When one is selecting a barricade, one wants to consider a number of different variables and factors. Some of these concern durability and strength; one must look at what the barricade is supposed to keep out, and select accordingly. Another factor is the look and design of the barricade. One needs to think about what the area around the barricade looks like, and then decide if the barricade should fit in so as to be unobtrusive or if it should stand out so that people know not to try and go beyond it. One also needs to consider price, though there are many barricades available and all should be able to find one within the range they are willing to spend.

First, one needs to think about the strength of the barricade. If it is a barricade for keeping small children from going down a flight of stairs, the actual barricade does not need to be that heavy or thick. A child will not be able to break it or push through it. What does need to be strong, however, are the clasps that hook the barricade to the wall. These are sometimes spring-loaded and are other times moved outward through a turning thread, like a screw with a rubber pad on the end. Whatever the case, one must make sure that children will be able to put their weight against it without pushing it away from the wall and knocking it over.

If the barricade is for crowd control in the street, one of the long barricades that look like sawhorses, it will need to be stronger. These need to withstand the weight of full-grown adults, as well as the occasional impact of cars. They need to be fastened together well and to be rather robust. They should also be light enough to be moved around, though not so light that the boards will break in half easily.

As far as looks are concerned, the outdoor barricades used for crowd control, the ones that go in the street, should be brightly colored. This way, people and cars can see them a long way off. They do not need to look appealing; perhaps it is better if they do not, as people will be more prone to notice them. Indoors, however, a barricade to keep a child off the stairs should either look appealing or nondescript. White is a preferable color, with wood trim. This way, the barricade won't ruin the color scheme or decoration of the house. It will just blend in so that most people will not notice it. This is also good because, if it does not draw attention to itself, children will be less curious and much less prone to go near it in the first place.

All in all, barricades can look very different depending on their setting and what they are needed to do. A barricade to keep cars away from private land must be strong and lock; a barricade for children must be more casual. Either way, there are many excellent barricades to choose from.