These days bollards form a large part of urban and rural landscapes. They are predominately used to control traffic and protect pedestrians, cyclists and buildings from vehicles. Over the last century there have been a large number of designs for bollards, mainly driven by local authorities to provide not only safety, but a distinctive look or feel to the area they oversee. Traditionally, bollards were made from wood. This quickly moved to cast iron in 1940s as it is naturally stronger and provides better longevity. However, cast iron bollards are heavy and require regular painting to maintain them.
Watts Urethane have been manufacturing polyurethane moulded Heritage bollards for well over 20 years. Our engineered polyurethane combines the traditional aesthetics of cast iron with enhanced resistance to impact, corrosion and abrasion. Polyurethane bollards are low maintenance and significantly lighter than iron with the majority of our range less than 20kg which makes for an easier installation.
The versatility of this material means that moulds can be created from any original design of bollard using polyurethane, which then becomes the master mould to cast bollards from. Post casting, bollards are sprayed to provide a glossy finish and the craftsmanship at Watts means that they can even be customised with gilding, crests and other specific features to provide a bollard that looks and feels like the original cast iron.
Popular bollards are the Manchester, Slough, Cornwall and Highbury, however we have a huge range that we can make in short and long runs.
Head over to our YouTube channel and subscribe for regular news and updates.