Delaware State Flag Size Guide: What Size Delaware Flag Should You Fly?

Choosing the right Delaware state flag size is the difference between a display that looks clean and respectful… and one that feels awkward, oversized, or even puts too much strain on your flagpole. Whether you’re flying the Delaware flag at a coastal home near Rehoboth or Lewes, a Wilmington storefront, a Dover office, a farm in Sussex County, or in front of a school or government building, the flag and pole need to be in proportion — especially in a coastal state known for strong winds, humid summers, and Nor’easters rolling up the Delaware Bay.

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It’s easy to assume “bigger is better,” but an oversized flag can create too much wind load, wear out faster, and even bend or damage a smaller pole. This guide breaks down which Delaware flag sizes work best for house-mount poles, residential in-ground flagpoles, and commercial sites — plus which materials hold up best in Delaware’s salty coastal air, humid heat, and year-round weather.

Quick Answer — Standard Delaware Flag Sizes

Short on time? Here are the most common Delaware flag sizes and where they’re typically used across the First State:

For a full national overview, see our Flag Size Chart & Buying Guide.

Choosing the Right Delaware Flag Size for Your Location

House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) Delaware Flags

For most Delaware homes — from beach houses along Route 1 to neighborhoods in Newark, Middletown, and Dover — the classic setup is a 3' × 5' Delaware flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole. This size looks balanced on one- and two-story homes and has enough presence to be seen from the street without overwhelming your entry.

• Standard recommendation: 3' × 5' Delaware flag on a 5'–6' pole.
• Smaller spaces: Use a 2' × 3' flag if your porch is tight, close to the sidewalk, or above a small balcony or townhome stoop.
• Clearance: Make sure the flag has room to fly without hitting siding, railings, trees, parked vehicles, or beach umbrellas.

Coastal breezes off the Atlantic and Delaware Bay, plus Nor’easters and summer thunderstorms, can put a lot of stress on wall-mount brackets. Staying with a 3' × 5' flag on a sturdy pole keeps your setup looking great while protecting your hardware.

Residential In-Ground Flagpoles

For in-ground poles in front of your home, farm, or country property, use the basic rule: flag length ≈ one-quarter of pole height.

On a typical 20' residential pole, a 3' × 5' Delaware flag will look right in proportion for most homes. If your property sits back from Coastal Highway, a rural road, or a long lane, you can move up to a 4' × 6' flag — just make sure your pole and hardware are rated for the extra wind load, especially in open or bayside locations.

Commercial, Schools & Government Buildings in Delaware

For schools, municipal buildings, churches, and commercial properties in Delaware — from state offices in Dover to businesses near the Port of Wilmington — you’ll commonly see:

• 5' × 8' Delaware flags on 25'–30' poles
• 6' × 10' flags on 30'–35' poles
• 8' × 12' flags on 40' poles and larger

Larger flags create a powerful visual statement, but they also act like big sails in coastal winds and storm systems moving up the bay. Always check your pole’s wind-load rating and use commercial-grade, Made-in-USA flags and hardware for these installations.

Best Material for the Delaware Climate

Delaware’s climate can be tough on flags: salty air from the Atlantic and Delaware Bay, humid summers, UV exposure, rain, snow, and Nor’easters all take a toll. Choosing the right Delaware flag material is just as important as choosing the right size.

Nylon Delaware Flags — Most Popular Everyday Option

Nylon is an excellent all-around choice for most Delaware locations:

• Flies easily in light to moderate breezes common across the state.
• Dries quickly after coastal fog, rain, or passing thunderstorms.
• Bright, crisp colors that help the colonial blue field and buff diamond stand out.

If you’re flying the Delaware flag at a typical home or small business and want a balance of durability, color, and movement, nylon is usually the best starting point.

Polyester Delaware Flags — Best for High-Wind & Exposed Areas

In more demanding environments — open bayside properties, farmland in Kent or Sussex County, highway-front locations, or sites that see frequent strong winds — a 2-ply polyester Delaware flag is often the better investment:

• Heavier, stronger weave stands up to constant wind and whipping.
• More resistant to tearing at the fly end.
• Ideal for commercial properties, marinas, rural sites, and exposed residential locations.

Polyester needs more wind to fly than nylon, but in harsh or windy spots it typically outlasts nylon and holds its shape better.

