How To Hang A Texas Flag: The Official Texas Flag Code Display Guide

To hang the Texas flag correctly, position the blue vertical stripe on the observer’s left when displayed horizontally, with the white stripe on top and the red stripe on the bottom. When hanging the Texas flag vertically, place the blue stripe at the very top with the white stripe on the observer’s left and the red stripe on the observer’s right. Always ensure the flag is properly secured, illuminated at night, and flown in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 3100.

Pre-Display Planning and Equipment Specifications

Hanging the Texas state flag—affectionately known as the Lone Star Flag—requires strict adherence to both structural safety standards and legal etiquette. Before drilling into exterior walls or setting a flagpole foundation, you must understand the material specifications of the flag and the hardware required to withstand environmental loads.

Under Texas Government Code Chapter 3100, the flag must be treated with the utmost respect. This requires selecting heavy-duty, weather-resistant mounting hardware that prevents the flag from slipping, tearing, or wrapping around its support structure.

Essential Gear, Materials, and Legal Benchmarks

• Flag Material: All-weather 200-denier nylon (for outdoor high-wind areas) or heavy-duty 2-ply spun polyester. If displaying indoors, cotton or synthetic silk blends are acceptable.
• Mounting Hardware: Brass grommets (No. 2 or No. 3 sizes), stainless steel snap hooks, or rotating mounting rings to prevent wrapping.
• Wall Anchors: Sleeve anchors or Tapcon screws for masonry/brick walls; toggle bolts for interior drywall installations.
• Flagpole Accessories: Braided polyester halyard (minimum 1/4-inch diameter), outdoor gold aluminum ball ornament (finial), and heavy-duty cleat.
• Prerequisite Standards: Complete compliance with Texas Government Code Chapter 3100 (The Texas State Flag Code).
• Estimated Budget: $45 to $150 depending on flagpole height and masonry mounting requirements.
• Estimated Duration: 30 to 45 minutes for wall mounts; 1 to 2 hours for flagpole assembly.

Step-by-Step Texas Flag Mounting and Orientation Workflows

Step 1: Determine the Hanging Orientation (Horizontal vs. Vertical)

The most critical error when hanging the Texas flag is incorrect orientation. You must position the stripes based on whether the flag is mounted horizontally or vertically.

• Horizontal Orientation: When hanging the flag horizontally from a wall, flagpole, or staff, the blue vertical stripe must be on the observer’s left. The white horizontal stripe must be on the top, and the red horizontal stripe must be on the bottom. The single white star in the center of the blue stripe must have its top point pointing directly upward.
• Vertical Orientation: When hanging the flag vertically (such as from a ceiling, balcony, or tall wall), rotate the flag so that the blue vertical stripe is positioned at the top. In this configuration, the white horizontal stripe must be placed on the observer’s left, and the red horizontal stripe must be on the observer’s right. The star should be oriented so that its top point points to the observer's left (which corresponds to "up" in the flag's native layout).

Warning: Never display the Texas flag with the red stripe on top of the white stripe. This signifies a state of distress, violates the flag code, and is considered highly disrespectful.

Step 2: Establish the Positioning Relative to Other Flags

If you are displaying the Texas flag alongside the United States flag or other organizational flags, you must follow strict hierarchy protocols.

1. With the United States Flag: The U.S. flag must always be positioned in the place of honor, which is on its own right (the observer's left).
2. Flagpole Height and Alignment: If flown on the same halyard (rope) as the U.S. flag, the U.S. flag must be at the peak (top), with the Texas flag directly below it. If flown on separate flagpoles of equal height, the U.S. flag must be raised first and lowered last.
3. Flag Dimensions: The Texas flag should be approximately the same size as, or slightly smaller than, the U.S. flag. It must never be larger than the U.S. flag when displayed together.
4. With Other State or Corporate Flags: When grouped with other non-national flags, the Texas flag must be placed in the center or on the observer's left of the group, raised to the highest point or equal height.

Step 3: Secure and Align the Mounting Brackets

For wall-mounted displays, secure a stable, vibration-resistant mount that holds the flag taut and prevents sag.

1. Locate the wall studs using an electronic stud finder if mounting to an interior wall. If mounting to exterior brick, stone, or stucco, use a hammer drill to pre-drill holes for masonry anchors.
2. Align the bracket at a 45-degree angle (for traditional angled flagpole staffs) or flat against the wall (for vertical tapestry displays). Use a spirit level to ensure the mounting plate is perfectly plumb.
3. Insert sleeve anchors or heavy-duty structural screws through the bracket mounting holes and tighten them securely with a socket wrench.
4. Verify that the bracket can withstand local wind load ratings, especially if using a staff longer than 6 feet.

