Standard commercial flagpoles range from thirty to sixty feet and are usually made of a single piece of aluminum or steel tubing.

You may want two, three or more flagpoles, depending on how dramatic you want to be. Be sure that there is enough room between flagpoles to allow the flags to wave, and leave room for growth in case you want to install bigger flags later on.

There are two types of halyard systems, or rope and pulley systems, for raising and lowering a flag. External halyard systems are located on the outside of the pole. In this type of rigging, the flag is attached to a rope, which is looped through a truck, or wheel, at the top of the flagpole. The rope is wound around a cleat at the bottom to lock the flag in place and prevent it from moving up and down the flagpole. The problem with external halyard system is security: it is too easy for someone to cut the rope.

For higher security and durability, choose an internal halyard system, in which the rope or cable is located on the inside of the pole. It is accessible with a special winch through a hinged door compartment near the base of the shaft. And choose a revolving truck, so that the flag will not become wrapped around the pole when the wind changes directions.

When it comes to choosing a commercial flagpole material, you cant go wrong with steel. Steel flagpoles are the strongest poles available, and require absolutely no maintenance.

For a more classic look and feel, choose a bronze alloy. Bronze alloys are mainly used for national and historical architectural projects. A flagpole made of this material will darken with age.

Commercial flagpoles come with a flash collar, which fits over the ground sleeve and bottom of the pole to protect it from the elements and gives the base a finished look.