DEMARCATION STUDS: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW ARE THEY USED?

You might not have paid much attention or even heard of demarcation studs before, but you’ve definitely seen them around. Have a look at pavements as you’re walking around and you’ll probably notice little metal objects in the ground. Or you’re in the car park and notice the space isn’t defined by lines, but by silver protrusions. They work in subtle ways, but offer key benefits that you probably haven’t considered before. You have just discovered demarcation studs. Now read on to find out more about them. DEMARCATION STUDS AND THEIR USES Demarcation studs are small objects that you’ll usually find in brass and steel materials. They are inserted into drilled holes in the ground and have a variety of different uses. Sportsmark offers a range of different sized studs for whatever your needs are. Here are a few examples of demarcation stud uses: DELINEATE WALKWAYS AND BOUNDARIES Demarcation studs primary function is to delineate walkways and indicate boundaries. This is incredibly useful for those who are visually impaired, with approximately 1 million people in the UK being blind or partially sighted. They can rely on tactical information, like a change of texture underfoot, to indicate where to walk. You might see them used at a train station to indicate the edge of a platform or on crossings to indicate the area pedestrians should be walking in. Studs can be used to mark an area outside a restaurant or bar for their seating. Studs can safely control the movement and direction of people and cyclists, making them move around the seating area without realising. For example, anti-skate studs are designed to protect buildings and architecture from skaters. They create unstable surfaces not ideal for skating to deter unsafe behaviour or potential trespassing. Demarcation studs can be retrofitted into existing streetscapes with ease and because of their subtle style, will have little impact on the established aesthetic of the space, enhancing it rather than ruining it. SOCIAL DISTANCING & SAFETY Demarcation studs can be a very easy and useful method to support social distancing. They are a stylish way to mark out two-metre gaps between the public, guiding them to distance themselves from others. Cones and barriers provide only a short term solution that could easily be altered or moved by the public, but demarcation studs are a permanent and immovable method of spacing people out. They are also a lot more aesthetically pleasing than cones and barriers, which often are unsightly or can get damaged easily. SPEED REDUCERS While not as effective as a typical speed bump, demarcation studs are still a great method to get cars to reduce their speed. Any form of hazard visible on a road should encourage cars to slow down, so a line of demarcation studs at the start of a street or entrance to a car park should ensure drivers reduce their speed as they enter. PARKING BAYS Demarcation studs are a great way to spruce up your car park or parking bays. They can be used to mark out bays with a stylish stainless steel finish, giving them a contemporary look. Unlike using paint to mark out a bay, using demarcation studs won’t tarnish over time. They won’t be affected by constant tyres going over them or damage from the weather. This will save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to pay to re-mark your spaces every time they start to fade. Demarcation studs can be easily cleaned with household products in the rare case they become dirty or scuffed. Due to their metal finish, they can also be seen easily in low light, perfect for car parks with no lighting or just on the street when no lights are on. By being slightly raised, a driver can feel if they are out of the bounds of the space easily, without having to lean out awkwardly to check if they’re within the lines. ACCOUNTABILITY If your facility has a car park or is responsible for car parking, you are legally obliged to ensure these areas can be used safely by the public. If any accident or incident occurs on your property that could’ve been prevented with the use of demarcation studs, you will be held accountable. An example could be two cars colliding if there is no clear indication of parking boundaries. This is why having demarcation studs can provide you peace of mind, as if any accident occurs, you’ll know it wasn’t because of your lack of demarcation studs. WHAT DEMARCATION STUDS SPORTSMARK STOCKS Our studs are designed to meet the recognised requirements for tactile surfacing ensuring that walkways are safely marked for the visually impaired. 25mm Diameter – Our smallest size demarcation stud. This stud is 6mm high with sloped edges and a flat top that measures 14mm in diameter. The shank is 30mm long and 9mm in diameter. This type of stud is available in both brass and stainless steel and offers a bulk pricing discount. While a smaller amount could cost you up to £4.95 per stud, a larger order could reduce this price to just £2.00 per stud. 50mm Diameter – Our medium-sized demarcation stud. These domed heads are 50mm in diameter with a 6mm high flat area measuring 27mm in diameter. The shank is also 30mm long. Buying in bulk is also recommended, with small purchases costing £9.00 per stud and larger orders for as little as £5.00 per stud. They are available in stainless steel and brass. 100mm Diameter – These are our largest demarcation stud size, with a 100mm diameter, a 19mm high head and 15mm dome height. The shank is longer than our other studs, 50mm long with an 8mm diameter. This size stud is only available in stainless steel, but bulk discounts still apply. The highest price they reach is £19.00 per stud, which can be reduced to £13.50 if you order more. HOW TO INSTALL DEMARCATION STUDS If you are installing multiple demarcation studs, ensure you know the exact locations you’re using before any work begins. You don’t want to end up drilling holes in the wrong location. If you’re installing in a row, consider drawing a chalk line and marking equal distances on it so you know the precise locations. This will ensure the studs look uniform upon installation. Drill a hole of 10-12mm diameter to a depth of 35mm for our two smaller studs or 55mm for the 100mm diameter stud. It needs to be deep enough for the shank to be completely inserted in. Clear all dust and debris from the surface and interior of the hole. This could impact how secure your stud is. Blowing air into the hole is a great way to force out any debris, while a simple dustpan and brush can handle the outside dust. Apply a small amount of 2-pack epoxy adhesive to the hole and the surface area around the hole. You want to have enough to fill the hole but not so it all begins to spill out when you insert the stud. Press the stud into the hole and push firmly until it is flush to the surface and level. Clean away any excess adhesive around the stud and leave it to dry. Appreciate the sleek finish and professionalism of your new demarcation studs. SPORTSMARK: YOUR HOME FOR DEMARCATION TACTILE STUDS & TRACK AND FIELD EQUIPMENT Sportsmark has been supplying sports equipment and installing line marking solutions since 1959. Our decades of experience make us the go-to company that our customers keep returning to over and over again for our stellar bulk pricing deals. We are the premier supplier of sports equipment, with our bowling green range being one of the most innovative in the business. So give us a call now on 08000 197 733 to find out how our experienced staff can help you with any sports equipment or road marking needs. Alternatively, check out our website for our full range of products and explore how our bulk buy discounts can save you a significant amount of money.

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