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1. Is it made from quality steel?

My biggest frustration with bollard construction is when poor quality steel is used. For example, many imported bollards are made from cheap materials. Unbelievably, plastic is even used.

These cheap materials don't last. Oftentimes, these horrible bollards can be pushed over by hand or a shopping trolley. If you're serious about getting the right protection you need to use 250 grade steel.

This maximises protection and longevity of your bollard. The bottom line here is a bollard made from the correct material will last and you won't have to worry about it again.

2. Is it strong enough?

Maybe the bollard is made from good quality steel, but is it going to be strong enough? I keep saying this but 2mm steel thickness is not enough. This is too thin and protection will be compromised.

Thickness needs to be a minimum of 4mm and 5mm+ is better.

All my bollards are made to last. And for this reason they're a minimum of 4mm thick steel. I don't compromise here. Not a bit. Bollards have a job to do and sometimes this involves protecting people and property.

I'd rather over-engineer my work than skimp and try and save a bit by limiting the strength of the device.

3. Has it been welded correctly?

I know you're not a welder (or it's unlikely) but here are some key issues you need to understand.

Poor welding will compromise the best materials and it's imperative that your unit has been put together correctly. If the welding is messy and/or lumpy, it is usually a sign it has been welded in a rush. Worse, it could be that it has been done by an inexperienced or apprentice welder.

Poor welding leads to cracks and once this happens the integrity of the unit is compromised. Not here to go bashing all of the welders out there, but often, the cheap units have been welded by someone who lacks the care or responsibility. Most likely both.

Shug Bollards are welded by trained experts. Again, this is not an area that I choose to compromise. Ever.

4. Where is it made?

I need to be careful here. But I'm also passionate about bollards and making sure you get what you really need.

The bottom line is this: Most bollards made outside of Australia are going to fall into the "cheap and cheerful" category.

Yep, they'll cost you less than a premium bollard, but will this "cheap" bollard do the job you think it will?

Experience tells me if you buy on price the bollard is unlikely to be as strong and reliable as you may wish. Buyer beware. When it comes to bollards you really do get what you pay for.

Side note: This doesn't mean you need to go for the most expensive. My bollards (when you compare apples to apples) may only be a fraction more expensive than the offshore models.

5. Is it rust protected?

This is a biggie. Most bollards live outside and need to be protected from the weather. Sun, wind and rain are an enemy to steel so the bollard needs to be rust protected.

I think CAD plating and galvanising is the best idea. This is a one-two knockout punch for rust - almost eliminating the chance of rust appearing (for many years at least).

Many of the cheaper models aren't rust protected. They look good at first - because of the paint - but there's no rust protection and it doesn't take long for rust to eat away. Rusted bollards look ugly and obviously aren't strong enough to do what they're supposed to do.

Another sidenote: Paint adds another layer of protection. My bollards are painted with a powder coating process. But the rust protection is the extra insurance that I think every bollard needs.

6. Is there a guarantee?

All important purchases should come with a guarantee. And I'm not talking about something token to please the authorities.

I'm all about giving the customer complete piece of mind and offer a lifetime guarantee on my bollards. If, by some fluke of nature, one of my bollards gets damaged or fails you, then I'll replace it. There's no bitching and moaning on my part. It's part of being in business and I'm happy to wear the cost.

Many companies are happy to take your money and never want to hear from you again. I want you to tell me if you're not happy. I want you to have complete peace of mind with your purchase.

So please ensure (beg if you have to) you get a decent guarantee with your purchase.

7. Can you get it installed?

Listen up. Some bollards suppliers are happy to take your money and sell you a device. But be carful because they won't (can't) install them for you.

They often tell you it's easy but this is far from the truth. Bollard installation needs to be done by professionals. Here are a few things you need to consider,

Can you drill holes into concrete?
Installing bollards into asphalt is tricky.
Do you know what's under the ground? (cables etc)
Do you have the right equipment?

So be careful. My strongest advice is to get a trained professional to do it for you.

Still want more info? Download my free report, Bollard Buyers Guide, by clicking here.

There you have it. 7 points that will help you make an informed decision. Please click the link below to take a tour of my bollard products.

Shug Bollards are made to exacting standard at his Melbourne workshop