A guard shack is more than a checkpoint — it’s a customized security hub that needs to match the unique demands of your facility. Whether you’re overseeing a busy distribution center, a military base, or a corporate campus, the right features in your guard booth can improve safety, efficiency, and even comfort for staff.
Here’s a look at the most common optional guard house features available — and where they make the biggest impact.
1. Bullet & Blast Resistance
- Where it’s needed: Government buildings, embassies, military installations, high-risk corporate sites.
- Why: Adds a critical layer of protection for security staff in high-threat environments. Prefabricated bullet-resistant guard booths can be built to UL or NIJ ballistic standards.
2. Full Customization & Cosmetic Enhancements
- Where it’s needed: Corporate headquarters, universities, gated communities.
- Why: Security shouldn’t look out of place. Custom roofing, real brick exteriors, and cosmetic enhancements help the guard shack blend with the architecture while still delivering security.
3. Advanced Security & Camera Systems
- Where it’s needed: Airports, ports, logistics hubs, correctional facilities.
- Why: Integrated camera systems and access control technology allow guards to monitor multiple zones without leaving the booth. Perfect for facilities that need 24/7 surveillance.
4. Guard Shacks on Trailers (Mobile Guard Booths)
- Where it’s needed: Construction sites, temporary events, disaster response zones.
- Why: Mobility is key when the site layout changes frequently. A mobile guard shack on a trailer can be repositioned as access points move.
5. Gun Ports
- Where it’s needed: Military bases, sensitive research facilities, high-threat checkpoints.
- Why: Not common for every site, but critical in specialized applications where defensive measures may be necessary.
6. Quick Ship Structures
- Where it’s needed: Emergency projects, disaster relief, fast-moving construction sites.
- Why: Prefabricated guard houses can be shipped quickly to get security on-site within days, not weeks.
7. Built-in Restrooms & Enhanced Desk Space
- Where it’s needed: Remote facilities, large campuses, industrial parks.
- Why: Guards often work long shifts. Built-in restrooms and ergonomic desk setups improve comfort and reduce downtime for staff.
8. Extra Doors, Sliding Windows & Gate Arms
- Where it’s needed: High-traffic entry points at ports, manufacturing plants, or stadiums.
- Why: Additional access points make it easier for guards to move in and out, while sliding windows and integrated gate arms streamline communication and vehicle checks.
9. Bollards & Perimeter Enhancements
- Where it’s needed: Government agencies, data centers, power plants.
- Why: Bollards and reinforced barriers protect the booth and entry lane from vehicle ramming attacks or accidental collisions.
10. Constructed From Scratch or Standard Models
- Where it’s needed: Any facility with unique design or compliance requirements.
- Why: Some clients prefer a custom guard shack built entirely from scratch; others choose standard prefab guard booths for affordability and speed.
Choosing the Right Guard Shack Features
The best guard shack isn’t just a shelter — it’s a customized security solution. By choosing the right features, from bullet resistance to mobile trailer mounting, you can adapt your prefab guard booth to the unique demands of your site.
Whether you’re protecting a corporate entrance, securing a construction site, or fortifying a government facility, there’s a guard house configuration that can meet your needs.