Types of flagpoles in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands flags fly from a free-standing flagpole in the garden or at a business, from a flagstaff by the front door or from a banner pole along the road. Which type suits depends on the location, the space and how often the flag is flown. This guide describes the common types of flagpole, with the characteristics Dutch suppliers give.

Free-standing flagpole

A free-standing pole stands in the ground, in a concrete foundation, and has a halyard and pulley for raising and lowering the flag. On such a pole the flag can also fly at half-mast, which does not work well on a flagstaff. For homes, a Dutch supplier names poles of 6, 7 or 8 metres as common. Under the Buildings (Living Environment) Decree, a pole of no more than 6 metres in the yard of a building needs no permit, as long as it is the only pole in that yard. More is in the guides to flagpole heights and flagpole installation.

Cylindrical or tapered

According to the supplier Vlaggenmasten.nl, there are two shapes:

• Cylindrical: the same diameter along the whole length, with a clean, modern look. These poles are aluminium, in the supplier’s range with a diameter of 60, 70 or 90 mm and up to 9 metres high.
• Tapered (conical): wider at the base and narrower at the top, with a slender, classic look. Tapered poles come in aluminium, polyester and wood. For 10 and 12 metre poles the supplier uses only a tapered profile.

The choice between the two is mainly a matter of appearance. Which material goes with which shape is described in the guide to flagpole materials.

Tilting poles

A pole on a tilting base or, for wood, in a mast tabernacle (mastbok) can be lowered in a controlled way. According to the supplier, this is practical for installation, maintenance and reaching parts at the top of the pole, such as the pulley or the finial. A pole in a ground sleeve or on a slide-over sleeve stands fixed and is lifted out of the foundation for maintenance. More is in the guide to flagpole mechanics.

Wall-mounted pole

A pole can also be fixed with wall brackets to a façade or other suitable structure. This is a solution where there is no space in the ground. The wall then takes the forces of the wind on the pole and flag. The manufacturer states which walls and fixings are suitable.

Façade flagstaff

The façade flagstaff (gevelstok) is a short staff set at an angle in a bracket on the wall, with the flag attached directly to the staff. It is the most common way to fly a flag at Dutch homes. The Handleiding voor het gebruik van de Nederlandse vlag asks for a staff long enough that the flag never touches the ground or obstructs traffic. A Dutch flag supplier names staffs of 1 to 2.5 metres with flags of 70 × 100 to 120 × 180 cm. More is in the guide to flag sizes.

Banner pole

A banner pole has a horizontal arm at the top from which an upright flag hangs. According to the flag supplier DVC, a banner therefore stays visible even in still weather, and banners are widely used at businesses, shops and events. More is in the guide to flagpoles for businesses.

Hoisting system: outside or inside

On most poles the halyard runs on the outside and is made fast on a cleat on the pole. There are also poles with an internal winch system, where the halyard runs inside the pole. According to the supplier, the halyard then does not slap against the pole and the hoisting mechanism is not freely accessible. The parts are covered in the guide to flagpole accessories, and what the choices mean for the price in the guide to buying a flagpole.