How To Choose a Flagpole
Tips, Tricks, & the Flagpole Finder!

If you know the specifications you are looking for, quickly find flagpoles with one of our Flagpole Finders (NOVICE or EXPERT). Find the best flagpoles for your budget and location by following our step by step help! If you want to start from the beginning or if you are still in the research phase, read on...

Types of Flagpoles

There are several types of flagpoles. The most common are in-ground flagpoles with an external halyard (or exposed rope) system. You can upgrade to an internal halyard (or concealed rope) system if you're looking for a more upscale option. The second kind of flagpole is the wall mount flagpole. These flagpoles are mounted above ground to a wall or surface. Finally, for harbors, marinas and waterfront properties, there is the traditional nautical flagpole. These flagpoles have various crossbeam attachments (i.e. a yardarm or gaff) to fly multiple flags.

Flagpole Finishes

Choose between standard spun aluminum flagpoles or fiberglass flagpoles. Satin (or spun aluminum) is our standard finish and has no coating or protection. To get protection for the flagpole, you can have the flagpole anodized. This process helps prevent staining or scratching. You can have the flagpole anodized in silver (clear), bronze, or black. Fiberglass comes in brilliant white only.

Height (or Length)

Determining the appropriate height for a flagpole can be a bit of a challenge. A good place to start is to figure out what size flag you want to fly. The standard flag size is 5' x 8'. Certain flagpoles are more suitable for certain flag sizes than others. The most common height for a flagpole is between 20 and 30 feet. Displays with multiple flagpoles will typically have one flagpole that is five or ten feet taller to display the American Flag. A good size flagpole helps to frame the entrance of a building. In some cases, that flagpole crests the roofline. In other cases, it matches the entrance awning. For wall mounted flagpoles (outrigger), consider the sidewalk or space out front.

Wall Thickness

The wall thickness of a flagpole has a lot to do with its durability in heavy storms. In a heavy windstorm you always want to take the flag down. A flagpole has a rating for maximum wind speed with and without a flag (see Wind Zone below); the thicker the flagpole wall, the heavier-duty the flagpole is.

Butt Diameter

Butt diameter has two primary functions. Just like wall thickness, it wider butt diameters make the flagpole stronger. A wider butt diameter also makes the flagpole have a more substantial appearance. The tapered flagpole has a really nice contrasting effect with the flags. If the flagpole butt diameter is too skinny, it can look disproportionate to the flag. The right butt diameter really depends on your location and desired effect.

Wind Zone

Every flagpole has two wind zone ratings: one with a flag (flagged) and one without a flag (unflagged). This wind zone rating corresponds with the Wind Chart above. The Wind Chart shows you what your flagpole (unflagged) should be rated for. This gives you a pretty good guideline for how heavy-duty you'll need to go.

When looking for a flagpole with our NOVICE Flagpole Finder, it is important to find ones that meet the maximum steady wind speed found in your area. To do this, find your wind zone in the Wind Chart. There are nine wind zones: 85 mph, 90 mph, 100 mph, 105 mph, 110 mph, 120 mph, 130 mph, 140 mph, and 150 mph. The 90 mph wind zone is the most common and covers the majority of the United States. Once you have selected a wind zone, each flagpole will be marked whether or not it meets the maximum steady wind speeds in your area.