Flagpole Buying Guide

How To Choose The Right Flagpole

A flag on your property is part of an identity statement. Choosing a flag comes easy. But finding the right flagpole may be a tad difficult. There are multiple considerations, from location, material, height, style and budget. We want to make this process easier for you, so we have covered all the information you need to know right here in this flagpole buying guide.

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1. Residential or Commercial Flagpole

A commercial flagpole is of two kinds - a flex pole made with fiberglass or an extruded aluminum one with an external rope and cleat system for the lowering and raising the flag. The rope-and-cleat flagpole is one of the most common versions across the world.

The telescopic commercial flagpole sways in the wind and is very effective as an attention-getter at public events, in outdoor restaurants and outside business establishments. The flex flagpole comes in various colors and designs and can be used either with special commercial advertising flags or the Stars & Stripes.Stripes.Stripes.

Residential flagpoles are a lovely way to add patriotic beauty to your home and are available in many different designs. From in-ground flagpoles for the yard, to wall-mounted flagpoles for the porch. If you want to display a flag at home, then a residential flagpole is the one for you.

2. Flagpole Height and Strength: What You Need To Know

For a good flagpole of the regular rope and cleat variety, choose the height and pole's strength carefully. The height of the flagpole must complement the buildings it will be surrounded by. You can consider the pole's strength according to a wind speed chart that a flag kit manufacturer can provide easily.

This kind of a flagpole can range in height from 20 to 70 feet. The cost can go from $250 to $7,500. Rooftop flagpoles should not be too long and ground poles should not be too short. Before you buy a commercial flagpole ensure that it is in non-rusting metal.

Sectional Flagpoles

You can also order a flagpole that has different brackets to allow flying the pole at various angles. There is the sectional flagpole that comes as sets of rods that slide into each other. These kinds of flagpoles are easy to store. There is a locking system too so that the flag height and the pole height cannot be tampered with either.

3. Budget

It is important to set a budget for your flagpole project, so that you know what type you are able to afford. The cost of your flagpole will be determined by the material, height, and style of flagpole you choose. Remember that flagpole installation costs will need to be considered too, if you are not doing it yourself.

The average cost for a professionally installed flagpole is $850. But if you are able to install it yourself using a flagpole kit, then the cost is about $500.

4. Flagpole Style

Here are the variety of flagpole styles available to buy so that you can decide on the best one for your requirements:

Telescoping: A telescoping flag is designed with multiple sections or segments that can be extended or retracted. They also feature a lightweight construction that is easier to install, and requires less maintenance. These flagpoles offer increased portability and ease of use, making them a popular choice for residential flag displays and events.

One-Piece: These flagpoles are for in-ground and consist of a single aluminum pole for maximized strength and durability. They are a popular classic flagpole that work perfect for yards and driveways at homes or private properties.

Sectional: A premium quality flagpole that will last for decades to come! They are designed as a set of sectional tubes which fit together for a seamless flagpole construction. Offering more flexibility and ease of installation. You can mount them to any location, and they come in a range of sizes, including 20ft and 25ft.

Hurricane flagpoles: A specially designed flagpole for high wind, coastal areas and hurricanes. Featuring a sturdy, high-grade aluminum pole that can withstand extreme forces and severe weather conditions. Suitable for residential, commercial and government use.

5. Flag Size

The flag size you choose will help to determine the flagpole you’ll need. Generally, the length of the flag should be about 1/3 to 1/4 the height of the flagpole. So, if you plan to fly a 3'x5' flag, a flagpole that is 15 to 20 feet in height is appropriate. Just remember that the taller the flagpole, the larger the flag needs to be.

6. Flagpole Location

Before you buy a flagpole, it is important to consider an ideal location for it first. This involves checking your local regulations regarding flagpole installation, as there may be restrictions on height, location or types of flagpoles you can have in your area. You will need to adhere to all flagpole rules and be considerate of your neighborhood.

Key factors which can influence the location of your flagpole include surrounding buildings, structures, trees, or any wires from telephone poles or power lines.

Also be sure to think about soil and weather conditions prior to installing your flagpole.

7. Flagpole Features

You will need to choose the features you’d like your flagpole to have before buying one. Here is a breakdown on what ones you can choose from.

Halyard System: Decide between an internal halyard (hidden rope) or external halyard (visible rope) system. Internal halyard systems offer security and a cleaner look but are typically more expensive.

Ornament: Consider what type of flagpole ornament (finial) you want as a topper. Common options include eagles, balls, and other decorative elements.

Flagpole Lighting: If you plan to fly the flag at night, consider adding lighting to your flagpole for proper illumination.

8. Flagpole Material

There is a wide range of flagpole materials available which are designed to suit a variety of needs. Check out the most popular flagpole materials below and decide on the ideal option for you.

Aluminum: Aluminum flagpoles are popular due to their durability, low maintenance, and resistance to rust and corrosion. They are also lightweight and easy to install. Aluminum flagpoles are much more customizable and generally have higher wind ratings.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass flagpoles are a good choice for coastal areas, as they resist salt corrosion. They are also lightweight and require little maintenance. Fiberglass flagpoles are also generally less expensive compared to aluminum flagpoles. They are also a little easier to work with due to their lightweight frame.

Steel: Steel flagpoles are incredibly durable, sturdy and are suitable for heavy-duty applications. They can be more expensive and may require more maintenance to prevent rust. If you need a very tall flagpole, steel is an excellent choice. It can support the weight of a large flag and resist bending or flexing, even at great heights.

9. Flagpole Manufacturer Guarantee

You will find a mind-boggling range of flagpoles on the Internet offered with all kinds of discounts by manufacturers. When buying your flag kit via the Internet, verify the credentials of the manufacturer, check if they have a privacy policy and the payment gateway is secure.

You must also order your flagpole and flags from a manufacturer that gives some kind of guarantee for the product. If they have a return policy, ensure that you read it properly. Do not fall for freebie advertisements by hoax manufacturers. Some genuine flag-makers also offer free shipping on bulk purchases.

Sometimes, if you order a flagpole, the manufacturer may allow you to choose a flag for free. The range of flags can include motifs like greetings, quotations, sports teams, historical American ones or your own made-to-order flags with jazzy designs and creative patterns.

Buy Your American Flag Today

Go ahead, get yourself an American flag and make an intellectual statement or support a cause! Or visit our online flag shop at Federal Flags for your ideal display. Feel free to get in touchwith our experts for more advice or information. We’d love to help you.