Bison’s Bollard Installation Pricing Guide
At Bison, we offer a transparent pricing guide to help you budget for your bollard installation:
Residential Bollards
| Bollard Type | Average Cost Per Bollard (£) |
|---|---|
| Manual Telescopic Bollard | 200 – 350 |
| Semi Automatic | 350 – 500 |
| Automatic/Electric | 900 – 1500 |
Commercial Bollards
| Bollard Type | Average Cost Per Bollard (£) |
|---|---|
| Manual Telescopic Bollard | 275 – 450 |
| Semi Automatic | 450 – 600 |
| Automatic/Electric | 1100 – 1700 |
Factors That Could Affect Cost of Bollard Installation
The type of bollard is the primary cost factor, but several additional elements influence pricing:
- Number of Bollards Installed: Bulk installations often reduce the per-unit cost, making it more cost-effective to install multiple bollards at once.
- Bollard Height and Features: A taller or reinforced bollard will cost more, especially if it includes automated features, such as remote operation or lighting.
- Ground Conditions: Harder surfaces like concrete or tarmac require more preparation than softer ground, increasing labour costs.
- Underground Utilities: If pipes or cables are present, additional scanning and excavation work is needed to avoid damage, increasing costs.
- Drainage Requirements: If not properly installed, water ingress can cause damage. Professionals ensure proper drainage, which may add to the cost.
Check out our bollard pricing guide to understand the costs of bollards themselves.
Key Considerations When Installing Bollards (Hint: Don’t Do It Yourself)
While DIY installation might seem like a cost-saving option, it often leads to costly mistakes, safety risks, and long-term issues. Here are some of the key considerations our team will take into account:
Legal Requirements
Before installing bollards, it’s important to check whether they are any legal requirements or guidelines that you’ll need to satisfy or any restrictions that may affect your plans.
In some spaces, such as on public pavements or walkways, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate authorisation from the local council and adhere to relevant health and safety regulations. For shared spaces and commercial properties, you may need to meet specific safety and accessibility requirements. Meanwhile, no permission is typically required private property.
Bollard Spacing
Bollard spacing and placement has a significant impact on performance and functionality. You may want to restrict vehicular access to a particular area while facilitating pedestrian traffic, for example. To achieve this, you’ll need to consider how far apart bollards need to be placed and where they should be situated for optimal security and performance.
Potential Hazards
Hitting underground utilities during installation can lead to serious injuries, costly repairs, and legal liabilities. Gas leaks, water pipe damage, or severed electric cables can cause major disruptions and financial strain.
Beyond these immediate risks, installing bollards can also act as a deterrent to vehicle theft. This added layer of protection may also help reduce your car insurance premiums by lowering the perceived risk to insurers.
To prevent this, professional installers use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT) to accurately detect and map underground utilities before any digging takes place. This ensures that excavation is carried out safely and without risk of damaging critical infrastructure.
Always confirm that utility scans are included in your installation quote. This is a crucial step that should never be skipped.
Preparing the Base
Installing bollards or posts with a concrete base ensures they are fixed into place securely, but the base needs to be prepared properly to maximise the strength and longevity of the post.
Depending on the type of bollard you select, a spigot or case may be fixed into the ground or the bollard may be situated directly in the concrete base. Either way, the area must be cleaned of debris and reach a requisite depth to ensure the bollard can be integrated into the ground effectively.
Finishing Touches
A professional team will also have the expertise to restore your surface after installation, whether it’s:
- Tarmac
- Concrete
- Block paving
- Resin-bound surfaces
What’s Included in the Installation Cost?
- Site survey and utility scans: To check for underground hazards
- Excavation and waste disposal: Preparing the area for installation.
- Bollard supply and installation: The actual fitting of the bollard.
- Drainage setup: To prevent water damage.
- Surface restoration: Ensuring the surrounding area is left clean and tidy.
- For electric bollards: Wiring and control system installation.


Real-World Cost Examples
Example 1: Residential Driveway (Hertfordshire)
- Installation: 3 manual telescopic bollards in block paving.
- Underground Utilities: None detected.
- Total Cost: £450 (£150 per bollard, ex. VAT).
Example 2: Commercial Car Park (London)
- Installation: 5 heavy-duty commercial bollards in concrete.
- Underground Utilities: Gas line detected; additional excavation required.
- Total Cost: £1,250 (£250 per bollard, ex. VAT).
Choosing a Bollard Installer: Red Flags to Avoid
- No evidence of past work: Always ask for photos or references.
- Lack of insurance: Ensure the company has public liability insurance.
- Pressure to skip utility scans: Never compromise on safety; underground scanning is essential.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free quote and expert advice on your bollard installation project. Our team has extensive experience installing all types of bollards across the UK.
Call us on 01708 956833 or reach out via our online contact form.
