How to Choose the Right Steel Barricades

Step 1- Determine Required Length

Choose 8.5 ft barricades when-

• Covering large perimeters efficiently (fewer units needed)
• Working on level surfaces where longer barriers remain stable
• Maximizing coverage per unit for cost efficiency
• Standard event/festival applications
• Long straight barrier runs

Choose 7 ft barricades when-

• Creating tighter configurations or curves
• Working in narrow spaces or indoor venues
• Easier one-person handling is a priority (lighter weight)
• More barricades per pallet for reduced shipping costs
• Parking lot or smaller venue applications

Step 2- Select Base Type

Flat Base Barricades-

• Surfaces- Concrete, asphalt, indoor flooring, paved areas
• Advantages- Low profile (minimal trip hazard), efficient stacking, lower shipping costs
• Applications- Convention centers, indoor arenas, paved parking lots, city streets, sidewalks

Bridge Base Barricades-

• Surfaces- Grass, gravel, dirt, uneven terrain, soft ground
• Advantages- Wider footprint = maximum stability, won't sink into soft surfaces
• Applications- Outdoor festivals, parks, fields, construction sites, unpaved areas
• Rule of Thumb- If 50%+ of your usage will be on soft/uneven ground, choose a bridge base. For primarily hard surfaces, a flat base offers better value.

Step 3- Choose Finish

Galvanized Steel (Silver Finish)-

• Best Value- Lowest price point
• Protection- 10-15 year outdoor lifespan
• Appearance- Industrial silver finish
• Use When- Durability matters more than aesthetics, industrial/municipal applications, limited budget

Powder-Coated Colors-

• Premium Option- 15-20% higher cost
• Protection- 15-20 year outdoor lifespan
• Appearance- Professional colored finish in 8 colors
• Use When- Branding matters, matching corporate/university colors, high-visibility safety needs, upscale events

Step 4- Calculate Quantity Needed

Formula- Perimeter Length (in feet) ÷ Barricade Length = Base Quantity

Add 10-15% extra for

• Gate openings and access points
• Corner configurations
• Flexibility in setup
• Backup units for damaged barricades

Example Calculations-

Small Event (200 ft perimeter)-

• Using 8.5 ft barricades- 200 ÷ 8.5 = 23.5 → Need 24 barricades
• Add 15%- 24 x 1.15 = 27.6 → Order 28 barricades
• Recommendation- Order 30-pack bundle for best value

Medium Event (500 ft perimeter)-

• Using 8.5 ft barricades- 500 ÷ 8.5 = 58.8 → Need 59 barricades
• Add 15%- 59 x 1.15 = 67.8 → Order 68 barricades
• Recommendation- Order (2) 30-pack + (1) 10-pack bundles (70 total)

Large Festival (1,200 ft perimeter)-

• Using 8.5 ft barricades- 1,200 ÷ 8.5 = 141.2 → Need 142 barricades
• Add 15%- 142 x 1.15 = 163.3 → Order 164 barricades
• Recommendation- Order (5) 30-pack bundles + (1) 20-pack (170 total)

Step 5- Consider Storage & Transportation

Storage Cart- Recommended if you're ordering 20+ barricades. Our 30-unit carts provide organized storage, easy venue transport, and protection during storage.

Delivery Requirements- Barricades ship palletized (400-500 lbs per 10-pack). You'll need either-

• Forklift on-site for unloading
• Lift gate truck service (+$75-150 fee)
• Dock with pallet jack

Storage Space: Knocked-down barricades stack efficiently. One 30-barricade cart footprint- 4' x 3' x 5' high.

Step 6- Budget Planning

Cost Breakdown (8.5 ft Galvanized)-

• Individual units- $110-117 each
• 10-pack bundle- $1,180 ($118 each) - NO SAVINGS on small orders
• 20-pack bundle- $2,369 ($118.45 each) - Minimal savings
• 30-pack bundle- $3,480 ($116 each) - Best per-unit value

Best Value Strategy- Bundle orders provide 10-20% savings vs. individual purchases. For example, a 30-pack saves $330+ compared to buying 30 individual units.