays to stop trucks from overreaching.
- At the corners of walls and doorways to protect building envelopes.
- Near pedestrian pathways within service areas to separate people from machinery.
Consider using bright-colored or high-visibility bollards in these zones. Safety bollards with protective covers, reflective strips, or lighting can also improve visibility during night operations.
6. Parking Lots and Vehicle Access Control
Parking lots are frequent sites of both minor accidents and intentional vehicle misuse. Bollards in these areas help manage traffic flow, protect pedestrians, and prevent unauthorized access to restricted zones.
Where should bollards be placed in parking areas?
- Along pedestrian walkways and crosswalks within the lot to separate foot traffic from moving vehicles.
- At the entrances of emergency lanes, fire lanes, or maintenance-only access points to block unauthorized entry.
- Around pay stations, EV charging stations, and ticketing machines to prevent accidental collisions.
Retractable or removable bollards work well at access points requiring periodic vehicle entry, while fixed bollards are ideal for continuous protection and control.
7. Transit Stations and Public Transportation Hubs
Public transit areas see high volumes of foot traffic, bicycles, and vehicles. Strategically placed bollards help organize these flows, improve safety, and enhance perimeter protection near entrances.
Where should bollards be placed at transit hubs?
- In front of station entrances to prevent vehicle ramming incidents and enhance pedestrian safety.
- Along bus and shuttle drop-off areas to define pedestrian boarding zones.
- Near bike racks and waiting areas to ensure safe separation between vehicles and people.
Because these sites often blend functionality with civic design, combining decorative bollards with high-impact capability ensures both safety and visual harmony.
General Guidelines for Bollard Placement
While application-specific advice is useful, there are also some overarching principles to consider when determining where bollards should be placed. Here are some universal guidelines:
- Sightlines matter: Bollards should not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians. Transparent materials or lower-height models may be needed at intersections or driveways.
- Consistent spacing: Maintain a uniform distance, typically four to five feet apart, to prevent confusion and ensure consistent protection.
- Accessibility compliance: Always ensure adequate spacing for wheelchairs and strollers, and avoid placement in front of accessible ramps or doorways.
- Coordination with lighting and signage: Align bollards with lighting poles, trash receptacles, and signage to avoid visual clutter.
Planning With Purpose
Answering the question of where bollards should be placed isn’t just about following codes or best practices — it’s about understanding the unique needs of a space and designing with intention. Whether it’s a retail storefront, a loading dock, or a sidewalk, bollards can make an impact on looks, function, and safety. By designing a plan that integrates them effectively, you can ensure a space that achieves these important goals.
At Tampa Steel & Supply, we stock an extensive inventory of pre-cut steel pipe bollards, including popular sizes of 4″ and 6″ diameter and 6 ′ to 7 ′ in length to accommodate standard installation methods and local codes. We also have decorative pipe bollard sleeves and bollards in other sizes in other materials, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Find Quality Steel Bollards at Tampa Steel & Supply
If you’re looking for high-quality bollards that combine strength, durability, and value, Tampa Steel & Supply is happy to help. Our wide selection of steel bollards and accessories is perfect for a wide range of 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.