Choosing The Right Size And Design For Concrete Wheel Stops

Choosing The Right Size And Design For Concrete Wheel Stops

Concrete wheel stops are a simple yet effective solution to control the placement of vehicles and prevent damage to property, other vehicles, or even the environment. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right size and design for your space?

The goal of picking the right wheel stops is to make sure that they can properly prevent vehicles from overparking while also blending seamlessly into the overall design and function of your space.

We have compiled this blog to guide you through the factors to consider when selecting the right wheel stops for your property.

1. Understanding The Purpose Of Concrete Wheel Stops

Concrete wheel stops, also known as parking blocks, serve a very specific function. They are installed at the front of parking spaces to prevent vehicles from encroaching into adjacent spaces or moving too far forward.

Concrete wheel stops are a great choice for high-traffic areas due to their robustness and durability.

2. The Importance Of Size

When it comes to concrete wheel stops, size matters significantly. While they all serve the same purpose of stopping vehicles from moving too far, the dimensions of the wheel stop affect how well it can fulfil this role.

Choosing the right size is essential to make sure that vehicles are properly contained and prevented from damaging the surrounding area. The size of the wheel stop impacts its visibility, stability, and effectiveness in preventing vehicles from overparking.

3. Standard Size For Concrete Wheel Stops

Most concrete wheel stops are 6 feet in length, which is typically sufficient to accommodate most vehicles. However, some parking spaces, particularly those for larger vehicles like trucks, buses, or RVs, may require longer stops.

Additionally, the height and width of the stop are also essential; a standard height of around 5 to 7 inches is typically adequate, though some areas may require a higher profile for increased visibility or to prevent larger vehicles from crossing the line.

The width typically ranges from 6 to 8 inches for better stability and weight distribution.

4. Customising The Size For Your Needs

If you're dealing with a specialised parking area, such as a commercial lot with a high turnover of vehicles, you may need larger or more robust wheel stops. Smaller lots may benefit from shorter stops for more flexibility in space usage.

Parking spaces in residential areas may not require wheel stops as large or as heavy-duty as those in a commercial parking garage or outdoor parking lot.

5. Design Considerations For Concrete Wheel Stops

Beyond size, the design of concrete wheel stops plays a key role in their effectiveness. You’ll need to choose a design that meets both functional and aesthetic requirements, depending on the specific location and purpose.

a. Textured vs. Smooth Finishes

Concrete wheel stops are typically available in two main finishes: smooth and textured. Each has its benefits:

●      Textured Finishes: These finishes provide increased traction, which is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or spaces where safety is a major concern. The rough surface helps prevent vehicles from sliding over the stop.

●      Smooth Finishes: These are easier to clean and maintain, offering a sleeker appearance. However, they can sometimes be more slippery, especially in wet conditions.

b. Visibility And Colour Options

For maximum visibility, consider wheel stops that are either brightly coloured or feature reflective markings. High-visibility stops are essential in parking areas with low lighting or where vehicles of various sizes are parked.

Reflective strips or paint can improve the safety of the stop, so that drivers can easily see the stop from a distance.

c. Customisation For Aesthetic Needs

For areas where aesthetics are important, such as in landscaped parking lots or high-end developments, concrete wheel stops can often be customised.

Stamped concrete or painted stops can be made to match the surrounding environment, adding an extra layer of visual appeal without compromising functionality.

6. Choosing The Right Material

Concrete is by far the most common material for wheel stops, due to its durability and strength. However, different types of concrete, as well as varying construction techniques, can result in differences in performance.

High-quality, reinforced concrete stops are the best choice for long-term durability. These stops are able to withstand heavy vehicle impacts, extreme weather conditions, and the test of time without cracking or degrading.

Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete wheel stops are typically made with metal bars or wire mesh embedded within the concrete, increasing their strength and impact resistance.

This type of wheel stop is particularly useful for heavy-duty applications like commercial parking lots or areas with high volumes of traffic.

7. Installation Process And Considerations

The installation of concrete wheel stops requires proper planning for optimal functionality. It's essential to prepare the parking lot or garage surface beforehand.

Wheel stops should be installed securely to prevent movement. Installation often involves bolting or epoxying the wheel stop to the ground, and in some cases, the area may need to be levelled before installation.

Professional installation is often recommended for concrete wheel stops, especially in areas with high traffic or heavy vehicles. The process typically takes a few hours, depending on the number of stops and the complexity of the site.

Keep in mind that proper installation is key to making sure the wheel stops perform as intended.

Final Thoughts: Maximise Parking Safety with the Right Wheel Stops

Choosing the right size and design for concrete wheel stops is an important decision that can affect the safety, functionality, and aesthetics of your parking area. By carefully considering factors such as the size of the vehicles, the traffic flow, and the desired level of visibility, you can select the right wheel stops to prevent vehicles from overparking.

Whether you opt for a standard concrete wheel stop or a customised design, it’s essential to prioritise durability, visibility, and effective installation. You can get your hands on high-quality wheel stops from Area Safe.