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

Choosing the right Maine state flag size is the difference between a display that looks crisp and respectful… and one that looks unbalanced, oversized, or puts unnecessary stress on your flagpole. Whether you’re flying the Maine flag at a Portland home, a Bangor business, a Bar Harbor inn, a Augusta government building, a Lewiston storefront, or a rural home in the North Woods, the flag and pole must be properly proportioned — especially in a state known for strong coastal winds, heavy snowfall, salty air, and four-season weather.

Explore our Maine State Flags →

It’s easy to think “bigger is better,” but oversized flags create more wind load — a big concern in Maine, where coastal gusts, Nor’easters, and winter storms can wear out flags quickly. This guide explains which Maine flag sizes work best for houses, cabins, waterfront properties, rural homes, and commercial locations, plus which materials last longest in Maine’s coastal and inland climates.


Quick Answer — Standard Maine Flag Sizes

Here are the most common Maine flag sizes and their recommended uses:

Display Type Recommended Maine Flag Size
House-mount pole (porch, garage, wall bracket) 3' × 5' (or 2' × 3' for small cottages or tight porches)
Residential in-ground flagpole (15'–20') 3' × 5'
Residential/light commercial (20'–25') 4' × 6'
Commercial or coastal in-ground poles (25'–30') 5' × 8'
Indoor/presentation sets 3' × 5' or 4' × 6' with pole sleeve

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


Choosing the Right Maine Flag Size for Your Location

House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) Maine Flags

For most Maine homes — whether in Portland, South Portland, Bangor, Brunswick, or coastal towns like Camden and Rockland — the standard setup is a 3' × 5' Maine flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole.

  • Standard size: 3' × 5' on a 5'–6' pole.
  • Small porches or coastal cottages: A 2' × 3' flag may look more proportional.
  • Clearance tips: Ensure the flag doesn’t catch on railings, shutters, siding, or outdoor furniture.

Maine’s shoreline communities experience stronger winds, so sticking with a 3' × 5' flag reduces strain on wall brackets.

Residential In-Ground Flagpoles

The standard rule applies: flag length ≈ one-quarter of pole height.

Pole Height Ideal Maine Flag Size Best For
15'–20' 3' × 5' Most homes, campgrounds, lake houses
20'–25' 4' × 6' Larger homes, long driveways, rural properties
25'–30' 5' × 8' Commercial properties, coastal locations

A 3' × 5' flag looks proportionate on a 20' pole. If your home sits back from the road — common in Maine’s rural regions — a 4' × 6' flag provides better visibility.

Commercial, Schools & Government Buildings in Maine

Maine institutions often fly:

  • 5' × 8' on 25'–30' poles
  • 6' × 10' on 30'–35' poles
  • 8' × 12' on 40'–50' poles

Coastal Maine locations — like Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, and Eastport — should use heavy-duty commercial-grade poles due to strong ocean winds and salty air.


Best Material for the Maine Climate

Maine weather includes salt spray, high winds, freezing winters, and summer humidity — making material choice essential.

Nylon Maine Flags — Best for Most Locations

Nylon performs extremely well in Maine because it:

  • Flies easily in light-to-moderate winds
  • Dries quickly after rain or fog
  • Displays bright color, especially the blue field and state seal

Ideal for inland towns, lake communities, and sheltered coastal neighborhoods.

Polyester Maine Flags — Best for High-Wind or Coastal Areas

Choose 2-ply polyester if you live in:

  • Coastal towns (Cape Elizabeth, Ogunquit, Rockport, Bar Harbor)
  • Open hilltops or exposed farmland
  • Areas with frequent Nor’easters
  • Commercial or high-traffic properties

Polyester is heavier, stronger, and more resistant to tearing in harsh winds.

Maine Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester

Cotton Maine Flags — Indoor Only

Best for:

  • Government buildings in Augusta
  • Schools and courthouses
  • Indoor ceremonies and displays

The state’s moisture and coastal salt accelerate cotton wear outdoors.

Browse our Maine State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Sets, proudly Made in the USA.


Flying the U.S. Flag with the Maine Flag

When flying the U.S. and Maine flags together:

  • The U.S. flag must fly highest or in the position of honor (observer’s left).
  • The Maine flag must be the same size or smaller when sharing a pole.
  • Additional flags (military, organizational) fly beneath the state flag.

Common setup: 3' × 5' U.S. flag with a 3' × 5' Maine flag on a 20' pole.


How to Care for Your Maine Flag

Cleaning

  • Wash gently in cold water
  • Use mild detergent
  • Air dry — never machine dry

Weather Protection

  • Take down flags during Nor’easters or high coastal winds
  • Alternate between flags for longer life
  • Trim frays early

Storage

  • Fold neatly or store flat
  • Use breathable storage
  • Keep away from moisture, salt air, and temperature swings
For full storage etiquette, see: How to Store a Flag Respectfully.

When to Replace or Retire a Maine Flag

  • Fading of the blue field or state seal
  • Fraying on the fly end
  • Tearing at the grommets
  • Thinning fabric from wind or salt exposure

Maine American Legion and VFW chapters offer formal flag retirement options.


FAQs — Maine Flag Size & Display

What size Maine flag is best for a house?
A 3' × 5' Maine flag on a 5'–6' pole works best for most Maine homes.

What size flag fits a 20' pole?
A 3' × 5' flag is standard; choose a 4' × 6' for large rural or coastal homes.

Best material for Maine’s climate?
Nylon for general use; 2-ply polyester for coastlines and windy areas.

Can the Maine flag be flown with the U.S. flag?
Yes — the U.S. flag must fly above the Maine flag when sharing a pole.


Shop Made-in-USA Maine Flags & Flagpoles

At Tidmore Flags, we proudly offer Made-in-USA Maine flags in nylon, polyester, indoor, and outdoor varieties. Need help choosing the right size? Contact our flag experts — we’re happy to help.

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