What’s the difference between bollards and stanchions?

Many people are aware that security bollards and stanchions are two commonly used safety features in public spaces, but many people may not know the difference between the two. While they share some similarities in terms of function, there are some key differences that set them apart. So, if you’re wondering which would best suit your security needs, here at Bollard Security we’re going to break down a few of key differences between the two so you can make the right choice for you.

Typical features of security bollards

Our security bollards are typically short, sturdy posts that are made of steel or concrete. They’re primarily designed to protect buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians from collisions with other vehicles or objects. Our security bollards are typically placed around the perimeter of a building or in a residential parking space to prevent cars from accidentally driving into the building or parking in a private space. They can also be used to control vehicle traffic by creating barriers or delineating specific areas.

In terms of appearance, our bollards are often utilitarian in design, with a focus on durability and function over style (although they can be purchased in a range of colours!). Stanchions on the other hand, come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, and can be customised to fit the aesthetic of a particular environment.

Typical features of stanchions

Stanchions are tall, slender posts that are typically made of metal or plastic. They are often used to guide pedestrians or to create barriers around specific areas, like queues in shopping centres. Stanchions can be found in a variety of settings, such as airports, banks, museums, and concert venues, where they are used to direct foot traffic, form lines, or control access to restricted areas. Essentially, stanchions are more suited to guiding people, whereas security bollards are designed to guide vehicles.

Differences between bollards and stanchions

One of the main differences between bollards and stanchions is their size and shape. Bollards are short and thick, while stanchions are tall and slender. As we touched on above, bollards are typically designed to withstand the impact of a vehicle, while stanchions are designed to withstand the impact of a person.

Another difference is where they’re typically placed and the purpose they serve. Bollards are usually placed outside buildings or in parking lots to protect against vehicle collisions, while stanchions are often used inside buildings or in public spaces to guide foot traffic or create barriers.

So, bollards and stanchions are both important safety features that serve different purposes. While they may look similar at first glance, their differences in size, shape, and purpose make them unique and important tools for maintaining safety in a variety of environments. And of course, if you’re interested in adding some telescopic bollards, parking posts or security bollards to your space, you’re in safe hands with us.

Here at Bollard Security, we carry huge stock of all types of bollards including parking bollards and telescopic bollards. Have a browse of our products online to find out which ones could be the best fits for your home. And if you ever need any guidance or you’ve got questions that need answering, you can call up one of our in-house experts on 01535 509001 – we’re always happy to see how we can help!