How to Measure for a Bollard Cover
A bollard cover is an exterior-grade HDPE sleeve that fits over a steel safety post. Correct fit comes down to two measurements: the outside diameter of the steel pipe and the height to be covered. Measure both, then find the cover size in the chart.
Three steps
Bollard cover size chart
For most sizes, the cover size is not the pipe's measured diameter: a nominal 6" pipe measures about 6⅝" outside and takes the 6 cover. Find your outside diameter (the across-the-top reading, or the tape reading ÷ 3.14) in the Post measures column and order the cover size on the left.
| Cover size | Post measures (outside) | Steel pipe name | Standard heights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3½" | 3" pipe | 60" |
| 3.5 | 4" | 3½" pipe | 52", 68" |
| 4 | 4½" | 4" pipe | 52", 60" |
| 5.5 | 5½" | 5" pipe | 52", 60" |
| 6 | 6⅝" | 6" pipe | 52", 65", 84" |
| 7 (Ideal Shield: 7½) | 7½" | 7" pipe | 56" |
| 8 | 8⅝" | 8" pipe | 52", 58", 69" |
| 10 | 10¾" | 10" pipe | 69" |
| 12 | 12¾" | 12" pipe | 60" |
The heights listed are standard; other heights are cut to order.
Measurement 1: outside diameter
Ideal Shield recommends measuring around the pipe as the safest method. Wrap a flexible tape once around the widest point of the pipe, keep the tape level, and divide the circumference by 3.14. If the top of the pipe is open and safely reachable, you can also measure straight across it from outside edge to outside edge; a concrete-filled top makes that reading unreliable, so use the tape-around method there.
Measurement 2: height
Measure from the finished floor or pavement to the top of the post. If the pipe has been filled with concrete and has a domed top, measure from the base of the pipe to the top of the dome. That is the cover height. Standard heights are listed in the chart above; if none matches, request a custom-height cut.
Not sure which cover you need? Send us the two measurements and the number of posts. We will confirm the size before you order, including odd sizes, capped posts and custom heights.
Reading the size code
Each cover variant is listed by color, then a size-height code ending in -S. A 4-52-S cover is the 4 cover size (for a post measuring about 4½" outside) at 52" height; 6-84-S is the 6 cover size (about 6⅝" outside) at 84" height. The first number is the cover size from the chart, not the measured diameter. The 7 cover is listed as 7½ on Ideal Shield's size sheet; order it as 7-56-S. Pick the color first, then the code that matches your two measurements.
Choosing a color
Twelve standard colors are offered: red, yellow, lime green, black, dark blue, light blue, gray, light gray, forest green, brown, urban bronze and orange. Record the color with each post's diameter, height and quantity so every location maps to a complete variant. For anything outside the standard list, request a quote for custom colors or decals.
What the cover does
A 1/4" exterior-grade HDPE cover is weather-resistant, with UV and anti-static additives in the material, and helps reduce repainting of the post. Securing tape strips are included with every cover.
Before you order
- Record the outside diameter, height (to the top of the concrete dome if the bollard has one), color and quantity for each bollard type.
- Check every distinct post rather than assuming all bollards at one site share a size; keep a separate line for each diameter, height and color combination.
- List custom-height, custom-color or decal requirements separately with their measurements and quantities.
- Ask us to confirm before ordering if a diameter falls between chart rows, or if a cap or plate is wider than the post.
Shop 1/4" bollard covers · Bollard covers overview
Save the chart
One image with the whole chart, for the maintenance binder or to send to whoever is measuring.
Frequently asked questions
What size cover fits a 4" bollard?
A 4" steel pipe measures about 4½" across the outside and takes the 4 cover (for example 4-52-S at 52" high). If your post measures 4" exactly, it is a 3½" pipe and takes the 3.5 cover.
What size cover fits a 6" bollard?
A 6" steel pipe measures about 6⅝" outside and takes the 6 cover, in standard heights of 52", 65" and 84".
What size cover fits an 8" bollard?
An 8" pipe measures about 8⅝" outside and takes the 8 cover, in standard heights of 52", 58" and 69".
How do I measure a bollard without reaching the top?
Wrap a tape once around the widest point, keep it level, and divide the circumference by 3.14. That is the outside diameter.
My bollard is filled with concrete and has a domed top. What height do I order?
Measure from the base of the pipe to the top of the dome and order that height. If no standard height matches, ask for a custom cut. On a concrete-filled post, use the tape-around method for the diameter, because a mounded top makes a measurement across the top unreliable.
Are bollard sleeves and bollard covers the same thing?
Yes. Bollard covers, bollard sleeves and post covers are different names for the same product, an HDPE sleeve that slides over a steel bollard; "bollard skins" is another term buyers use for it.
Sources
- Cover sizes follow Ideal Shield's size sheet for 1/4" bollard covers, and the tape-around method follows its measuring guide. The instruction for concrete-filled posts comes from Frontline.