What Are Wood Finials?
Wood finials are decorative turning elements commonly found on furniture, staircases, curtain rods, lighting fixtures, and architectural structures. They can be rounded, pointed, or custom-shaped and serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Finials act as a structural end cap or visual accent.
We produce custom wood finials in bulk and small batches to match exact historical profiles or tailored to new designs.
Below are six of the most common use cases that benefit from the distinctive look of a wooden finial.
Architectural Enhancement
Finials commonly complete architectural details. You’ll find them at the tops of porch columns, entry gates, fences, and balustrades. In restoration work, they serve as detail elements that can show craftsmanship, status, or symmetry. We replicate historic wood finials regularly for churches, homes, and public buildings nationwide.

Custom Poplar Finials – Precision Replicated for Architectural Restoration
Precision-replicated poplar finials, crafted for architectural restoration, historic preservation, and custom millwork.
Furniture Applications
In furniture design, finials can be added to bedposts, chairs, canopy frames, and display cabinets. They’re ideal for accenting without overpowering the structure. Many of our customers select custom profiles to match existing lines or create new designs.
Curtain Rod Finials
Curtain rods are rarely complete without finials. They help hold curtains in place and also contribute to the interior design. Furnishing a home, hotel, or office space? Wood finials allow for a variety of finishes, shapes, and styles.
Garden and Outdoor Finials
Wood finials also play a role outdoors. They’re frequently used to cap fence posts, deck rails, gazebo roofs, and pergola corners. When treated properly, they provide years of durability. Outdoor finials can be painted for a pop of color or left unfinished to age naturally. They offer a tasteful way to complete exterior woodworking elements.

Unfinished Mahogany Finials – Custom Turned for Architectural Applications
Unfinished mahogany finials, precision-turned for architectural projects, staircases, and restoration work.
Lighting and Fixture Accents
Finials are used in chandeliers, table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces as both base mounts and decorative caps. Their symmetry and grain pattern offer a warm contrast to metal or glass fixtures. Custom wood finials are popular in boutique lighting brands or vintage fixture reproductions.
Crafts and DIY Projects
Finials have become a favorite among hobbyists and woodworkers. Their compact shape makes them great for Christmas tree toppers, drawer pulls, bed knobs, and DIY furniture enhancements. We supply bulk wood finials to craft brands and small businesses looking for a repeatable ornamentation piece.
Let’s Build the Perfect Wood Finials for Your Project
We’ve got the experience to get the job done right. With over 100 years in custom wood turning, H. Arnold Wood Turning can supply wood finials that meet your size, shape, and species requirements.
We’ll match legacy parts, reverse-engineer from drawings or photos, and help you determine the best turning profile for you.
Reach out now for a free, no-obligation quote. Let us help you bring your woodworking design to life with custom wooden finials built to last.