How to Choose the Right Size Flag Pole for Your Flag
Flying flags is a fun way to show off your patriotism, team spirit, and personal style. Choosing the right hardware and flag pole size to support them will leave you stress-free on displaying one.
For example, American flags can hang outside year-round or on national holidays. While state flags can symbolize your pride, perhaps you want to show love for your favorite college or sports franchise. Or maybe you’re partial to seasonal garden flags or even whimsical windsocks.
Upright vs. Residential Poles
A general rule when erecting a vertical flag pole is to have its length equal to 1/4 of its height. Let’s say, you have a 12-foot pole, your flag should be three feet on the long side (2’ x 3’).
The pole can be half that height or less for residential flag poles. Simply attach it to your house’s column or railing. That’s because these poles extend outward at a 45-degree angle. Meaning your flag is unfurled by gravity without the need for wind.
With a typical pole length of five to six feet, you could display flags as large as 2’ x 3’ or even 3’ x 5’.
Windsocks and Garden Flags
While you can certainly hang windsocks and garden flags on regular flag poles, it isn’t ideal. These poles are often far more robust than is required for small, lightweight flags, and they may not be oriented properly for the best display.
A telescoping pole is ideal for windsocks, as it can extend from 10 feet to support a 6’–8’ feather up to 22’ for feathers 16’–20’ in length. Similarly, a garden flag stand is specially designed for garden flags, with a height of 36” for standard 12.5” x 18” garden flags. an H-stake to stick in the soil, and a perpendicular arm that lets the flag hang vertically.
Accounting for Bases and Toppers
When deciding on the length of your flag pole, don’t forget to account for bases and toppers. They won’t necessarily impact the size of the flag you choose, but they could limit where you can place your pole, inside or out.
Elmer’s Flag: Your Number-One Source for Flags and Accessories
If you’re looking for flags or the accessories needed to display them, Elmer’s Flag & Banner is your one-stop shop. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory or ask one of our experts how to hang your favorite flag.