List of Equipment and Materials Needed for DIY Flagpole Installation
Materials (Quantities for a Standard 20'-25' In-Ground Installation):
- 20'-25' tempered aluminum flagpole kit: 1 (includes pole sections, gold ball finial, truck/pulley assembly, halyard rope, snap hooks, cleat, and ground sleeve. Sometimes the flash cover is sold seperately, check listing.
- Pre-mixed concrete:
- 20' 3 bags (80 lbs each, totaling 240 lbs).
- 25' 5 bags (80 lbs each, totaling 240 lbs).
- Pea gravel (for drainage): 15-20 lbs.
- 20-30 lbs of sand for stablizing the pole.
- Wood shims to stabalize the pole in the sleeve and confirm level.
- Water: As needed for mixing concrete (typically 3-5 gallons per bag, follow bag instructions).
- All weather silicon sealant.
Equipment/Tools:
- Shovel or post hole digger: 1. (Augger if you are advanced)
- Level: 1 (bubble level or laser level). Post levels work great.
- Tape measure: 1.
- Bucket or wheelbarrow: 1 (for mixing concrete).
- Power drill/screwdriver: 1 (with bits for attaching cleat if needed).
- A mixer attachment on the power drill does wonders for concrete mixing.
- Pliers or small pipe wrench: 1 (for tightening finial).
- Caulk/Sealant gun.
These lists are based on standard recommendations for a 20'-25' pole; always check the manufacturer's instructions included with your flagpole kit for any variations.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Install a 20' Premium Series Flagpole
Installing a 20' tempered (heat-treated aluminum,) flagpole typicaly involves an in-ground foundation with a ground sleeve for stability. This assumes a sectional, tapered pole; if it's telescoping, assembly steps may differ slightly (e.g., extending sections instead of sliding them together). The process should take 1-2 days, including concrete drying time. Work in good weather, and prioritize safety—wear gloves and eye protection. Call 811 (or your local utility locator service) at least 3 business days before digging to mark underground lines.
- Choose the Installation Location: Select a flat, open area with good visibility, away from power lines, trees, or structures (maintain at least 20' clearance overhead and around). Ensure the spot complies with local zoning laws or HOA rules. Mark the center point with a stake.
- Dig the Foundation Hole: Use a post hole digger or shovel to excavate a hole approximately 12-14 inches in diameter and 24-28 inches deep (depth should be about 10% of the pole height plus the sleeve length for stability; e.g., 24 inches deep for a 20' pole). Make the hole slightly wider at the bottom if possible for better anchoring. Remove any loose soil.
- Add Drainage Gravel: Pour 4-6 inches of pea gravel into the bottom of the hole for drainage to prevent water accumulation and frost heaving. Tamp it down firmly with the end of a shovel or a tamper tool.
- Prepare and Set the Ground Sleeve: Insert the ground sleeve (a PVC or metal tube from your kit) into the hole, centering it over the gravel. Tape the top of the ground sleeve over with duct tape or painters tape to prevent cement going into the sleeve. The top of the sleeve should sit about 1 inch above ground level. Use a level to ensure it's perfectly plumb (vertical) in all directions. Temporarily insert the bottom section of the pole into the sleeve to check straightness, then remove it. If your sleeve has a bolt or cap, install it per the kit instructions (e.g., bolt through a pre-drilled hole to secure the pole later).
- Mix and Pour the Concrete: In a bucket or wheelbarrow, mix the concrete with water according to the bag's instructions (aim for a thick, pourable consistency). Pour the wet concrete around the outside of the sleeve, filling the hole to ground level or slightly below (do not pour inside the sleeve). Slope the top slightly away from the sleeve for water runoff. Use the level again to confirm the sleeve remains plumb as the concrete sets. Cover the sleeve top with a cap or tape to keep debris out. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours (or per concrete instructions; full strength takes 28 days).
- Assemble the Flagpole: Once the concrete is dry, lay out the pole sections on a clean surface or a sawhorse. Screw the gold ball finial onto the truck (pulley assembly) at the top, tightening with pliers or a wrench. Thread the halyard rope through the pulley, then attach snap hooks to the rope (loop the rope through the hook eye and pull tight; position the second hook 4-10 inches below the first for flag attachment). Install the cleat on the pole's lower section using self-tapping screws and a power drill. Tie the halyard ends together and wrap around the cleat.
- Install the Assembled Pole: Insert the bottom of the assembled pole into the ground sleeve. Ensure pole is in the center of the sleeve. Use wood shims to secure pole in place and confirm it is plumb. Pour sand evenly into the sleeve on all sides. Periodically hit the pole to settle the sand. Fill up to .5 inches from the top of the sleeve. Use the level to ensure it's straight periodically.
- Seal the Pole Sleeve: get your all weather silicon sealant, pierce it with the caulk gun, and seal the sleeve filling the other .5 inches to the top. Ensure all sides are evenly coated and use a wood shim to evenly spread the sealant even with the top of the sleeve.
- Flag Attachment: If your kit includes a locking bolt or collar, secure it now. Attach your flag to the snap hooks, hoist it up using the halyard, and cleat it off. If anything breaks or you need extras - order here
- Final Checks and Maintenance: Test the halyard for smooth operation. Remove the flag during high winds (over 30-40 mph) to prevent damage, as tempered aluminum poles are strong but not indestructible. Periodically inspect for wear.
If your flagpole kit has specific variations (e.g., internal halyard), refer to the manufacturer's manual. Or just reach out to us and we will get you more detailed instructions on the more complex installations.