| Steel pipe (concrete-filled) | Precast concrete | |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint | Slim: 4½ to 10¾ in posts | Bulky |
| Installation | Core-drilled, embedded or bolted | Usually set on the surface or a pad; no coring |
| Delivery | Parcel or LTL freight for most posts (Uline ships its pour-in-place posts by parcel carrier) | Heavy: needs a crane truck or forklift |
| Crash ratings | Many tested systems (see crash-rated bollards) | None found in our research |
| Specs online | Widely published | Mostly quote-only (Sanderson, AE Concrete, NorthWest Precast) |
| Looks | Covers, stainless, powder coat | Architectural finishes from the precaster |
Pick steel if
- Space is tight or the line is long.
- You need a crash rating.
- You can dig or core.
Pick precast concrete if
- You can’t dig (a finished plaza, a lease) and there’s room for a heavy block.
- The look matters and the precaster’s finishes suit it.
- You want something that can be moved later with a forklift.