5 Common Corner Guard Installation Mistakes in the UK (and How to Avoid Them

25th Jun 2025

5 Common Mistakes When Installing Corner Guards in the UK (and How to Avoid Them)

Corner guards are a smart investment — helping protect walls, reduce maintenance, and improve safety in busy UK environments such as NHS facilities, schools, warehouses, and commercial buildings. But if they’re installed incorrectly, they can fail to do their job — and may need replacing sooner than expected.

Whether you’re a facilities manager, installer, or contractor, this guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls when installing wall corner protectors. Here are five key mistakes to watch out for — and how to get it right first time.

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Corner Guard

The mistake: Using a one-size-fits-all solution.

Different UK environments demand different materials and specifications. For example:

NHS hospitals: Require hygienic, easy-clean, antimicrobial guards in line with HTM 66
Schools and nurseries: Choose soft, flexible, child-safe designs in accordance with DfE guidance
Warehouses and car parks: Use heavy-duty PVC, rubber, or stainless steel for high-impact protection

How to avoid it: Match the guard’s material and fixings to the environment:

Impact and traffic levels
Hygiene and cleaning requirements
Fire rating and British Standards compliance (e.g. BS 8300, Class 0 or 1)

Need help choosing? Read our full Corner Guard Specification Guide.

2. Using the Wrong Fixing Method

The mistake: Using adhesive where mechanical fixings are needed — or vice versa.

How to avoid it:

Adhesive fixings: Use on smooth, painted internal walls (plasterboard, tiles)
Mechanical fixings: Use on uneven or textured surfaces such as brick or concrete
Both methods: Ideal for high-traffic or critical environments (e.g. hospital corridors)

Note: In listed or heritage buildings, mechanical fixings may be restricted. Always check with your local authority or building control.

3. Not Cleaning the Surface Properly

The mistake: Skipping proper surface prep before installing adhesive guards.

How to avoid it:

Clean the wall with isopropyl alcohol or degreaser
Ensure the surface is dry — especially important in older UK buildings with potential damp
Remove dust, flaking paint, or grease for maximum adhesion

4. Installing at the Wrong Height

The mistake: Mounting guards too low or too high to be effective.

How to avoid it: Choose the right height for the setting:

NHS/Commercial: 1200–1500mm from finished floor level (common dado rail height)
Schools: Match height to children — 700–1000mm for primary age, up to 1200mm for secondary
Industrial: Consider full-height protection or crash rails in logistics and factory settings

Think about trolleys, wheelchairs, pushchairs, or school bags — install guards where these are likely to make contact with corners.

5. Ignoring Aesthetics and Regulations

The mistake: Using guards that clash with décor or fall short of legal requirements.

How to avoid it:

Use contrasting colours to help visually impaired users — as per BS 8300
Ensure guards are Class 0 or Class 1 fire-rated (especially in corridors, stairwells, and fire exits)
Comply with Part M of the Building Regulations, and HTM guidance in healthcare settings

Bonus Tip: Don’t Miss the High-Risk Corners

Installers often overlook areas such as:

Escape routes and fire exit corridors (check Approved Document B)
Back-of-house corridors and loading zones
Under classroom windowsills or by doorways in primary schools

Need Help With Specification or Installation?

We supply corner guards to NHS Trusts, schools, logistics hubs, retail fit-outs, and public sector projects across the UK.

Final Thoughts

Corner guard installation isn’t complicated — but getting it wrong can lead to costly repairs and non-compliance. By avoiding these five common mistakes, you’ll save time, reduce rework, and keep your walls protected for years to come.