Hi Rhonda!
Aluminum works just fine. I've got some of mine on old tent pole sections. Just remember, the heavier the Totem, the deeper you want to push the stake it's sitting on into the ground. Be sure to post pics of your finished Totems so we can see!! Kathy

Most any kind of pipe will work...even large wooden dowels will work if you paint them or treat the part going into the ground with a preservative. And yes, you need to adjust the size of the post to the size of the totem. Post pix so we can drool over your creations!

I use electrical conduit, metal tubes. But one wet windy day one of my plate flowers fell over and broke :( So now I drive a foot long or so piece of rebar in and drive it in over that.
Can't wait to see what you make!
kathy

Hi and welcome Rhonda. I use either rebar or a steel pole, but slip a piece of pvc over it simply because I prefer the plastic against glass myself. And I've been using the skinny bud vases for the bottom, to slip over the pole, on most of my totems.
I'm looking forward to seeing your creations and hope you enjoy playing in the junk pile with us.

hugs, Karen

Welcome back, Rhonda! I have yet to make a totem so I can't help you there. I just wanted to say that I'm looking forward to seeing your creations!

I've used galvanized steel. It's cheaper than copper and I like the look.