Concrete vs. Rubber Wheel Stops: What Works Best for Your Parking Lot?

There’s just something off about a parking lot with no wheel stops. It feels naked and vulnerable. Vehicles could pull right through any spot unhindered and crash into other vehicles, your sidewalk, or even your building. 

That’s why wheel stops & parking blocks are essential features in any parking lot, regardless of size. They play a crucial role in ensuring vehicles come to a complete stop. Not only do they prevent damage to buildings, sidewalks, curbs, and delicate landscapes, but they also enhance the overall safety of the parking area. We’ve heard many names for them: car stops, parking curbs, parking bumpers, and parking blocks (we call them wheel stops at RubberForm). No matter what you call them, your parking lot needs them.

In this article, we will discuss the following key takeaways:

• Wheel stops are essential for protecting people, property, and parking lot structure
• Concrete wheel stops come with hidden long-term costs
• Recycled rubber wheel stops offer a more practical, durable, and attractive alternative
• Recycled rubber also benefits the environment more than concrete

What’s wrong with concrete wheel stops?

For just about as long as humans have been driving cars and needing lots to park in, concrete has been  the go-to material for parking curb products. It makes sense: it’s pretty strong, it’s heavy enough to stop a vehicle, and it’s reasonably cheap. And that’s about all the nice stuff we can say about concrete parking stoppers. 

There’s a reason nobody wants to live in a concrete house or work in a giant concrete slab of a building. It’s ugly and unpleasant. It’s got no feeling to it. But looks aren’t concrete’s only problem.

Concrete wheel stops are inconvenient and inflexible. The second you slam those slabs down on your asphalt the clock is ticking. Every time it rains, freezes, gets blazing hot, or a vehicle gives one of them a little love tap, those concrete parking stops are going to chip, crack, and crumble. They’ll look worse every year until you’re forced to replace them. 

If a car hits your wheel stops with anything other than its actual wheels both will be damaged. And if you ever need to change up the configuration of your parking lot, good luck. Those concrete car stops are a huge pain to install and remove. They’re heavy and often enough require demolition just to remove.

What’s the alternative to concrete?

Lucky for you, with advancements in technology and a growing focus on sustainability, more durable and environmentally friendly alternatives have emerged. Recycled rubber wheel stops, particularly our innovative RubberForm wheel stops, look nicer, last longer, and are infinitely easier to install, remove, and maintain.

One of the key advantages of RubberForm Wheel Stops over concrete is their transportation costs. Concrete is heavy and challenging to install, which can significantly impact your budget. On the other hand, our Wheel Stops weigh a mere 23 pounds, making them a lightweight alternative to the 200+ pound concrete wheel stops. This translates to lower transportation costs to your job site and reduced installation expenses. What’s more, just one person can easily unload and install our Wheel Stops, saving you time and resources.

Installing a concrete wheel stop typically requires heavy machinery like a forklift, Bobcat, or front loader, along with multiple people to maneuver it into position. This not only adds to the installation costs but also complicates the process. In contrast, our RubberForm Wheel Stops can be effortlessly unloaded, set into place, and installed by a single individual. Thanks to their manageable weight, there is no need to worry about accidents or injuries during the installation process. Unlike concrete, our Wheel Stops do not chip, crack, crumble, or corrode, ensuring a safer and hassle-free experience.

Why we love our wheel stops:

• 100% American recycled materials
• So easy to install your grandparents could do it (not that we recommend that)
• Durable in the rain, ice, or snow
• Look amazing with those bright color polygons (which we can customize for you!)

Love our planet? Ditch concrete.

Another significant advantage of RubberForm’s Wheel Stops lies in their sustainable composition. We take pride in manufacturing our products using 100% recycled materials. By doing so, we divert four tires from ending up in landfills for each Wheel Stop we produce. Concrete, on the other hand, is not recyclable and is more prone to damage. Once concrete is damaged, it needs to be removed and discarded, contributing to waste and environmental concerns. 

With our Wheel Stops, you can rest assured that you are not only investing in high-quality products but also making a positive impact on the environment. Furthermore, our Wheel Stops come with a 5-year product warranty (and the color polygons have a lifetime warranty), ensuring their longevity and durability. Even if they are hit by a car, they won’t break down, chip, or crack. Additionally, our Wheel Stops feature molded-in plastic colored polygons, enhancing visibility and further enhancing safety.

Are you ready to truly love your parking lot?

Make the smart choice for your parking lot needs and choose RubberForm’s Recycled Rubber Wheel Stops. Upgrade your parking area with durable, sustainable, and visually appealing solutions that prioritize safety and longevity. 

Brand your lot with wheel stop polygons made in your custom colors and even printed with your custom logo! You can offer your customers an incredible branded experience, and it helps set the frame of mind for your team too!

Customizing is easy:

1. Send Pantone/CMYK numbers for custom color
2. Send high quality images and graphic standards for custom logo
3. Enjoy an incredible branded experience from parking to purchase

When you’re ready for the safest, greenest, simplest, most customizable wheel stops on the planet, call us or send a message. We can’t wait to help you perfect your parking lot.