What Do the Different Bollard Sizes and Diameters Mean for Safety? 

Bollard size is about more than appearance. The diameter, height, and wall thickness of a bollard directly affect how well it can stop or slow a vehicle. In Melbourne and Geelong, choosing the right size bollard is vital for safety, compliance, and insurance protection. From driveways to warehouses, understanding bollard specifications helps avoid costly mistakes.

Why Bollard Size Matters

A bollard’s size is not cosmetic. It directly affects how much force it can resist.
  • Larger diameters mean more stopping power against vehicles.
  • Smaller diameters are lighter duty, suitable for pedestrian safety or garage protection.
  • Height determines visibility as well as impact resistance.
  • Wall thickness separates strong steel bollards from weak imports.

For property owners, size is linked to safety and insurance. A bollard too small for the risk may not provide adequate protection, and insurers may not consider it compliant.

Josh from First Choice Bollards explains:

“One of the most common questions we get is, ‘How thick should a bollard be to stop a car?’ The answer depends on the site. A 90mm bollard might be fine for a driveway, but a warehouse roller door often needs 140mm with a heavy wall thickness. The wrong choice could mean the bollard bends when it’s needed most.”

Common Bollard Sizes in Australia

Standard bollard diameters used across Melbourne and Geelong include:

90mm:
Often used for residential driveways, garage protection, and low-impact pedestrian zones.

114mm:
A strong middle option, common in commercial sites such as retail entrances and small warehouses.

140mm and above: 
Heavy-duty, often used in loading docks, workshops, car yards, and areas with larger vehicles.

Common Bollard Sizes and Applications

DiameterTypical UseHeight (Above Ground)Wall ThicknessInstallation OptionsNotes
90mmResidential driveways, garage protection, light-duty pedestrian zones900–1000mm5mmIn-ground or removableAffordable option, suitable for cars but not heavy vehicles
114mmRetail shopfronts, small warehouses, commercial entrances900–1200mm5–8mmIn-ground, surface-mounted, or removableMost common size across Melbourne and Geelong
140mm+Workshops, loading docks, car yards, industrial forecourts1000–1200mm8mmIn-ground (fixed)Heavy-duty, designed for trucks and high-risk sites

Height Considerations

Most bollards in Australia stand between 900mm and 1200mm above ground level. This range balances visibility and stopping power.
  • Too short: Drivers may not see the bollard in time.
  • Too tall: It may obstruct pedestrian flow or look out of place.
  • 900–1200mm: The industry standard, high enough to be seen but low enough to work as a barrier without being intrusive.

Wall Thickness and Steel Grade

For removable bollards, the installation includes both a reinforced footing and a faceplate:
  • 5mm wall: Suitable for lighter use, such as residential protection.
  • 8mm wall: Heavy-duty protection, essential for warehouses and high-risk areas.
  • Australian steel: Stronger and more reliable than many imported products.
  • Powder coating and galvanising: Protect against rust and extend lifespan.

Surface Mounted vs In-Ground Bollards

Size interacts with installation method.
  • Surface mounted bollards are fixed with base plates bolted to concrete. They are quicker to install and suitable for light to medium-duty use.
  • In-ground bollards are embedded into concrete footings. They provide much higher impact resistance.
In practice, a smaller in-ground bollard may outperform a larger surface-mounted one. Correct installation is often more important than sheer size.

Matching Size to Site Needs

Choosing the right bollard means matching size and installation to the risks of the site.

Residential:
Driveways, garages, and small parking areas often need 90mm removable bollards.

Commercial:
Warehouses, loading docks, and car yards require larger diameters, often 114mm or 140mm.

Retail and public spaces:
A balance between pedestrian flow and vehicle control, often around 114mm in-ground.

Custom solutions:
Some sites require non-standard diameters, taller bollards, or reinforced options for extreme risk.

Why Professional Advice Matters

Size mistakes are costly. Too small, and the bollard may fail under impact. Too large, and money is wasted on unnecessary strength.

Professional advice ensures bollards:

  • Meet council and insurance requirements
  • Match vehicle types and traffic levels
  • Are installed with correct depth and materials
  • Deliver long-term safety without retrofits
First Choice Bollards provides tailored recommendations based on site risk, traffic, and budget. Their Bollard Specifications page gives technical detail for those needing exact measurements.

FAQs on Bollard Sizes and Safety

For residential cars, 90mm may be enough. For commercial vehicles, 114mm or 140mm with an 8mm wall is often required.

114mm diameter bollards are widely used in both retail and commercial settings.

This height ensures drivers see them while keeping them at a practical level for pedestrians.

Both matter. A 114mm bollard with an 8mm wall can outperform a larger but thinner import.

Surface-mounted bollards offer some resistance, but in-ground bollards are far stronger.

Consult a professional. The right size depends on the type of vehicles, the level of risk, and insurance requirements.

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