Stayed vs Stayless Power Poles: Which Do You Need?

Stayed poles are available to hire now. Stayless poles are in development and not yet available. This guide explains how the planned stayless range is intended to differ, with final specifications, pricing and approval details to be confirmed before launch.

What's the Difference?

Stayed poles use metal stays — anchored to the ground at an angle — to keep the pole upright. The stays spread out from the base of the pole, typically requiring a clear area of about 4 metres in diameter. This is the traditional Queensland TBS (Temporary Builder's Supply) design that's been used on building sites for decades.

Our planned stayless range is intended to be self-supporting and require less clear space than a stayed pole. Final design, footing, site-suitability and compliance details will be published after engineering and approvals are complete.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's how the two options compare across the factors that matter most to builders:

Cost: Stayed poles start from $600 + GST for the 12-week minimum hire, plus delivery. Stayless pricing has not been announced; register interest for launch updates.

Space required: Stayed poles require clear space for their metal stays. The final footprint of our planned stayless pole is still to be confirmed and will be published before launch.

Trip hazard: The planned stayless design is intended to remove external stays; final safety guidance is still to be confirmed.

Installation time: Stayless installation timing is still to be confirmed and will be published before launch.

Energex compliance: Our current stayed poles are installed to applicable electrical and network requirements. Stayless compliance details will be published only after engineering, operational and approval sign-off.

Power capacity: Current stayed-pole specifications are available on our product page. Stayless electrical specifications are still to be confirmed.

When to Choose a Stayed Pole

A stayed pole is the right choice when your site has adequate space and you want the most cost-effective option. Specifically:

Your block has a wide street frontage with 4+ metres of clear space near the boundary. The pole area won't be in the way of vehicle access, material deliveries, or excavation work. You're building on a standard residential lot in suburban Brisbane (not inner-city), and cost is a priority for your project.

Stayed poles work perfectly on the majority of Brisbane residential blocks, particularly in outer suburbs and new estates where lots are standard size or larger.

If a stayed pole suits your block, see the full specs and inclusions for builder's site power poles with stays.

When a Stayless Pole May Suit After Launch

Once available, a stayless pole may be worth considering where space is limited or external stays would obstruct access, subject to site assessment and final specifications.

Tight inner-city blocks in suburbs like Paddington, New Farm, or West End. Narrow street frontage where stays would block the driveway. Sites where the pole needs to be close to the building or boundary. Knockdown-rebuild sites where the demolition and construction zones overlap. Multi-unit developments where multiple trades and vehicles need clear access paths.

Need a pole now? Build a quote for an available stayed or underground configuration. If your site may need a stayless pole, register your interest for launch updates, confirmed pricing and final specifications.

Not Sure Which One You Need?

Our team can assess the currently available options for your site and record your interest where the future stayless range may suit. View our available power pole options or register your stayless interest. We will not quote or book a stayless pole until the service is launched.

Get a quote online or call us on (07) 3367 2237.