A practical guide to colour, fit & measurement
The finial — that round part at the top of your flagpole — may be small, but it makes a big difference to the finished look. Choosing the wrong one is easier than you’d think. This guide will walk you through colour selection and, crucially, how to make sure it actually fits.
While often seen as decorative, the finial also plays a functional role. Our finials include a built-in metal track that allows the halyard to run smoothly over the top of the pole. Unlike traditional pulley systems, this design has no moving parts—reducing wear, noise, and maintenance over time.
Choosing the Right Colour
Finials are available in a range of finishes, but one stands above the rest — quite literally.
- Gold (most popular)
- White (second most popular)
- Silver
- Black
Gold is by far the most common choice, and for good reason. It offers a classic appearance that complements virtually any setting: from commercial premises and public buildings to private gardens. Regardless of the pole you purchase from us, gold is always a great choice.
- White finials are typically chosen to match the colour of the pole and so they don’t stand out as much.
- Silver and Black finials are far less common and so are a good choice if you want to stand out.
- When in doubt, gold is the safe and elegant choice. Please feel free to reach out if you would like to see some in situ images
Gold Finial, top of Reading Minster Church Tower Flagpole
Getting the Right Fit
A finial that doesn’t fit is worse than no finial at all, it can sit at an angle, trap moisture, or simply fall off. Sizing comes down to one measurement: the diameter of your pole at the top.
Purchased your pole from us since 2022?
Save yourself the measuring tape — just give us a call and we’ll look up your order and confirm the correct finial size for you. It takes two minutes and ensures you get the perfect fit.
If your pole was supplied by another manufacturer, or is an older purchase, use the guide below to measure and identify the correct size.
How to Measure Your Flagpole
Finials are specified in one of two ways depending on the pole type — either by internal diameter (ID) or external diameter (OD). It’s important to know which applies to your pole before ordering. Please note that this has no relation to if your flagpole’s halyard system is internal or external as HFC finials are suitable for both.
- Using a tape measure or digital callipers (if available!), measure across the very top of your flagpole. If your pole is glassfibre, it will have a “spine” – avoid measuring at this point as the finials are designed to sit around this.
- Determine whether your measurement is the inside of the tube (internal diameter — for most spigot-style finials) or the outside of the pole (external diameter — used for finials that slip over the top).
- Cross-reference your measurement with our available finial sizes. If your diameter doesn’t fit our standard sizes, please send us an email and we can check if we have your size in stock.
Quintin Rowing Club Flag
Aluminium poles
The vast majority of standard aluminium flagpoles have an outside diameter of 60mm. Because finials for these poles sit on the inside of the tube, you order by the internal diameter, which for a 60mm pole is typically 54mm. If your aluminium pole is a non-standard size, measure the internal and external diameter of the tube at the top and order to match.
If you have purchased a NOV aluminium flagpole from HFC, the pole will have a 50mm external diameter and so the 50mm diameter finial will be the best choice.
Glassfibre poles
Glassfibre poles use a different fitting system, the finial sits over the outside of the pole rather than inside. The two most common external diameters for glassfibre poles are 50mm and 65mm, so measure the outside of the pole at its tip and order accordingly. If you’re unsure which size your pole is, a set of callipers will give you the most accurate reading.
Still Not Sure?
There’s no shame in picking up the phone. Our team is happy to help you confirm the right finial for your pole, whether you bought from us or elsewhere. A quick call can save you the hassle of a return and ensure your flagpole looks its very best.
