Why a Shed Roof Finial Is the First Thing People Notice

Introduction: Finishing your Shed Roof with Style

A customer once told me, 'I didn't realise how plain my shed looked until you added that little pointy thing at the top.'

She meant the shed roof finial - a simple timber detail I'd fitted at the apex of her new roof.

And she had a point. The new felt, fresh barge boards, even the neat corners - they all worked. But the finial made it feel finished.

Despite the repairs just being completed and it still needing a coat of stain, this shed looks 'finished'

That's why I now offer two hand-crafted finials. They don't just sit on top - they complete the roofline. Whether you're building new or upgrading old, they're the small touch that makes a shed stand out.

Let's take a look at the two options.

Style 1 - The Classic Shed Diamond

This is the shed roof finial I reach for most often - a clean, diamond-shaped piece that suits almost any shed.

Its strength is in its simplicity. Whether your shed is painted, stained, or left to silver naturally, the diamond finial adds a crisp, balanced finish without shouting for attention. It works equally well on potting sheds, storage units, or summerhouses with traditional pitched roofs.

Each piece is cut from pressure treated timber and designed to be easy to fit - just drill a couple of holes and nail into place with the supplied stainless steel ring shank nails supplied.

This new shed with a simple Diamond Roof Finial, looks complete.

A quiet detail that makes a confident impression.

Style 2 - The Tall Pointed Finial

If you want something with a bit more presence, the tall pointed finial is the one to choose.

Slightly longer and slimmer than the diamond, this style draws the eye upward and adds a subtle sense of height to the shed. It takes its cue from traditional garden buildings - the kind you'd find on a period estate or tucked behind a walled garden.

This finial is ideal for summerhouses, garden offices, or any shed that plays a more visible role in your outdoor space. It adds elegance without fuss.

The Tall Pointed Finial makes a bit more of a statement

Made from oak and fixed with a couple of screws.

Choosing the Right Shed Roof Finial for You

Both finials are designed to work with most standard garden sheds - so it really comes down to style.

Go for the classic diamond if you want something neat, understated, and traditional. It suits utility sheds, potting sheds, and anything that blends quietly into the garden.

Choose the tall pointed finial if your shed is more of a feature - a summerhouse, garden room, or office that could benefit from a touch of height and flair.

There's no wrong choice. Just the one that makes your shed look right - balanced, finished, and cared for.

Installation Tips

Fitting a shed roof finial is a simple job - no special tools needed.

Each piece has a flat base for mounting and can be fixed directly to the apex of the roof with a single exterior-grade screw. For a neater finish, you can countersink and plug the fixing or use adhesive for a clean look (though screws give a more secure hold).

Check that the finial sits flush against both barge boards, and pre-drill if your timber is hardwood or very dry.

It's a five-minute job - but it makes a lasting difference.

FAQs

Can I paint or stain the finials myself?
Yes - they come unfinished in 'self-colour', so you can match them to your shed's finish.

Will they fit any shed?
They're sized to suit most standard pitched-roof sheds. Just check there's a solid fixing point at the apex.

Do they come with fixings to secure them to the shed roof apex?
Yes, I supply the following fixings but recommend that you drill holes to suit your particular shed arrangement. I supply 2 No. 50mm stainless steel ring shank nails for the shed diamond. I recommend that you pre-drill holes to suit your roof, this will minimise the chance of splitting the wood.
I supply 2No. 80mm stainless steel screws for the tall pointed finial.

Can I fit one at the back as well as the front?
Absolutely. Fitting one at both ends adds symmetry and works especially well on summerhouses or standard sheds.

How are they delivered?
I package them up and put them in the post with a bit of padding. - safe, simple, and ready to fit straight away.

Conclusion: The Finishing Touch That People Notice

That customer who noticed the 'pointy thing on top'? She reminded me why I started offering these shed roof finials in the first place.

They don't change the structure. They don't stop the rain. But they say something quietly: this shed was finished with care.

Whether it's the crisp shape of the diamond or the slender lift of the pointed finial, each one adds a bit of personality to your shed - a subtle signal that you didn't just build it. You completed it.

It's a small detail. But it's the one people notice.
And it's likely the part they'll compliment first.