How tall should a bollard be?
A bollard should stand high enough to be seen by drivers and to engage the vehicle it is meant to stop, while staying visible to pedestrians. Height depends on the purpose, whether it is crash-rated and what is being protected, so we set it for each site rather than use one standard.
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Height follows purpose
A bollard guarding a gas meter, a storefront or a loading dock does a different job from a decorative post along a walkway. Protective bollards need enough height to catch a bumper or the frame of a truck, and to be noticed by a driver in time. Decorative or traffic-guidance posts can be lower. Public guidance gives general ranges, but they vary, and a rated bollard follows its tested design.
Factors we consider
A single post height rarely fits every location on one site.
- The type of vehicle: cars, vans, trucks or forklifts
- Whether visibility at night or in snow is a concern
- What sits behind the post: a door, a meter, an EV charger or a pedestrian zone
- Whether the post is rated, with a height built into the test
- Municipal or site requirements for visibility and accessibility
- Appearance and how it fits the building
Visibility matters in Ontario winters
Snow banks, salt and low sun all reduce how well drivers see low posts. Bright finishes, reflective bands and sufficient height keep bollards visible. Powder-coated or painted steel is common, and finishes should stand up to road salt. See our bollards page for options.
Special cases
EV chargers need protection tall enough to guard the unit from bumpers, as described on our EV charger bollards page. Loading docks often need posts that match truck bumper heights, covered on loading dock protection. In warehouses, rack and doorway guards use different heights from outdoor posts.
How we decide
- Identify the hazardWhat could hit what, and how fast.
- Measure the siteCurb heights, slopes and surface type.
- Choose a designStandard steel, rated or custom.
- Review with youHeight, finish and visibility are confirmed.
- Install and checkPosts are set plumb and aligned.
Related questions
Are taller bollards always better?
Not always. They need to suit the vehicle and the site, and be safe and visible for pedestrians.
Can you make a custom height?
Yes. We make steel bollards to order.
Do rated bollards have a fixed height?
Rated systems are tested at a specific design, and you should install them as tested.
Request a quote
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Need bollards for your site?
Send us a photo or plan for a free quote. We make and install steel bollards across Ontario.
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