One Resource, Everything You Need
You’ve been working on your deck for what seems like an eternity, even though it’s probably only been a few months. You looked high and low for the right contractor. You went over pages and pages of potential designs. You considered every detail with only the highest level of care and now, finally, things are almost done. All that’s left is to put the finishing touches on this most critical of investments, capping everything off in just the right way that will absolutely stand the test of time.
For most people, those “finishing touches” come by way of a finial – which is the technical name for the pointy end on fences that you probably see throughout your neighborhood. In other words, it’s a topper. But it’s also a lot more than that. Though finials are most common on wrought iron fences or decks, they’re an essential flourish that can really make the difference between “something you’re happy with” and “something you just can’t get enough of.”
What Is A Finial Made Of?
As stated, finials come in a wide range of different shapes, sizes, and styles for you to choose from depending on your needs. Most of the time, they’re made out of high quality and durable iron. However, if you’re looking for a more personal and intimate touch, you might consider adding carvings to a unique wood finial as well.
Finials also don’t have to be pointy. Ball-shaped finials are quite popular, particularly as a part of large landscape design. They also come in spheres, spear points, ovals, oblongs, and many others.
How Is A Finial Attached?
This, too, will vary depending on which specific type of finial you’re talking about. Some styles are grooved and, because of that, fit over the top of a deck post, not unlike a traditional post cap. Others are designed to just slide right over the top and are screwed in place to make sure they stay put, regardless of how windy it is to get outside.
Others still are welded onto your deck posts, making sure that they’re not going to go anywhere no matter what.
How To Choose The Right Finial For Your Deck
Because you’ve got a plethora of possibilities to choose from, selecting the right finial for your deck is a decision you’re going to want to make carefully. Having said that, there are a few things you can consider to help make sure things go as smoothly as possible.
•First and foremost, find out what casting type was used to create any type of finial you’re interested in. “True” finials are either sand cast or die cast. The former uses sand as a barrier between the mold to form the finial (and then liquid metal is poured into it). The latter is constructed using a series of high heat resistant molds that are also made out of metal. If they’re made in any other way, they might look good – but they’re not “true” finials.
•Likewise, make sure you’re buying a finial and not a crimp-top post if durability and security are your top priorities. Sometimes companies use “finial” as something of an interchangeable marketing term, but in reality, it actually has a very specific definition. Crimp-top posts are made by pressing the metal at the top of a deck post flat, then cut it into a triangle shape. Again, this might look nice – but it’s not actually a finial.
•If durability is a concern, you’ll likewise want to go with iron finials as this will absolutely yield the best results. If a finial is made of a less durable metal (with aluminum being the most common example) or plastic, you’re going to end up replacing them in a few years and that may not be in line with your expectations.
Island Post Cap: Quality And Convenience Is Finally Yours
At Island Post Cap, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve worked hard to earn as an industry-leading national distributor of high-end specialty finials and other products over the last 15 years. When our customers come to us, they know they’ll leave with not only something that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations – but that also sets their project apart in an effortless, affordable way at the same time.
In addition to post finials, we also offer post caps, pergolas, arbors, lantern posts, mailbox posts, gates, post sleeves and more. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we guarantee you’ve just found it.
If you have any additional questions about how to choose a finial for your deck to really end things off on a high note, or if you’d just like to discuss your intentions for your next project with someone in a bit more detail, contact us today by email or give us a call toll free at 800-423-6589 (Monday through Friday, 7am to 10pm CST).
