It’s here! Your brand new American flag and flagpole came in and it looks glorious! Then you step outside to see if any of your neighbors have a flagpole too.
Recent surveys show that about 62% of Americans display an American flag somewhere on their property. So chances are that you won’t need to look too far before you see a flagpole in your neighborhood.
If you’re trying to figure out how to install a flagpole the correct way, you’re in luck! We put together a quick guide to proper flagpole installation and rules for displaying the American flag with pride. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before you start putting up your flag.
Stationary Flagpoles
The oldest and simplest form of a flagpole is a stationary pole that stands upright in the round and holds a flag. You can buy poles like this from a local store, online or you could make one of your own with a plastic or metal pipe. These simple poles are the best kinds of flagpoles for patriots on a budget!
Telescopic Style Flagpoles
Another kind of flagpole that stands in the ground is a telescopic pole. This kind of flagpole collapses/extends and sits in a plastic sleeve in the ground. These poles can get pretty heavy and cost more than the simpler versions, but if you need to move the pole from time to time, they’re a great option!
Look for high-quality telescopic flagpoles from companies like Flagpolefarm.com.
Flagpoles for Your Wall
Some people don’t have room in the lawn for a stand-alone flagpole or live in an apartment complex/condo with no lawn. Don’t fret! There’s a flagpole for you too!
Wall-mounted flagpole options allow you to display your flag without digging any holes. For those who rent, be sure to ask the landlord for permission before mounting a flagpole bracket.
How to Install a Flagpole in Your Yard
So, you already have the flag and flagpole you ordered. Now what?
Follow these three simple steps to install your flagpole.
1. Dig a Hole in the Ground
The first step in the installation process is to dig a hole where you want the flagpole to stand. The hole should measure about 12 inches across and at least 30 inches deep (deeper if you have a bigger pole).
Once you have a proper hole, put about 6-8 inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole and tap it down and level it as best as you can. Then place the sleeve (if you’re using one) into the middle of the hole and press it into the gravel a little bit so it stands upright. Keep in mind that a flagpole sleeve should sit about an inch above the ground to keep dirt out.
2. Pour Concrete and Plumb the Sleeve
Ok, you have your flagpole hole and sleeve in place, it’s time to pour the cement! before you start, make sure to cover the open end of the sleeve with duct tape to prevent cement from getting in.
If you want to hide the exposed concrete, leave an inch or two of open space at the top of the hole. If you don’t mind a concrete circle poking out of the grass, fill it all the way to ground level and use a trowel to smooth the top.
Let the cement sit for about 15 to 20 minutes (until the concrete starts to harden), then it’s time to plumb the sleeve. If you don’t make sure the sleeve sits straight up and down before the cement hardens, it will make your flagpole crooked!
For those who aren’t using a sleeve, pour the concrete into the prepared hole then insert the flagpole after the cement starts to harden. Once your pole is in place, attach 2 or 3 1″ X 2″ pieces of wood to the flagpole. These wooden braces hold the flagpole in place until the cement dries.
3. Raising the Flagpole
If you used a sleeve, remove the duct tape on top of the sleeve and prepare to erect the flagpole! Insert the bottom end of the flagpole into the sleeve and make sure it settles to the bottom as you raise the pole perpendicular to the ground.
American Flag Care and Maintenance Tips
Displaying the American flag comes with some general rules about how you should display it. Following these rules shows respect for your flag and country!
Never let the flag touch the ground and be sure to take it off the flagpole when it storms. Also, the flag shouldn’t stay on the flagpole at night unless you have a light illuminating it.
To signify mourning. you may display the flag at half-staff (or halfway up the flagpole). On Memorial Day the rules change a bit. The flag should sit at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then moved to full-staff from noon until sunset.
Let Freedom Ring!
Once your flag waves in the cool breeze, you can stand back and bask in the splendor of your slice of Americana, without leaving your home. There’s no better way to show how much you love your country than to display the American flag!
Keep in mind that larger flagpoles can get heavy and you might need an extra set of hands. If you feel like you can’t lift the pole by yourself, consider hiring a handyman or asking a friend for help before starting the project.
We hope you loved reading this article and that you learned a few things about how to install a flagpole. If you have any questions about this article or if you’re looking for more articles about home, health, lifestyles, and more, check out the rest of our blogs today!
