Power lines
Stand where the pole will go and look up. Keep well clear of overhead power lines, both while lifting the pole and once it stands.
Guide · Updated October 2026
How to install a flag pole kit in concrete, step by step.
A ready-to-install flag pole kit needs only a hole, concrete and a few hours of work. This guide explains how to choose the spot, set the base level and plumb, and fit the pole, based on how we install steel flag poles at Tshipiworks.
- ✓ Choose a safe spot
- ✓ Set the base in concrete
- ✓ Fit the pole & raise the flag
Before you dig
Choose the right spot first.
Most installation problems start with the position, not the concrete. Check these before anyone picks up a spade.
Underground services
Check for water pipes, sewer lines, electrical cables and irrigation before digging. On school, council and company sites, ask the caretaker or facilities team.
Room to fly
The flag must fly freely in any wind direction without touching trees, roofs, walls or other poles.
Visibility
Put the pole where people will see the flag: the entrance, the assembly area, the front of the building.
Ground
Note whether the spot is soil, paving or an existing slab. Tell your supplier, because it can change the base.
Several poles
For a row of poles, mark them all out with string first so they are evenly spaced and in line.
What you need
Tools and materials.
With a Tshipiworks kit, the pole, base and fittings are supplied. On site you provide:
- ✓ A spade, pick or digging bar
- ✓ Concrete: ready-mix, or cement, sand and stone mixed on site
- ✓ Water and a wheelbarrow or mixing board
- ✓ A spirit level (a long one helps)
- ✓ String, pegs and props or timber battens to hold the base plumb
- ✓ One or two helpers to hold and lift
- ✓ The instructions and hole size that came with your kit
Step by step
How to install a flag pole kit.
These are the general steps. Always follow the hole size and instructions supplied for your pole, because the foundation depends on the pole height and the base.
STEP 1
Mark the spot
Peg the centre of the hole. For a row of poles, string a line and mark each centre.
STEP 2
Dig the hole
Dig to the size given with your kit. Keep the sides as straight as you can and remove loose soil from the bottom.
STEP 3
Set the base
Place the base sleeve, or the base plate with its fixings, in the hole at the height shown in the instructions.
STEP 4
Level and plumb
Check the base with a spirit level in two directions and prop it so it cannot move while the concrete is poured.
STEP 5
Pour the concrete
Fill the hole with concrete, working it around the base so there are no gaps, and check plumb again. Slope the top slightly so rainwater runs away.
STEP 6
Cure, then fit the pole
Let the concrete cure for the time given in your instructions, keeping it damp in hot weather. Then fit the pole, check it is plumb, attach the fittings and raise your flag.
Base sleeve set in concrete
Tlokweng job
Fitting the pole to its base
On site
Work at the base before raising
On site
Choosing a height
How to choose a flag pole height.
There is no single right height. Think about:
- ✓ The building and space around it. A pole in front of a large building or in an open sports ground needs to look in proportion.
- ✓ Where the flag is seen from. The road, the gate, the assembly area or the car park.
- ✓ The flag size. A bigger flag needs a taller pole so it can fly clear.
- ✓ Several poles. Poles in a row are usually made to matching heights, or with one pole taller for the national flag if you want it.
- ✓ Trees, roofs and wires nearby. The flag must fly clear of them.
Our poles are made to order, so tell us the height you need, or send a photo of the spot and the size of your flag and we will advise. See what to send for a quote.
Looking after the pole
Simple care for a steel flag pole.
A steel pole set in a good concrete base needs very little attention.
Check the rope and fittings
Look at the rope and fittings now and then and replace a worn rope before it breaks.
Touch up the paint
Touch up chips and scratches in the paint so the steel does not start to rust.
Look after the flag
Lower the flag in very strong wind and replace a torn flag, so it does not wear out the fittings.
Keep the base clear
Keep soil, grass and water from building up around the base.
Check it stands plumb
If the pole leans or moves, stop using it and get the base checked.
Need help?
We repair and replace steel flag poles. Flag poles in Botswana.
Flag pole installation questions
How deep should the hole for a flag pole be?+
It depends on the pole height, the type of base and your ground, so there is no single answer. With every Tshipiworks kit we give you the hole size for that pole. If you are installing another pole, ask the supplier for the foundation size rather than guessing.
Can I install a flag pole kit myself?+
Yes. A kit is made so that you only dig a hole, set the base in concrete and fit the pole. You need a spade, concrete, water, a spirit level and one or two helpers. No welding is needed on site.
How long should the concrete cure before fitting the pole?+
Follow the curing time on the instructions that come with your kit. Concrete keeps gaining strength for days after it is poured, so do not load the base early, and keep fresh concrete damp in hot weather.
Base sleeve or base plate: what is the difference?+
A base sleeve is set into the concrete in the ground and the pole fits into it. A base plate is fixed to a concrete foundation and the pole is attached to the plate. We advise which suits your site when you order.
How tall should a flag pole be?+
It depends on the building or space around it, where the flag will be seen from, the flag size and how many poles there are. Our poles are made to order, so tell us the height you need or send a photo of the spot and we will advise.
Where should I not put a flag pole?+
Keep well clear of overhead power lines, do not dig over underground cables or pipes, and leave room for the flag to fly without touching trees, roofs or walls.
Can Tshipiworks install the pole for me?+
Yes. We supply and install flag poles across Botswana. See our flag poles page or WhatsApp +267 75 388 737.
Would you rather we install it?
We make steel flag poles to order and install them across Botswana, or ship a ready-to-install kit. Send your brief for a free written quote.
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