By Scott Lai

Parking blocks (or wheel stops) are essential products in any parking lot or garage. There are three different types of parking blocks: concrete, recycled plastic, and recycled rubber. While cost may be the main factor in your decision on which to purchase, you may want to consider other factors such as longevity and ease of installation of each type of parking block.

Here’s our comparison of the three different types of parking blocks:

Longevity & Durability

Concrete- Durability of a concrete parking block depends on whether or not it is exposed to the elements. You can maximize its longevity if it is installed in an indoor facility such as a parking garage. Exposure to the elements will result in quicker wear-and-tear.

Recycled Plastic- These parking blocks are good for indoor or outdoor installation. However, if exposed to extreme heat, there’s a chance of the plastic melting. But overall, recycled plastic parking blocks are durable and require little maintenance.

Recycled Rubber- These are ideal for outdoor or indoor installation. Recycled rubber parking blocks are resistant to UV light, moisture, oil, and extreme temperatures. Of the three, recycled rubber parking blocks are the most durable and require little maintenance.

First: Recycled Rubber, Second: Recycled Plastic, Third: Concrete

Installation

Concrete- Concrete parking blocks are very heavy and would require a few people to install.

Recycled Plastic- Relatively easy installation, all you need is a few screws to drill the parking block into place.

Recycled Rubber- Relatively easy installation, can be installed by a single person. Requires rebar spikes for asphalt or lag bolts with washers and metal shields for concrete installation.

Tie First: Recycled Rubber & Recycled Plastic, Third: Concrete

Environmentally Friendly

Concrete- Not applicable, concrete parking blocks neither hurt nor help the environment.

Recycled Plastic- These parking blocks are made from 100% recycled material; post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastic. This keeps discarded plastics out of the environment waste system.

Recycled Rubber- Eco-friendly, made from 100% recycled tires. This helps reduce the number of scrap tires sitting in US landfills.

Tie First: Recycled Rubber & Recycled Plastic, Third: Concrete

Cost

Concrete- Concrete parking blocks are the most inexpensive option of the three.

Recycled Plastic- Recycled plastic is the most expensive of the three types of parking blocks.

Recycled Rubber- More expensive than concrete but cheaper than recycled plastic, recycled rubber parking blocks provides a middle ground.

First: Concrete, Second: Recycled Rubber, Third: Recycled Plastic

Above is a table showing how each type of parking block placed in each category. Unless cost is your only criteria, concrete parking blocks is a distant third. Recycled plastic parking blocks are eco-friendly and relatively simple to install, but is the most expensive of the three. That leaves recycled rubber as arguably the best value of the three. Not only is it also eco-friendly and simple to install, it has the best durability for its cost. In most cases, a recycled rubber parking block would fit typical needs.

Scott is an Outside Sales Representative of G P Roadway Solutions. As a former property manager, Scott now helps other property managers improve the safety of their properties and facilities. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn.