7 Factors to Consider When Buying a Flagpole

Installing a flagpole is a big decision, so we recommend learning as much as possible before choosing the right one. We’ve compiled a list of factors and tips to help you evaluate your options.

Table of Contents:

1. FLAGPOLE HEIGHT
2. FLAGPOLE LOCATION
3. LEGALITY
4. FLAGPOLE FINISH
5. FLAGPOLE STYLE
6. FLAGPOLE COST
7. FREIGHT OR SHIPPING COSTS
8. BONUS TIP

1. FLAGPOLE HEIGHT

Residential buildings are usually 10 feet per story. Commercial stories are a little higher, averaging about 12 feet. When selecting a flag pole, you should aim for the pole height to be at least slightly higher than the building itself. You'd probably want a 25' flagpole if you have a two-story home. A 25' or 30’ flagpole will be a great start if you have a two-story office building - with our 30 ft flag pole being the most popular choice. Make sure to factor in the size of your roof as well.

Remember, most flagpoles are permanent structures. After you pour the cement, you won't want to upgrade any time soon, so choose carefully! If you need help selecting, call us, and a flagpole expert can lead you in the right direction and get you a shipping quote.

2. FLAGPOLE LOCATION

Each property and location is unique to the customer, making flagpole placement different for everyone. However, there are recommendations to follow to help with the decision-making process.

Choosing a Safe Site: Ensure there are no buried structures or utilities and no overhanging wires. Site safety will most likely be looked into when acquiring a permit. You can also look at your land survey. Don't forget to call 811. A representative from your state will help ensure that the spot is safe.

Let It Stand Out: Ensure nothing is around it, including trees, plants, bushes, shrubs, or anything that can steal away from its spotlight or cause physical damage.

Prepare the Site: You want soil as firm and well-drained as possible. The foundation is less likely to shift if you avoid loose soil.

Ask a Professional: You can always contact your construction professional to answer your questions. Google is an excellent source to find a licensed professional near you.

3. LEGALITY

Getting a Permit: Check with your municipality and county to determine if a permit is required for your industrial flag pole. If you have an HOA, you will also need to check with them to see if they have any regulations.

Check Regulations: Although some states or counties might not require you to get a permit, they may require you to follow specific rules and regulations - such as height limitations and requirements.

Call 811: 811 is the national call-before-you-dig phone number and is a free service provided by your state. A representative will ask you simple questions about the location and details of your digging project. Please note that this process can take up to 2 weeks.

Hire a Trustworthy Contractor: A licensed contractor should be able to help you with all the steps you need to install your flagpole. They should also know about your local laws and regulations.

4. FLAGPOLE FINISH

Aluminum Flagpoles: Standard flagpoles come with a matte satin aluminum finish. However, if you live near saltwater and ocean air, you might want to consider choosing an anodized finish.

Anodized Flagpoles: Clear anodization is an electrochemical process that converts the satin-finished aluminum flagpole to make it more durable when exposed to elements like salt water and ocean air. Clear anodized poles are also available in natural silver, dark bronze, or black.

Fiberglass Flagpoles: You might be interested in our fiberglass option if you’re looking for a white pole. Fiberglass flagpoles are exactly as they sound - they are flagpoles made out of fiberglass.

5. FLAGPOLE STYLE

External halyard flagpoles: An external halyard flagpole system places the rope on the outside of the flagpole, wrapped over a pulley system.

• Benefits: External halyard flagpoles enable easy operation, allowing the flag to be displayed and move up or down as required. They are also wind-rated, allowing you to choose a flagpole that works in your climate.
• Drawbacks: The rope can wear out over time and must be replaced.

Internal halyard flagpoles: An internal halyard flagpole system conceals the rope inside the flagpole. These flagpoles typically use a rope with a wired center or a stainless steel cable.

• Benefits: Internal halyard flagpoles offer a more streamlined look while providing extra security. Like the external halyard flagpoles, these flagpoles are also wind-rated.
• Drawbacks: The price tag can be higher because these flagpoles involve additional mechanisms.

Nautical flagpoles: These flagpoles are great for commercial use and are designed to look like a ship’s mast. Nautical flagpoles are made of tapered aluminum and include either a yardarm or a yardarm & gaff.

• Benefits: Nautical flagpoles are great for flying multiple flags simultaneously. As with the internal and external halyard flagpoles, nautical flagpoles are wind-rated.
• Drawbacks: These flagpoles have a particular look. If you don't want a nautical theme, these might not be the right choice.

Sectional flagpoles: These flagpoles are great for residential or light commercial use.

• Benefits: Sectional flagpoles are affordable yard flag pole options for those on a budget.
• Drawbacks: These flagpoles are not wind-rated.

Telescoping flagpoles: A retractable flag pole can raise and lower with the drop of a button or twist of a joint, making them an easily adjustable yard flag pole.

• Benefits: You can collapse your flagpole to protect it if it is very windy.
• Drawbacks: At any height, these flagpoles are not wind-rated.

6. FLAGPOLE COST

Flagpole costs can vary widely depending on the type you choose to install, so there’s a flagpole to fit every budget!

If you plan to limit your budget, a telescoping, a.k.a. extendable flag pole may be the right choice. For these poles, expect costs ranging from $500 to $850, depending on pole height and durability. Additionally, many of the sectional and telescoping flagpoles qualify for our free shipping program! While these flagpoles are cost-effective, they require more regular maintenance and should be disassembled during inclement weather.

Inground flagpoles, such as nautical, external, and internal halyard systems, are available in different price brackets. For example, a 20 ft flag pole with an external halyard may cost around $750, while an 80’ internal halyard flagpole could cost up to $35,000! The price depends mainly on the flagpole's height and the pole's style and finish. Thus, a nautical 20' flag pole may cost significantly more than a 20ft flag pole with an external halyard. 30 ft flag poles, our best-selling height, generally cost $1,250 to $4,000, depending on the flagpole type. A 25’ flag pole, an excellent option for two-story residential houses, ranges from about $850 to $3,900.

7. FREIGHT OR SHIPPING COSTS

Lastly, freight costs are often overlooked when buying a flagpole. Most inground flagpoles must ship in a freight truck like an 18-wheeler.

On average, we have found freight charges range from $450 to $600 per pole. The larger the flagpole, the more space it takes up and the higher the freight costs.

Fill out the form provided below to request a personalized quote. Otherwise, the quote for freight costs will be provided to you after placing your order.

A few of our smaller flagpoles, such as residential wall-mounted, telescoping, and sectional poles, qualify for free shipping as they are more easily shipped in packages using regular mail.

BONUS TIP

If you plan on flying the American flag from your new pole, did you know the US Flag Code recommends taking it down from sunset to sunrise? An alternative is illuminating the flag during dark hours using a solar LED flagpole light. If you want to pair your pole with flagpole solar lighting for nighttime use, we carry solar lights for flagpoles and other useful flagpole hardware.

When you’ve been doing the same job for 30+ years, you might use terminology that most people don’t know. We’ve compiled a list of essential flagpole terms and a flagpole FAQ page, but you can also contact us with any questions.