Buying guide
Portable vs surface-mount delineator posts
Both mark an edge with a narrow upright post. One moves with the job; the other stays in place for months or years.
| Portable (rubber base) | Surface mount | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Set it down | Adhesive or anchor bolts |
| When hit | Knocks over, reset by hand | Bends and springs back |
| Up-front cost | Post plus base | Post plus install labor |
| Best duration | Hours to weeks | Months to years |
| Common use | Work zones, events | Bike lanes, medians, garages |
Portable posts
Use them when the layout changes, such as daily lane closures, event lanes and temporary detours.
Surface-mount posts
Use them for anything permanent or semi-permanent where you do not want staff resetting knocked-over posts.
Bottom line
Temporary job, buy portable. Lane that stays, buy surface mount.
Questions
How far apart should delineators be?
In a work zone taper, spacing in feet is roughly equal to the speed limit in mph. For permanent lane separation, follow your engineer or local standard, often 10 to 40 ft.
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