How to Choose the Right Flexstake Delineator: A Buyer's Guide to Posts, Mounts & Applications
Flexible delineators may look simple, but choosing the right one involves more than selecting a post height and color.
Where will it be installed? Will it be mounted on pavement or driven into soil? Is it likely to be struck by vehicles? Does it need reflective sheeting? Is it being used along a roadway, in a parking area, at an airport, near a fire hydrant or for another specialized application?
Flexstake offers a wide range of flexible delineators and markers designed for different environments. Understanding those differences can help you choose a product that performs well for the application—and avoid replacing the wrong type of delineator over and over again.
Here are some of the most important things to consider before ordering.
Why Use a Flexible Delineator?
Traditional rigid posts can be damaged when struck by a vehicle, snowplow or maintenance equipment. Depending on the installation, the impact can also damage the vehicle or mounting hardware.
Flexible delineators are designed differently.
Flexstake products use flexible post and hinge technologies that allow many models to bend when impacted and return toward their original position. For locations where posts are likely to encounter vehicles or equipment, that ability can reduce the need for frequent replacement.
That makes flexible delineators useful for applications including:
- Highway and roadway delineation
- Lane separation and traffic guidance
- Parking lots and parking garages
- Medians and islands
- Driveways and private roads
- Utility locations
- Airports and taxiways
- Fire hydrant identification
- Guardrails
- Golf courses and grounds
The important part is selecting the Flexstake model designed for the particular application.
Start With the Installation Surface
One of the easiest ways to narrow your choices is to ask a simple question:
Where will the delineator be installed?
Surface-Mount Flexstake Delineators
Surface-mounted delineators are designed for installation on surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
These are commonly used where a visible flexible marker is needed but driving a post into the ground isn't practical.
Applications can include parking lots, roadways, medians, traffic islands and other paved areas.
Flexstake offers several surface-mount configurations, including models designed for repeated impacts and applications where 360-degree visibility is beneficial.
Soil-Anchor and Ground-Mount Delineators
For roadside shoulders, grassy areas and other locations where the delineator can be installed into the ground, a soil-anchor delineator or drive-in system may make more sense.
These systems eliminate the need for a surface-mounted base and can provide an efficient solution for long runs of roadside delineators.
When choosing between surface and ground mounting, consider not only installation cost but also what the post will encounter throughout its service life—traffic, mowing equipment, snow removal, weather and routine maintenance.
Consider How Often the Delineator May Be Hit
Not every location exposes a delineator to the same level of impact.
A marker installed well outside the normal vehicle path has very different requirements from one separating traffic lanes or positioned near turning vehicles.
For higher-impact applications, Flexstake offers products specifically designed to withstand repeated vehicle contact.
This is where looking only at the initial purchase price can be misleading.
A less expensive post that needs frequent replacement may ultimately cost more than a flexible delineator designed for repeated impacts. Replacement also involves labor, equipment and potentially sending a crew back to the site.
When evaluating cost, consider the total cost over the life of the installation, not simply the price of the post.
Choose the Right Shape and Visibility
Flexstake delineators are available in different post designs.
Flat-profile delineators provide a broad surface for reflective sheeting and are commonly used for roadway delineation. Flexstake’s SM700 & TM600 series are examples of this design.
Tubular markers provide visibility from multiple directions and can be especially useful where traffic approaches from more than one angle. These include Flexstake’s SM750 & TM650 series.
Color and reflective sheeting should also be selected according to the application, project specifications and applicable regulations.
Reflective sheeting can dramatically improve nighttime visibility by returning light from vehicle headlights toward approaching drivers. Flexstake uses 3M high intensity grade reflective.
Before ordering for a public roadway or government project, always check the project specifications and applicable federal, state or local requirements.
Don't Overlook Post Height
More height isn't automatically better.
The correct delineator height depends on its purpose, installation location, visibility requirements and project specifications.
A shorter marker may work well in a parking or specialized application, while highway delineation may require a considerably taller post.
Snowfall can also be a consideration. In areas where snow accumulation may obscure shorter markers, taller delineators or specialized markers may provide better seasonal visibility. Most Flexstake delineators are available in heights ranging from 19 to 60 inches.
Flexstake Isn't Just for Highways
One reason the Flexstake line is so useful is the variety of applications available within the same product family.
Airport and Taxiway Markers
Airports require highly visible markers capable of performing in an environment where durability, visibility and specialized specifications matter.
Flexstake manufactures flexible airport markers specifically for these applications, including surface-mounted options.
Fire Hydrant Markers
Finding a hydrant quickly can become difficult when snow, vegetation or other obstructions reduce visibility.
Flexible fire-hydrant markers provide an elevated visual target that can make hydrants easier to locate while offering flexibility if the marker is struck.
These markers come in a US and a Canadian version.
Guardrail Delineators
Flexible markers can also be used with guardrail systems to improve nighttime and low-light roadway guidance.
Utility and Property Marking
These specialized Flexstake markers may not flex in the same manner as most Flexstake roadway delineators.
That versatility is one reason Flexstake products are used far beyond traditional highway applications. These Flexstake markers do not flex like the most of the Flexstake delineators.
Are Flexstake Delineators DOT Approved?
This is an important question—and one where the answer needs to be specific.
Various Flexstake models are included on approved or qualified product lists maintained by state transportation agencies. However, approval is model-specific and can vary by state and application.
Never assume that every Flexstake product is automatically approved for every DOT project.
If you're purchasing delineators for a state, municipal or federally funded project, check the applicable project specifications and current approved-products list to confirm the exact model required.
SC Supply can also help identify the appropriate Flexstake product for your application.
A Simple Flexstake Selection Checklist
Before placing an order, answer these questions:
- Where will the delineator be installed? Asphalt, concrete, soil, guardrail or another surface?
- What is its purpose? Roadway delineation, lane separation, parking, airport use, hydrant identification or utility marking?
- How much impact is expected? Occasional contact or repeated vehicle strikes?
- What height is required?
- What color is required?
- Is reflective sheeting needed?
- Are there DOT, MUTCD, FAA, state or project-specific requirements?
- How many delineators are required?
Answering those questions makes choosing the right Flexstake product considerably easier.
Need Help Choosing a Flexstake Product?
SC Supply Company has been supplying traffic-safety equipment to contractors, municipalities, government agencies and other organizations for more than 25 years.
We carry a broad selection of Flexstake delineators and markers, including flexible roadway delineators, surface-mount and ground-mount products, airport markers, fire-hydrant markers and other specialized Flexstake products.
If you already know the model you need, browse our Flexstake Products online.
If you're not sure which Flexstake model is right for your application, call SC Supply Company at 800-640-1843. We'll help you narrow the choices based on your installation, application and project requirements.
For larger quantities, DOT projects or special requirements, request a quote and let us help you put together the right Flexstake solution.