Delaware Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester

Cotton Delaware Flags — Indoor & Ceremonial Use Only

Cotton Delaware flags are best used for:

• Indoor offices and conference rooms
• Presentation and ceremonial sets
• Short-term indoor or protected displays, such as civic events or historical programs

Cotton absorbs moisture and can fade more quickly under strong sun or repeated dampness, so it’s not recommended for long-term outdoor display in Delaware’s humid, coastal climate.

Ready to choose the best match for your location? Browse our Delaware State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Sets, all proudly Made in the USA.

Flying the U.S. Flag with the Delaware Flag

When you fly the U.S. and Delaware flags together — whether at a beach house, state office, or small-town hall — follow standard flag etiquette:

• The U.S. flag always flies in the position of honor — at the top of the pole or on its own right (observer’s left) when displayed side-by-side.
• If both are on the same pole, the Delaware flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag.
• If you fly additional flags (e.g., a service branch flag, city flag, or organizational flag), the U.S. flag should remain at the highest point.

On a typical residential pole in Delaware, a 3' × 5' U.S. flag with a 3' × 5' Delaware flag underneath is a clean, respectful setup.

How to Care for Your Delaware Flag (Cleaning, Storage & Lifespan)

Sun, wind, salt, rain, and ice can shorten the life of any outdoor flag in Delaware. A simple care routine will help your Delaware flag last longer and look better.

Cleaning Nylon & Polyester Delaware Flags

• Wash gently in cold water (hand-wash or gentle machine cycle).
• Use a mild detergent only — avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
• Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains.
• Air-dry by hanging or laying flat; avoid using a dryer.

For more detailed care tips, see How to Clean and Care for Outdoor Flags.

Protecting Your Flag from Delaware Weather

• Take the flag down during extreme wind events, coastal storms, or Nor’easters.
• Rotate between two Delaware flags so each gets rest time.
• Inspect the fly end regularly and trim minor frays before they become large tears.

Proper Storage for Your Delaware Flag

• For short-term storage, fold the flag neatly (a triangular military fold is ideal).
• For long-term storage, store the flag flat if possible to avoid deep creases.
• Use a breathable storage bag or container.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight and moisture — not in a damp garage or bayside shed.

For full storage etiquette, see: How to Store a Flag Respectfully.

When to Replace or Retire a Delaware Flag

Eventually, every outdoor Delaware flag will show enough wear that it deserves a respectful retirement. It’s time to replace or retire your flag when you notice:

• Heavy fading, especially in the colonial blue field, buff diamond, or the state coat of arms and “December 7, 1787” scroll.
• Frayed or shredded threads along the fly end.
• Tears around the grommets or header.
• Very thin, worn fabric that’s starting to look see-through.

Worn flags should be retired respectfully, not thrown away. Many American Legion, VFW, and civic organizations in Delaware hold flag retirement ceremonies throughout the year.

FAQs — Delaware Flag Size & Display

What size Delaware flag is best for a house?
For most Delaware homes — whether you’re in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, or near the beaches — a 3' × 5' Delaware flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole or a 15'–20' in-ground pole is the standard and best-looking choice.

What size Delaware flag should I use on a 20-foot pole?
A 3' × 5' Delaware flag works very well on a 20' pole. If your property is large, sits back from the road, or faces open fields or bayside winds, you can upgrade to a 4' × 6', as long as the pole and hardware are rated for the additional wind load.

Can I fly the Delaware flag indoors?
Yes. For indoor presentation sets in Delaware — such as state offices in Dover, school auditoriums, council chambers, or churches — a 3' × 5' or 4' × 6' indoor/pole-sleeve Delaware flag with optional gold fringe is standard.

Which material lasts longest in Delaware weather?
For most residential displays, nylon performs very well because it flies easily and dries quickly. In very windy or exposed locations — especially along the coast, bayside areas, or open farmland — a heavy-duty 2-ply polyester Delaware flag generally offers the best long-term durability.

Can I fly the Delaware flag with the U.S. flag on the same pole?
Yes. The U.S. flag must always fly at the top in the position of honor, with the Delaware flag flown beneath it. The Delaware flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag for a proper, respectful display.

Shop Made-in-USA Delaware Flags & Flagpoles

Ready to choose the right size and material for your Delaware flag display? At Tidmore Flags, we proudly offer a full range of Made-in-USA Delaware state flags in nylon, polyester, indoor, and outdoor styles.

Since 1963, our family has helped customers across the country choose the right flags, poles, and hardware for long-lasting displays. If you’re still unsure what size Delaware flag you need, contact our flag experts — we’re happy to help you get it right.