How Tall Should Your Flagpole Be?
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February 22, 2024 at 2:18:19 PM PST February 22, 2024 at 2:18:19 PM PSTnd, February 22, 2024 at 2:18:19 PM PST
When selecting a flagpole for your home or business, choosing one that is the right size is essential to creating a cohesive and eye-pleasing display. Our latest blog shows you how to choose the correct flagpole size so you can proudly showcase your patriotism.
How to Choose the Right Flagpole Height for Your Home of Business
One of the most common questions we receive at Carrot-Top is, “How tall should a flagpole be?” It’s understandable many people want to ensure they are flying their American flag on a pole that fits their flag's size and matches the surrounding area.
To ensure you create a stunning flag display, one suggestion is to install an in-ground flagpole 5’ to 10’ taller than the nearest structure. Doing so will prevent wind blockage and provide a stronger visual impact.
The taller the building, the larger the flagpole should be. If you’re unsure about the height of the structure, you can use this simple trick. Count the number of floors and multiply by ten since commercial buildings have a height of 10’ to 14’ between floors. So, for example, if a building has five stories, you can assume it is between 50’ and 70’ tall.
This trick is a good guideline for smaller buildings. Larger buildings may want to opt for a smaller flagpole based on the chart below.
Keep in mind these are general recommendations, and you can make your flagpole taller or shorter depending on your personal preference, budget, and the level of patriotic statement you wish to make. Check out this chart for a quick reference on pole size and building height.
Pole Sized | Height of the Building | Flag Size (two flags) | Max Flag Size (for flying one flag only) |
15' | 1 story | 2’ x 3’ 12” x 18” | 3’ x 5’ |
20' | 1 to 2 Stories | 3’ x 5’ 2’ x 3’ | 4’ x 6’ |
25' | 2 to 3 Stories | 4’ x 6’ 3’ x 5’ | 5’ x 8’ |
30' | 3 to 5 Stories | 5’ x 8’ 4’ x 6’ | 6’ x 10’ |
35' | 5 to 7 Stories | 6’ x 10’ 5’ x 8’ | 8’ x 12’ |
40' | 8 to 10 Stories | 6’ x 10’ 5’ x 8’ | 8’ x 12’ |
45' | 8 to 10 Stories | 8’ x 12’ 6’ x 10’ | 10’ x 15’ |
50' | 10 to 15 Stories | 8’ x 12’ 6’ x 10’ | 10’ x 15’ |
60' | 15+ Stories | 10’ x 15’ 8’ x 12’ | 12’ x 18’ |
65' | 15+ Stories | 12’ x 18’ 10’ x 15’ | 15’ x 25’ |
70' | 15+ Stories | 12’ x 18’ 10’ x 15’ | 15’ x 25’ |
Check your flagpole specs before choosing to fly multiple flags. Some residential flagpoles are recommended for use with one flag only.
What are the Typical Dimensions of a Commercial Flagpole?
While there is no pre-determined flagpole size in the Flag Code, there are typical dimensions used for displaying the U.S. flag. Small to medium-sized offices generally choose a flagpole between 30’ to 40’ tall, with 40’ models generally used for buildings up to ten stories tall.
For large structures with ten or more stories, you may want to select a flagpole that is 50’ to 60’ or taller. Carrot-Top Industries proudly stocks commercial flagpoles up to 80’, and we can create larger, custom poles to fit any display. Contact our Flag Pro Team for more information on purchasing the ideal flagpole for your commercial space.
For the largest buildings like skyscrapers, our Flag Pro Wando Raynor suggests purchasing a flagpole that is smaller than the height of the building. Purchasing a pole 100+ ft is a huge expense and would require an enormous flag that would need yearly replacing and incur a high cost over time.
For commercial buildings, we recommend choosing an aluminum or fiberglass flagpole for their resiliency and rust-resistance. For more information about flagpole dimensions, please download our latest catalog or visit the product pages linked above.
What Other Factors Should I Consider Before Choosing My Flagpole’s Height?
When selecting a flagpole, there are many factors to consider, starting with location. You want to avoid any areas with trees or obstacles where the flag could catch or snag.
Once you’ve located where you’d like to place the flagpole, you can select a height. Before purchasing, contact your city and verify if they have any restrictions for pole heights. This simple step can save you time and money later on.
Next, you’ll want to consider your budget. Taller flagpoles incur a higher price tag as they contain high-quality materials to withstand the elements. For those in high-wind areas like the coast or mountains, consider investing in a heavy-duty architectural-grade flagpole, which costs more but offers greater stability.
What Size Flagpole Should I Buy for My House?
Whether you're planning on flying the flag of the United States of America or honoring the branches of the military, including the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps, placing a flagpole at your home is an excellent way to showcase your patriotism. Most residential flagpoles range between 15’ and 25’ tall, with taller residences over three stories often choosing poles between 20’ and 25’ in height.
Our Patio Sectional Flagpoles make the perfect addition to any home flag display. Always check with your HOA before installing a free-standing flagpole, as many neighborhoods have restrictions on flagpole sizes. For wall-mounted poles, there are generally no restrictions.
You can also purchase a wall-mounted flagpole, also known as an outrigger pole. Carrot-Top offers outrigger poles between 5’ and 8’ tall, though we recommend most residences stick with a 5’ or 6’ since 8’ models typically only look attractive on very large homes or commercial buildings. Adding a flagpole to your home is an excellent way to display the stars and stripes and celebrate any holiday. You can hoist and ensign for:
- Veterans Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Independence Day
- Memorial Day
- New Year’s Day
- Mother’s Day
- Flag Day
- Election Days
It’s also an excellent way to honor America with:
- A POW/ MIA flag
- State and territory flags like Puerto Rico
When using a flagpole, whether commercially or residentially, be sure to follow proper flag etiquette by hoisting the flag to the top of a flagpole and lowering it to half-staff when appropriate, never placing another flag above the national flag, ensuring the American flag is in a position of honor on the observer’s left and the flags own right-hand side.
When placing multiple flags on the same pole, the U.S.A. flag should be at the top of the flagpole, with additional ensigns beneath it. For more information on the proper flag-flying protocol, check out the U.S. Flag Code.
Purchase a Flagpole from Carrot-Top Industries
Carrot-Top is proud to offer a wide selection of flagpoles to fit any commercial or residential location. Our Internal Halyard Aluminum Flagpole is crafted from cast aluminum, offers easy raising and lowering, and features a tamper-proof panel.
For residential use, our Adjustable Telescoping Flagpole offers flexibility and durability. It comes with a 3’ x 5’ nylon flag and features a childproof locking system and can withstand winds up to 75mph. Check out our full line of flagpole kits that come complete with everything you need to create a stunning display.
For more information on selecting a flagpole for your home or office, we offer a Comprehensive Flagpole Guide, with everything you need to know to choose the model that's right for you. Our Flag Pro Team is eager to help you find the perfect flagstaff for your business, and have over 70 years of combined experience helping customers like you find the perfect product for any location!