Parking stops are the formed concrete or rubber obstructions in many parking lots that are placed at the head of each parking spot. Some people may not even know what I’m talking about due to the fact that many commercial properties don’t use them anymore, despite the fact that most commercial paving contractors will recommend them.

Parking stops are traditionally made of concrete, but have since been developed out of plastic and rubber. All three have benefits associated with them as a commercial paving product, but they all have the same purpose. They serve to stop a vehicle from going too far and possibly hitting something at the head of the parking spot. It could be the car in the spot over, a structure, or a curb that is too high that could damage a person’s bumper. Commercial paving contractors all have their preferences, as to which material option is best for each application.

The concrete parking stops are heavy and durable. They will surely do the job and last a long time, but the need to be painted from time to time, or if they’re chipped or cracked, replaced. Concrete repair could be a possibility, but may not necessarily be worth it. Finally, maintenance to the lot itself could be hampered by these heavy concrete blocks scattered across the parking lot. Often, parking stops must be removed to perform basic asphalt repairs.

Plastic is much lighter, but with that brings less durability. Plastic parking stops may not hold up to heavier vehicles either. Cheap can be good, but for a commercial paving product, not the first choice of most.