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Bollard Installation Costs: What Affects the Price?

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Bollard installation cost isn't always a fixed number. The final cost can change due to several factors, ranging from materials to the fixing method.

The same bollard can cost very differently to install depending on the installation method, site conditions, material, and quantity. Bollard installation cost is never just one number; it is always changing depending on these common factors.

When specifying for your site, the bollard installation cost is going to be one of the biggest questions you need answered. To understand what could affect this cost, you need to know what material you want, where it will be installed, and how you want it fixed.

What Determines the Price of a Bollard Installation?

Once you have an idea of what type of bollard you need, the quote you’ll get will depend on the factors you have chosen. The final cost will depend on:

  • Installation method

  • Bollard material and duty rating

  • Quantity and site layout

  • Groundworks or existing surfaces

  • Finish and features

If you want the bollard to be installed by a contractor or by the supplier themselves, this could also factor into the final cost.

Bollard Installation Methods

When consulting with the supplier about your bollard installation, you will need to consider the type of fixing method you’d prefer. A site survey can help you determine the best method for this.

Root-Fixed

This method involves setting the bollard into a concrete foundation, which is a permanent option and typically requires the most labour. The ground will need excavating before installation, with a poured footing and cure time.

Surface-mounted

This includes fixing a bollard to an existing hard surface with a baseplate. It’s a faster and cheaper alternative to root-fixing since there’s no excavation required, but it depends on the surface being stable enough to bolt into. 

Socketed

A socketed bollard is a removable option, where a bollard locks into a ground-set socket and can lift in and out. It requires a socket to be installed below ground, but it adds a factor of flexibility where it can be removed when needed. It’s the most ideal option for restricting vehicle access.

Material and Duty Rating

Our bollards come in a variety of materials, which can be customised according to the needs of your site or the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. Our selection of bollards include:

All of these bollards sit at different price points, with heavier-duty or higher-security rated bollards within the same material costing more in both unit price and installation methods. This is because a heavier bollard will need more extensive groundworks and often mechanical intervention rather than manual handling.

Decorate cast iron ranges for heritage or townscape settings may also carry a higher unit cost than a plain functional steel or concrete bollard doing the same job.

Quantity and Site Layout

Another factor for bollard installation cost is the price per unit. This typically falls as quantity increases, or there are shared groundworks, shared site visits, and bulk material pricing. A full bollard line along a site boundary is rarely a simple per-bollard multiple of a single unit’s cost.

Spacing is also an important factor here, where the Local Transport Notice (LTN) 1/20 cites that there needs to be a minimum 1.5m spacing between bollards. This is to allow pedestrians, wheelchair users, and mobility scooters to pass through in a straight line. This factor can set how many bollards a given run actually needs, which in turn, sets the total cost.

Groundworks and Existing Surfaces

A site survey should be carried out on the area you’re installing the bollards on. This can help you understand the site’s existing surfaces and what type of groundworks may be required, especially if you’re installing a permanent bollard.

The existing surface can affect the bollard installation cost. For example, tarmac and bloc paving will generally suit surface-mounted or socketed installation at a lower cost, while a new-build or resurfaced area will allow more freedom for root-fixing since excavation is already underway. Buried services, kerb lines, or a conservation area site can add further costs or time before installation starts.

Finish and Features

With Broxap, your bollards can be customised to suit a certain colour scheme, or labelled appropriately with logos if needed. Your bollard can be finished with:

  • RAL powder-coat colour option.

  • Galvanising (BS EN ISO 1461) for corrosion resistance.

  • Retroreflective banding for visibility (per LTN 1/20 guidance).

  • Lockable caps or mechanisms on removable bollards.

Finishes and features can contribute to the final cost compared to an unfinished standard bollard. During the design stage or consultation process, a quote can give a more accurate idea of what the final cost will include. 

DIY, Contractor, or Supplier-Arranged Installation?

As the buyer, you’ll have three routes of potential installation methods to choose from: self-installation, independent contractor, or supplier installation. These options can also affect the bollard installation cost, but it can also dictate the final quality of the product.

With Broxap, we offer supply-and-installation services, where our certified professionals can carry out the necessary work required to install your bollards. Our products are manufactured in the UK, and we can install them across the country, including Ireland. 

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project and the type of bollards you need for your site, or explore our range of bollards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the biggest factor in bollard installation cost?
The installation method is often the biggest driver. Root-fixing involves excavation and groundworks which can be an expensive method of installation. On the other hand, surface-mounting or bolting a bollard to an existing hard surface is quicker and cheaper, requiring no excavation.
Does the material of a bollard affect installation cost and the unit price?

Yes, a heavier bollard (usually cast iron, concrete, or a heavy-duty steel range) usually requires more substantial groundworks and mechanical lifting, which can add to the bollard installation cost. Lighter ranges are generally quicker and cheaper to handle and install.

Is it cheaper to install bollards in bulk?
Usually, yes, on a per-unit basis. A full bollard line shares groundworks setup and site mobilisation cost across multiple units. This means that the cost per bollard on a larger run is often lower than installing a single unit on its own.
Does the existing surface affect the bollard installation cost?
Yes, tarmac and block paving generally suit surface-mounted or socketed installations at a lower cost. Root-fixing requires excavation, which is usually cheapest to do alongside a planned resurfacing or new-build groundworks job, rather than as a standalone dig.
Can I install bollards myself, or do I need a contractor?

Surface-mounted or socketed bollards on a small domestic job, like a driveway, can be done alone. However, root-fixed installations and most commercial or multi-bollard jobs will need a groundworks contractor, since they involve excavation and a poured concrete foundation.

How do I get an accurate bollard installation cost for my site?
An accurate figure needs a quote against your actual site rather than a generic online price. If you get in touch with us about details regarding the bollard type, quantity, and surface, you can get a quote. A site survey can also help you understand what the state of the site’s surface is like, ensuring a more accurate cost.