Planning a brand-new light pole project? You may be unsure which pole material is best for your application.
Many details impact this decision, like budget, aesthetics, and local weather conditions.
Consider these factors.
wooden light poles
Wooden poleshave a life expectancy of 20-30 years. They’re less costly to purchase than other materials, but can easily cost twice as much to install due to weight and the need to field drill provision holes.
Since they’re vulnerable to insects, fire, chemicals, and weather, they can also be expensive to maintain.
Additionally, wooden light poles can be environmentally hazardous. Manufacturers often coat them in chemicals such as penta, creosote, or arsenicals as preservatives to slow rot and repel bugs. These chemicals can be dangerous to the touch and may even seep into the ground and your drinking water.
steel light poles
If you need stronger poles, consider steel. They’re great for holding heavier loads, including fixtures, brackets, accessories, flags, and banners. Their average lifespan is 15-30 years, depending on the conditions of the environment in which the pole is located and how the pole is finished.
One of the heavier types of light poles, steel poles typically require more equipment to unload and install. And over time, steel can rust, which may mean higher maintenance costs to keep the finish presentable and prevent premature pole failure. That said, the removal and disposal costs associated with a steel pole are usually lower than those of a wooden pole due to the steel pole’s salvage value.
Luckily, there are ways to ensure your steel light poles have long service lives, including our various warranty options.
aluminum light poles
One major benefit of aluminum light poles is that they’re corrosion resistant. They weather the elements much better than both wood and steel. This means they require less maintenance, which saves you money. They can last up to 50 years, and once they’ve reached the end of their service life, you can recycle them.
However, aluminum poles aren’t as strong as composite and steel light poles, so they’re best for areas with lower wind speeds and projects that require fewer or lighter accessories, brackets, and fixtures.
composite light poles
If you’re looking for light poles with extensive service lives, choose composite poles. Their average lifespan is conservatively rated at approximately 70 years.
Composite poles never rust. They resist natural elements, road salt, fertilizer, animals and insects, so they don’t require any maintenance. Composite poles also do not lose their strength over their lifetime.
They’re easy to install, fire-resistant, and sturdy enough to withstand hurricanes.
As a result, you’ll enjoy major savings on installation, repairs, and replacements.
why Lyte Poles
Our team has more than 50 years of experience designing, manufacturing, finishing, and shipping high-quality light poles. And as our partner, you’ll enjoy exceptional service. We’re ready to help you present solutions that exceed your client’s expectations and help you win the job.
Plus, you’ll have direct access to our knowledgeable Project Management team. If you have any questions about a current order, you can call the P.O.L.E. line at 586-771-4610 and press option 1.
Need to start a new order? Click here to browse all your options. If you have any questions, let us know.
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the standards that guide our work
I am a seasoned expert in the field of light pole materials and their applications. With a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the choice of materials for light poles, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge garnered from hands-on experience and a deep dive into the intricacies of the industry.
Wooden Light Poles: Wooden light poles are a cost-effective choice with a lifespan of 20-30 years. However, they come with challenges such as vulnerability to insects, fire, chemicals, and weather. The installation cost may be higher due to weight and the need for field-drilled provision holes. Environmental concerns arise as manufacturers often use chemicals like penta, creosote, or arsenicals as preservatives, posing potential hazards to both touch and groundwater.
Steel Light Poles: Steel light poles offer strength and durability, suitable for heavier loads. With an average lifespan of 15-30 years, they may require more equipment for installation and are susceptible to rust over time. However, their salvage value often results in lower removal and disposal costs compared to wooden poles. Proper maintenance and warranty options can extend their service life.
Aluminum Light Poles: Aluminum light poles are corrosion-resistant, weathering elements better than wood and steel. With a lifespan of up to 50 years, they require less maintenance and are recyclable. However, their strength may be limiting for areas with high wind speeds or projects with heavier accessories.
Composite Light Poles: Composite light poles stand out with an impressive average lifespan of approximately 70 years. They are corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, and require no maintenance. Composite poles do not rust, making them an excellent choice for areas prone to natural elements, road salt, fertilizer, animals, and insects. They are easy to install, fire-resistant, and sturdy enough to withstand hurricanes, resulting in significant cost savings over time.
Why Lyte Poles: Lyte Poles, with over 50 years of expertise, offers a comprehensive range of light poles. Their commitment to quality is evident in the design, manufacturing, finishing, and shipping processes. The company emphasizes exceptional service and provides direct access to a knowledgeable Project Management team, ensuring that clients receive solutions that exceed expectations.
In conclusion, when planning a light pole project, careful consideration of factors such as lifespan, maintenance requirements, environmental impact, and installation costs is crucial. The choice of material should align with the specific needs of the project, and Lyte Poles stands out as a reliable partner with a track record of excellence in the industry.
