Frequently Asked Questions


Below are some of the most common questions we hear on a daily basis, however if you have a query that isn’t covered below, then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01782 571800, or email us at
What types of materials are bollards available in? design, manufacture and supply bollards in a range of different materials, these include: cast iron, ductile iron, cast aluminium, mild steel, polyurethane, concrete, stainless steel, recycled plastic and timber.

Which of the materials sold by would you recommend in certain locations?

Cast iron; this is best suited to pedestrianised, and shopping areas. They also complement a heritage or traditional aesthetic.

Ductile iron; this is best suited to road side locations, shop fronts as well as for anti-ram situations.

Duracast polyurethane; this is best suited to waterside locations, access points (removable low weight) and pedestrian areas.

Concrete; this is best suited to low budget projects as well as pedestrian areas.

Mild steel; this is best suited to shopping centres, industrial sites and car parks.

Stainless steel; this is best suited to modern developments, as it provides a sleek and contemporary aesthetic.

Recycled plastic; this is best suited to low budget projects.

Timber; this is best suited to conservation areas, car parks.

Cast aluminium; this is best suited to access points (removable low weight)

What grades of stainless steel do you offer? offer two grades of stainless steel. These are grade 304 and grade 316. Grade 316 demonstrates a higher chrome content.

When would recommend grade 316?

Grade 316 may be used on marine or waterfront environments. This could help increase longevity and durability in places where the environment is both damp and has a high salt content.

What are the different finishes for stainless steel?

There are various finishes for the stainless steel. These include; bead blasted to various grades (satin), mirror polish and  high polish.

What is the difference between ductile and cast iron?

There is one main difference when it comes to cast and ductile iron. Cast iron is brittle, whereas ductile iron is more "flexible". Ductile iron contains both magnesium and copper, this changes the properties of the bollard, meaning that upon impact the bollard will bend as opposed to snap or shatter on impact.

Is ductile iron more expensive that cast iron?

Due to it's properties, ductile iron is 35% more expensive than cast iron.

Do you recycle any materials?

At both Broxap and we have a strong recycling initative and green ethic. That is why we recycle all cast and ductile iron.

You can find out more about what we are doing to reduce waste and ensure that we are doing our bit to recycle by clicking through to this blog. 

Does cast iron rust?

Cast iron will rust if not maintained. This can happen if the paint is chipped leaving the surface of the bollard exposed.

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What are the different types of fixing options? design, manufacture and supply bollards with a range of different fxing types and options. These include; root fixed, base plated, removeale, telescopic and fold down. You can find out more about fixings by looking at our buying guide.

In which situation would each fixing be used?

Below is a description of in which situations each of the fixings might be used; 

Root fixed; often used in anti-ram situations and provides a solid permanent fixing.

Base plated;  May be used where a concrete base already exists. Often used where excavation is not possible due to underground services.

Telescopic; Allows periodic access without requirement for storage when access is required. May be supplied with lift assist to reduce lifting weight.

Removable; Allows periodic access but requires storage when not in use. Additional ground fixing socket may be supplied.

How are logos fitted to the different types of bollard?

Below are details on how brand logos are applied to bollards of different materials:

Cast iron; integrally cast onto bollard during manufacture.

Polyurathene; usually cast separately and fixed to the bollard by means of an adhesive or drilling and tapping.

Mild steel; drilled and tapped or lasercut.

Stainless steel; lasercut, shotblasted onto bollard or separate logo attached by drilling and screwing.

Timber; routed, drilled and screwed.

Aluminium; cast integrally, acid etched, drilled and tapped.

What is the average weight and height of our bollards?

At we have a range of many different bollard sizes. However, on average the following applys:

Material Weight  Height
Ductile/ Cast iron 45kg 985mm
Polyurathene 22kg 985mm
Concrete 90kg 450mm
220kg 900mm
Mild Steel 25kg 900mm
Stainless Steel 20kg 1000mm


Bespoke bollards may also be manufactured upon request.

What is the maximum diameter you would recommend for a fold down bollard?

The maximum diameter which we would recommend is 100mm. 

How does a ground socket work on a removable bollard?

A steel socket with a hinged lid (sockets approx. 200mm deep) is concreted into the ground. When the bollard is in use, the hinged lid locates on a lug on the bollard and a padlock secures the bollard to the socket. When the bollard is removed the lid fits flush and covers the socket.

How may a removable bollard be stored?

Additional sockets may be utilised to store removable bollards.

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Finishes and Extras
What standard finishes are available for our range of bollards? offer the following standard finishes for thier bollards.

Cast/Ductile iron;  Primer undercoat and two pack acrylic topcoat in a standard RAL or BS colour. We also offer optional waterside paint.

Mild steel; Galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461:1999 and powder coated in a standard RAL or BS colour.

Concrete; Exposed aggregates of various types (Derbyshire, Ouse Valley) or smooth surface (smooth grey/white).

Timber; Hardwood - these bollards are usually treated with a Sadolin finish stain, a translucent varnish or simply supplied naturally.

Timber; Softwood - these types of timber are Tanalised which is a method of pressure treating the timber with a liquid preservative.

Polyurathene; Material is pigmented throughout in a base colour and primer undercoat and 2 pack acrylic topcoat in a standard RAL or BS colour.

Aluminium; primer undercoat and 2 pack acrylic topcoat in a standard RAL or BS colour.

What colours are available? offer a standard range of RAL and BS colours. Non-standard colours are available upon request, however may include a surcharge especially if powder coated.

What banding/highlighting options are available for both cast iron and mild steel bollards?

Bolllards have the following avialable: reflective bands self adhesive class 1 & 2, 25mm, 50mm, 75mm wide Ballotini Ring (glass beads suspended in a coloured compound) Reflective Paint Ardenbrite No. 1 gold highlighting.

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