What to Expect When Getting Bollards Installed (Liverpool)
Quick Overview: From quote to finished job usually takes 7-14 days. Installation itself is 2-4 hours for most driveways. We handle everything - you just need to be available for access. Here's exactly what happens.
Why I'm Writing This
People always ask the same questions: "How long does it take? Will you make a mess? Do I need to be there? What about my driveway?" I get it - having work done on your property is a big deal. So here's the complete, honest process from someone who's done hundreds of these around Liverpool.
Step 1: Initial Contact & Quote
What Happens
You call us, message on WhatsApp, or fill in the quote form. We ask a few basic questions:
- What's the issue? (Parking problems, car theft, etc.)
- What's your driveway like? (Size, material, layout)
- Where are you based in Merseyside?
- Telescopic or fixed bollards?
- How soon do you need them?
Timeline
Same day: We usually give you a ballpark quote over the phone. Most driveways are pretty standard, so we can be accurate without even seeing it.
Your Part
- Send photos if possible (speeds things up massively)
- Mention any concerns or special requirements
- Let us know if you're in a rush
Step 2: Free Site Survey (If Needed)
What Happens
For more complex driveways or if you're not sure what you need, we come out to look properly. This takes about 20 minutes. We check:
- Ground conditions: Is it concrete, tarmac, block paving?
- Underground services: Any cables or pipes we need to avoid?
- Access: Can we get equipment in easily?
- Best placement: Where should the bollards actually go?
- Any complications: Slopes, drainage, unusual layouts
Timeline
2-5 days after initial contact: We try to fit surveys in quickly
Your Part
- Be available for 20 minutes
- Point out any concerns (drainage issues, underground heating cables, etc.)
- Let us know about any access restrictions
Step 3: Formal Quote & Booking
What You Get
- ✓ Exact price: No hidden fees, what we quote is what you pay
- ✓ What's included: Bollards, installation, concrete, cleanup
- ✓ Type & specs: Exactly which bollards we'll fit
- ✓ Timeline: When we can do it
- ✓ Warranty info: 10-year guarantee on our work
Typical Prices (Refresher)
Booking
Once you're happy with the quote, we book you in. Usually 7-14 days out, but we can do rush jobs if you're desperate.
Step 4: Installation Day Preparation
Before We Arrive
Quick Checklist:
- ✓ Clear the driveway: Move cars, bikes, bins
- ✓ Clear access path: From road to where bollards are going
- ✓ Pet safety: Keep dogs/cats inside during work
- ✓ Inform neighbours: Optional but polite (noise from drilling)
- ✓ Be available: We might need to ask questions
What We Bring
- All bollards and hardware
- Concrete mixer (or ready-mix concrete)
- Core drilling equipment (professional grade, not DIY stuff)
- Safety gear and protective sheets
- Cleanup equipment
Step 5: The Installation Process
Marking & Checking (15 minutes)
We mark exactly where the bollards will go. This is your last chance to say "actually, can we move it 6 inches that way?" Once we start drilling, we're committed.
We also do a final check for underground services with detection equipment. Safety first.
Core Drilling (30-60 minutes)
This is the noisy bit. We drill through your driveway surface (tarmac, concrete, whatever) to create holes for the bollard bases. Diameter depends on bollard type - usually 200-300mm.
Noise level: Yeah, it's loud. Like a pneumatic drill. But it's not all day - usually 30-60 minutes max.
Dust/debris: We use dust extraction where possible and lay protective sheets.
Setting the Bollards (30 minutes)
We position the bollards, check they're perfectly vertical (no wonky bollards from us), and lock them in place temporarily.
Concrete Work (30-45 minutes)
We fill around the bollard bases with strong concrete mix. This is what makes them rock-solid and able to stop a vehicle.
The concrete needs to cure (harden) properly. Initial set is 24 hours, full strength is 7 days.
Finishing & Cleanup (30 minutes)
We tidy up the concrete work, clean up any debris, remove protective sheets, and make sure your driveway looks proper.
Demonstration & Handover (15 minutes)
If it's telescopic bollards, we show you how to operate them (it's simple - unlock, push down, lock). Give you all keys (usually 3 per bollard). Answer any questions.
Total Installation Time
Step 6: Curing Period & First Use
Important Timing
- First 24 hours: Don't drive over the concrete. Walk around it if needed.
- Days 2-7: Gentle use okay, but avoid heavy impacts
- After 7 days: Full strength, use normally
We always explain this on the day. The bollards themselves are immediately effective - a car can't get past them even while concrete is curing. But for the concrete to reach maximum strength, give it a week.
Common Questions & Concerns
"Will it damage my driveway?"
We drill precisely and fill around the edges. You'll see where we've worked, but we make it as neat as possible. Some customers even say it looks better because the bollards make the driveway look more "finished."
"Do I need to stay home all day?"
No. Once we start, you can leave us to it. We just need you at the beginning (to confirm placement) and at the end (for demonstration/payment). Total time you need to be there: 30 minutes.
"What about my block paving?"
Block paving is actually one of the easier surfaces. We remove the blocks where needed, do the installation, then re-lay blocks around the bollards. Looks spot-on when finished.
"Can I still use my drive that day?"
Not for the first 24 hours - you need to stay off the fresh concrete. Plan ahead and park on the road or at a neighbour's if needed.
"What if I'm not happy with the placement?"
Speak up BEFORE we drill. We're happy to adjust. Once it's drilled though, we can't really move it. That's why we always confirm placement first.
After Installation Maintenance
Fixed Bollards
Literally zero maintenance. Stainless steel won't rust. Just sits there doing its job for decades.
Telescopic Bollards
- Annual check: Make sure the lock mechanism isn't stiff (spray with WD-40 if needed)
- Keep socket clear: Remove any debris from the ground socket
- That's it: They're really low-maintenance
Real Liverpool Installations
Typical Job: Crosby Semi-Detached
Standard concrete driveway, 2 telescopic bollards
Installation time:
2.5 hours
Total cost:
£550
Quick Job: Anfield Terraced House
Small driveway, 2 fixed bollards, block paving
Installation time:
2 hours
Total cost:
£400
Larger Job: Southport Detached
Wide driveway, 4 telescopic bollards, tarmac surface
Installation time:
4 hours
Total cost:
£1,100
The Bottom Line
Getting bollards installed is straightforward. We handle everything, it's done in a few hours, and then you've got permanent protection. The hardest part is usually just deciding to do it.
Most customers say they wish they'd done it sooner. No more parking arguments, no more stress about car theft, no more coming home to find someone parked where you need to be.
Installation Standards & References:
- • British Standards Institution (BSI) - Bollard Installation Specifications
- • Concrete Society - Ground Anchor Systems Technical Report
- • Health & Safety Executive (HSE) - Safe Working Guidelines
- • Based on 500+ successful installations across Merseyside (2013-2025)
- • Customer feedback and satisfaction surveys (average install time data)
Ready to Get Bollards Installed?
Professional bollard installation across Liverpool, Southport, and all of Merseyside. Free quotes, honest pricing, and installations usually within 2 weeks. Let's get your driveway sorted.