Washington State Flag Size Guide: What Size Washington Flag Should You Fly?
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Choosing the right Washington state flag size ensures a respectful, durable, and well-proportioned display—especially in a state with weather as varied as Washington’s. From coastal storms in Aberdeen and Long Beach, to Puget Sound wind channels through Seattle and Tacoma, to the rainy forests of Olympia, and the dry winds of Eastern Washington, selecting the proper size and material helps your Washington flag last longer and fly better all year.
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Washington’s climate ranges from marine weather systems and heavy rain to harsh sun and strong winds east of the Cascades. Oversized flags create additional wind load and wear out faster, especially near the Sound or in open agricultural regions like Yakima, Wenatchee, and Spokane. This guide shows the best Washington flag sizes and materials for porches, docks, farms, businesses, schools, and government buildings across the Evergreen State.
Quick Answer — Standard Washington Flag Sizes
Below are the most common Washington state flag sizes based on typical installations:
| Display Type | Recommended Washington Flag Size |
|---|---|
| House-mount pole (porch, dock, deck) | 3' × 5' (2' × 3' for small porches) |
| Residential in-ground pole (15'–20') | 3' × 5' |
| Large yard, acreage, or farm (20'–25') | 4' × 6' |
| Commercial or school poles (25'–30') | 5' × 8' |
| Indoor presentation sets | 3' × 5' or 4' × 6' with pole sleeve & fringe |
Choosing the Right Washington Flag Size for Your Location
House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) Washington Flags
For most Washington homes—from Seattle and Everett to Vancouver and Spokane—a 3' × 5' Washington flag provides a balanced, visible display.
- Standard home size: 3' × 5'
- Small porches or compact urban spaces: 2' × 3'
- Coastal/Puget Sound note: Reinforced brackets strongly recommended
Puget Sound homes often experience channel winds; secure mounting hardware is essential.
Residential In-Ground Flagpoles
Use the standard rule: flag length ≈ one-quarter the height of your flagpole.
| Pole Height | Ideal WA Flag Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 15'–20' | 3' × 5' | Most suburban residences |
| 20'–25' | 4' × 6' | Larger yards, rural homes, acreage |
| 25'–30' | 5' × 8' | Schools, farms, commercial sites |
Eastern Washington properties, with wide-open plains and stronger winds, often benefit from a durable polyester flag.
Commercial, School & Government Buildings
Typical Washington commercial and municipal flag sizes:
- 5' × 8' for 25'–30' poles
- 6' × 10' for 30'–35' poles
- 8' × 12' for 40'–50' poles
Common at ports, universities, state agencies, airports, and public works facilities.
Best Material for the Washington Climate
Washington’s climate swings between extreme moisture and high winds, making material choice essential.
Nylon Washington Flags — Best for Most Homes
Nylon is ideal for most of Western Washington because it:
- Flies easily in lighter winds
- Dries quickly after rain or heavy moisture
- Resists mildew better than cotton
- Shows bright, crisp colors—even in cloudy conditions
Perfect for Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Olympia, and coastal towns.
Polyester Washington Flags — Best for High-Wind, Coastal & Eastern WA
Choose durable 2-ply polyester if you live in:
- Coastal areas (Aberdeen, Ocean Shores, Westport)
- Puget Sound waterfront homes
- Eastern Washington (Spokane, Yakima, Tri-Cities)
- High-wind areas near the Gorge or mountain passes
Polyester withstands strong winds and dry climates far better than nylon.
Washington Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester
Cotton Washington Flags — Indoor Only
Cotton absorbs moisture and is not recommended for Washington’s wet climate. Use cotton flags indoors only.
Browse our Washington State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Options, proudly Made in the USA.
Flying the U.S. Flag with the Washington Flag
- The U.S. flag must fly above the Washington flag when on the same pole.
- On separate poles, the U.S. flag goes to the viewer’s left.
- The Washington flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag.
Typical setup: 3' × 5' U.S. flag + 3' × 5' Washington flag.
How to Care for Your Washington Flag
Cleaning
- Wash with cold water and mild detergent
- Rinse fully and air-dry
- Do not use a dryer
Weather Protection
- Lower flags during severe storms or high-wind advisories
- Rotate between two flags to extend lifespan
- Trim early fraying immediately
Proper Storage
- Use breathable storage bags
- Avoid moisture, basements, or damp garages
- Fold neatly or store flat
Guide on Cleaning and Caring for Washington Outdoor Flags
When to Replace or Retire a Washington Flag
- Fading of the green field or state seal
- Fraying from wind or storms
- Tears near grommets
- Sun bleaching in Eastern WA
Many Washington American Legion and VFW posts offer proper flag retirement services.
FAQs — Washington Flag Size & Display
What size Washington flag is best for a house?
A 3' × 5' flag is ideal for most Washington homes.
What size Washington flag fits a 20-foot pole?
A 3' × 5' flag fits perfectly; a 4' × 6' flag is ideal for larger properties.
Which Washington flag material lasts longest?
Polyester for windy or eastern regions; nylon for wetter western regions.
Can the Washington flag be flown beneath the U.S. flag?
Yes—the Washington flag must always fly below the U.S. flag on the same pole.
Shop Washington Flags Made in the USA
See our full line of Washington state flags in nylon, polyester, and indoor ceremonial styles.
Need help choosing the right size? Contact our flag experts.
