Concrete can sometimes get a bad rap for being bland, boring, or dull. However, with today’s customization options and cutting-edge materials, your barrier selections can be a vibrant and beautiful addition to your project while maintaining the safety and security of classic barriers.
Think Beyond the Basic
The Jersey Barrier is the most common concrete barrier shape, but barriers come in a variety of shapes and surface designs. For example, stamped concrete barriers can mimic stacked or chiseled stone surfaces. At 48 Barriers, our Deco Barriers and Castle Guard Barriers lines feature products with varied surface textures, slopes, and designs to complement different styles. Combined with Sherwin-Williams Concrete Stains, these barriers can be customized to perfectly complement your exterior’s style.
Stamped concrete barriers and bin blocks can provide you the look of natural materials. In addition, these concrete alternatives have the added stability and safety features of classic concrete barriers.
Consider New Materials
A relative newcomer on the market, Pretred recycled rubber barriers are lauded for their eco-friendly nature. But did you know that they can be fully customized, too? Made from recycled tires, these rubber Jersey-style barriers don’t sacrifice stability. In crash and safety tests, they are comparable to their concrete counterparts.
Because they are often custom-made, rubber barriers come in a rainbow of colors. At 48 Barriers, we offer Pretred barriers in Sandy Beige, Forest Brown, Hunter Green, and Red Rocks Red. You can also easily drill into them, making them perfect for adding logos or signage. When used outside properties and projects, colored barriers can complement your branding, draw the eye of passers-by, and generally beautify the surroundings.
Get a Green Thumb
Greenery and live plants can transform a space. When paired with concrete, their bright colors, organic shapes, and soft textures can bring life and vibrancy to industrial-feeling concrete barriers. When adding greenery to your barrier projects, you have a multitude of options.
Steel-reinforced concrete planters serve double-duty as planters and barriers. Often placed at the entrance of buildings and campuses, these structures protect pedestrians and property from traffic while creating a beautifully welcoming environment. As an added bonus, these planters come with exposed aggregate finishes for a natural and more aesthetic look that complements exteriors.
Existing barriers can also get the green treatment with add-on planters. These structures are typically metal and simply sit on top of a standard barrier. Once filled with weights, soil, and foliage, these planters stay securely affixed to your barriers while providing a pop of color to your security perimeters.
Take an Artistic Touch
To the right artist, smooth concrete barriers are the perfect blank canvas for urban art installations. In many cities, bike lanes, parks, and long-term construction projects feature colorfully painted Jersey barriers. These urban murals can help mitigate the visual chaos of inner-city construction. When used to protect walkways and bike lanes, a bright mural can also ensure drivers are cognizant of these passageways. This small step makes for safer roadways. Commissioning artists, muralists, or local arts organizations to paint your barriers can provide an excellent community partnership opportunity. It can also draw public interest and support for your projects while giving a vibrant face-lift to an often overlooked structure.
For a less permanent solution, barrier wraps, covers, and protectors are an easy and removable way to beautify your barriers. Often made of weatherproof vinyl, these wraps are simply pulled over Jersey barriers or barrier blocks. Because these are printed products, they can be customized with your company’s branding, advertiser or sponsor logos, or important information.
You don’t have to be a designer or a landscape architect to make a beautiful project. With options like stamped concrete, colored Pretred rubber barriers, security planters, and barrier wraps, your next concrete project can be one that draws the eye and enhances its surroundings. When you’re ready to explore your barrier options, reach out to the team at 48 Barriers for your quick quote.
