Hip RafterĪ hip rafter works in tandem with a common rafter, but when used, it creates a more visually appealing roofline but creates less interior space. Lean-to rafters then connect to a ledger board against a wall of another shed or house. When to use common rafters? You can use common rafters on any shed roof, but they make the most sense when constructing a gable roof or lean to-type shed roof where they can sit on or attach to top plates of a wall. However, our instructions include making shed rafters with a ridge beam. Some shed rafters do not incorporate ridge beams, either due to small size or lack of technical know-how. A ridge beam runs the length of the shed roof, connecting every pair of rafters. Each beam is notched at the bottom, called a birdsmouth, so that it rests flat on top of each wall.Īt the top, where the rafters meet, they are either angled to meet at a point or attached to a horizontal ridge beam. Common RaftersĪ common rafter comprises two beams that extend upwards from the top plate of either side of a shed wall. We’ll take a look at some of the most common shed rafter types and why you might or might not consider them in your next shed project. Shed rafters come in many different designs, depending on the design of the shed and the shed roof.

Trusses are held together with steel gussets and are staples of home construction. Trusses use “webs” of 2x4s within the truss structure to support the roof. A rafter beam is usually larger than a 2×4 – large homes may have rafters that are 2×12 or more!Ī truss, on the other hand, is only made up of 2x4s and is often pre-fabricated in a factory. Rafters typically use larger wood beams and do not have any sort of framework other than the beams themselves. It rests on top of your wall framing and, when done properly, serves to keep your shed walls in place while supporting a roof. More specifically, it is a beam that goes from the peak of your roof down to the eve. What Is the Standard Shed Roof Rafter Spacing?Ī rafter is the frame of your roof.Additional Steps for Roofs without a Ridge Beam.Cut the First Rafter Tail and Ridge Cuts.Tools and Materials Needed to Build Shed Rafters.What Size Lumber Should Be Used for Roof Rafters?.

Rafter tail design