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Most Flagpoles are made from aluminum or fiberglass, each with distinct advantages. This post will illustrate both and discuss their suitability for home, business, government, or memorial use.

RESIDENTIAL FLAGPOLES can be either aluminum or fiberglass. The flagpole can be one-piece, sectional or telescoping. Residential flagpoles typically range in height from 6 feet to 35 feet. Almost 99% of the Big Store flagpoles are 16 gauge, thin aluminum, Sectional or Telescoping and foreign made. Most foreign flagpoles have no warranty and no wind ratings. These have a very limited life span.

With sectional flagpoles, sections are coupled using a swaged (Tapered) end that fits into the larger end of the next section. Some use tapered sections that mimic a commercial flagpole. Flagpole wall thickness is measured in gauge. The larger the gauge number, the thinner the tubular wall thickness. 

The absolute minimum to look for is 14 gauge. The thickest sectional is a Concord American-made 8 gauge pole or about 1/4″ thick. Fiberglass flagpoles are measured by wind strength, not thickness. Most foreign residential flagpoles will not withstand 20 MPH wind gusts while flying a 3X5′ flag or 25 MPH without a flag.

 THE COMMERCIAL-GRADE FLAGPOLES, BOTH ALUMINUM and FIBERGLASS, are usually one piece. The taller aluminum models over 35′ may have 2 or 3 sections. Both commercial aluminum and fiberglass flagpoles are available in two different operating systems. The first and lowest priced are the external rope and the most popular. 

The second is the internal rope system. They are operated with cam cleat rope locking or, more deluxe, a stainless steel winch and crank assembly. All are tapered from the base end to the top. The smallest is 3 inches at the base, narrowing to less than 2 inches at the top. The thinnest has a 1/8th-inch sidewall thickness, which is about an 8-gauge flagpole. 

The commercial flagpoles are too long to be shipped by FedEx or UPS. A trucking company will handle the delivery, which is one reason for the higher flagpole costs. In all cases, the shipping on our website or eBay is included in the price shown for the lower 48 States. eBay must charge sales tax for most US states. We are obligated to collect sales tax only for Virginia sales. These flagpoles are more expensive than a residential flagpole but will withstand up to 250 MPH hurricane-force winds and will be the last flagpole you will ever need. All are made in the USA, and ours have a lifetime shaft warranty.

COMMERCIAL-GRADE ALUMINUM FLAGPOLE FINISHES WILL AFFECT PRICE. HERE ARE THE FOUR AVAILABLE FINISHES.

1. Satin. Base price finish. Smooth but not glossy as is the anodized finish.

2. Clear Anodized is a very smooth finish applied to the Satin option.

3. Bronze/Black Anodized. Smooth finish available in several degrees of bronze tone. This is the top-of-the-line finish.

4. Powder coat. Unlike the anodized, this is applied on top of the flagpole surface. Many rainbow colors are available.

Anodizing your flagpole makes the finish part of the metal and not just a laid-on process. It also makes your flagpole impervious to weather and salty seaside installations.

Our Fiberglass flagpoles are available in 4 different colors all at no additional charge.

 TELESCOPING FLAGPOLES offer convenience and flexibility over most sectional or commercial. They are most popular among residential users. We highly recommend the Titan brand, which is built in the USA. The Titans have a proven track record, a great lifetime warranty, and a 95+ MPH wind rating. I have had a Titan in my front yard for 10 years, and it has seen hurricane-force winds several times flying 2 flags and no flagpole damage. (Wish I could say the same for the flags). The Titan is a 12 gauge flagpole with a 3″ base on the 20′ and 25′ poles. The 15′ Titan has a 2.5″ base and is 14 gauge with a 75 mph wind rating. These two telescoping flagpoles are a VERY close second to a commercial flagpole. The Titans can be easily converted to a rope and pulley system with our available kit. You may fly your flag at Half Staff by moving the American Flag from the top to the 2nd flag position.

Benefits of a Fiberglass Flagpole:

• • Lightweight

• • Easy to install

• • UV & salt resistant coating – dual-part polyurea aliphatic paint system

• • Non-conductive

• • Finish does not pit or stain even when exposed to landscape materials like mulch

• • Corrosion resistant

• • Superior strength to weight ratio provided by layered construction of materials

• • Excellent structural strength when compared to wood, metal alloys, and others.

• • Available in a variety of standard colors; white, black, bronze, Faux-Luminum & Dynamic Bronze

• • Custom colors are also available upon request

• • Our unique manufacturing process allows for custom projects

• • Sound absorbing properties: perfect for homeowners, schools, office buildings, hospitals and anywhere you do not want that annoying pinging sound of the flag snaps

• • Easy to Clean & virtually maintenance free

• • Best warranty in the fiberglass flagpole industry – with 50 years of experience to back it, the makers of Zeus flagpoles confidently offers the best fiberglass flagpole warranty. Reference our warranty page for more details.

• • Hand-crafted in Fitzwilliam, NH. These are not machine made or mass produced providing you exceptional quality and attention to detail

• • Available in sizes 15’ – 100’ to suit your location.

• • Available in different series that are windspeed-specific to complement your location.

• • Fiberglass is not harmful to the environment. It can be repurposed into other usable items or recycled

FLAG SIZE is still another factor to be considered. Your flag height should not exceed 25 percent of the flagpole height. For example, a 4′ X 6′ flag would be correct on a sturdy 20′ 12 gauge flagpole. It will look balanced and not endanger the flagpole. A flag too large will bring a 16 gauge residential flagpole to the ground in a hurry. Even with a 10 to 15 mph wind gust. Please remember that most foreign residential flagpoles carry no warranty at all.

Thank you for your interest! Please get in touch with us with any questions. Your calls and texts are always welcome. 804-896-2991

Have a Great Day

Bob