Pro-Tip: For exterior brick installations, always drill your anchor holes directly into the brick face rather than the mortar joints. Mortar is softer, prone to crumbling under wind tension, and cannot reliably hold heavy flag anchors over time.

Step 4: Attach the Flag to the Halyard or Wall Mounts

Secure attachment prevents the flag from slipping during heavy wind shear or sagging on a wall display.

1. For Flagpole Displays: Attach the top brass grommet of the flag to the top snap hook of the halyard. Pull the flag taut down the length of the header tape and attach the bottom grommet to the lower snap hook.
2. For Flat Wall Displays: Do not nail or screw directly through the flag fabric. Instead, insert flush wall hooks or heavy-duty tension pins through the built-in brass grommets at the hoist (blue stripe) end. To keep the fly end (red and white stripes) from sagging, use non-damaging adhesive clips or custom tension wires attached to the corners.
3. Adjust the tension on the halyard so that the flag flies freely without excess slack, which causes premature wear and tearing at the seams.

Step 5: Establish Illumination and Weather Controls

The Texas Flag Code mandates specific conditions for continuous display.

1. Nighttime Illumination: If the flag is displayed outdoors 24 hours a day, it must be illuminated by a dedicated light source during hours of darkness. Install a ground-mounted LED spotlight (minimum 800 lumens, warm white) angled upward at the flag's resting and flying positions.
2. Weather Protection: Unless you are using an officially rated all-weather flag (nylon or treated polyester), you must lower and store the flag during periods of heavy rain, snow, or high wind gusts exceeding 35 miles per hour.

Texas Flag Dimensional Specifications and Protocol Metrics

The construction and display of the Texas flag are governed by strict mathematical ratios. The table below outlines these official technical requirements to ensure your display is visually accurate and legally compliant.

Common Texas Flag Display Mistakes and Corrective Actions

Scenario 1: Upside Down or Backwards Vertical Display

• Root Cause: Rotating the flag 90 degrees clockwise without accounting for the "position of honor" rule, which mistakenly places the red stripe on the observer's left or the blue stripe at the bottom.
• Actionable Fix: Remove the flag from its mounts. Re-hang it so that the blue stripe is at the very top. Ensure the white stripe is on the observer's left and the red stripe is on the observer's right. Double-check that the top point of the star is pointing to the observer's left.

Scenario 2: Flag Wrap and Halyard Tangling

• Root Cause: Flying the flag on a standard fixed-ring flagpole without rotating clips, causing wind currents to wrap the fabric around the pole.
• Actionable Fix: Replace standard snap hooks with stainless steel swivel snaps. Install a rotating mounting ring system (such as collar rings with built-in bearings) that allows the flag to rotate 360 degrees independently of the pole.

Scenario 3: Sagging and Fabric Distortion on Drywall Mounts

• Root Cause: Pinning the flag directly to drywall using tacks or nails without reinforcing the corners or using the grommets, resulting in fabric stretch and sagging.
• Actionable Fix: Mount a thin wooden backing board or curtain rod to the wall. Attach the flag's grommets to this support structure using carabiners or zip ties, keeping even horizontal tension across the header tape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Texas flag fly at the same height as the US flag?

Yes. Under the Texas Flag Code and the federal U.S. Flag Code, the Texas flag may fly at the same height as the U.S. flag when they are flown on separate, adjacent poles of equal height. However, the U.S. flag must be positioned on its own right (the observer's far left) and must be raised first and lowered last.

Which way does the star point when the Texas flag is hung vertically?

When the Texas flag is hung vertically, the blue stripe is at the top, and the star is positioned in the center of that stripe. The star must be oriented so that its top-most point points to the observer's left, which maintains the legal layout of the state seal and flag emblems.

Can you hang a Texas flag indoors on a wall?

Yes, you can hang the Texas flag indoors on a wall as long as you follow the orientation rules. For a horizontal display, keep the blue stripe on the left and white stripe on top. For a vertical display, put the blue stripe at the top and the white stripe on the left. Do not let the flag touch furniture, the floor, or any indoor debris.

What do you do if your Texas flag becomes torn or faded?

When a Texas flag is no longer fit for display due to fraying, tearing, or significant fading, it must be destroyed in a dignified manner. The preferred method is a private ceremony where the flag is respectfully folded and burned. Many local Boy Scout troops, VFW posts, and Rotary clubs provide flag retirement services for this purpose.

Elevate Your Lone Star Display with Premium Hardware

Ensure your Texas flag flies with the dignity and resilience it deserves by upgrading to heavy-duty, weather-resistant mounting systems. Invest in marine-grade brass clips and rotating anti-wrap rings today to keep your flag flying proudly in any weather.