How Far Apart Are Roof Rafters

An essential part of planning a patio roof or gazebo project is determining the number size and spacing of rafters beams and posts according to the loads they will carry.

How far apart are roof rafters.

Rafters are commonly spaced about 24 inches 61 cm apart. Rafters make up the main framework of all roofs. Or you can get significantly more load or span from 2x10 number 2 on 24 centers. This post may contain affiliate links.

For example in the rafter span table below the highlighted cell in the 40 live load table indicates that 2 x 8 southern yellow pine joists that have a grade of 2 that are spaced 24 apart can have a maximum span of 10 feet 3 inches 10 3 if designing for a live load of 40 lbs ft 2. Our roof rafter calculator tools are handy for calculating the number of rafters needed rafter length calculator lineal feet of rafter board feed in ridge and sub facia and the total board feet in the roof. If your project had a rafter length of 8 or less a safe and strong method is to use 2x8 framed 16 on center. The tops of inclined rafters are fastened to the ridge or another rafter depending on the type of roof.

To determine how far apart to set rafters measure the width of the metal panel and then the width of the first hill and valley of the panel. They are inclined members spaced from 16 to 48 inches apart. You can get the same loading from 2x8 number 2 on 19 2 centers 5 per 8 feet there s a symbol on most modern tape measures for that spacing as your select structural on 24. For more information see our disclosures here.

Double the hill and valley width since this is the amount that the panel will overlap the one next to it on each side. All roof rafters should be identical so follow the same steps to measure the plumb cut tail cut and birdsmouth cut. These spacing intervals are measured on center meaning that the measurement is taken from the center of one rafter s horizontal surface to the center of the next rafter. This is the sixth video of my estimating series.

As a general rule roofs that have a high human occupancy rate should be framed with rafters every 16 structures such as sheds or barns can be frames with rafters every 24 again make sure to consult local codes. But they do tend to space rafters in one of several industry standard increments typically either 12 16 or 24 inches apart. The number of rafters needed will be determined by the length of your roof. Patio roof maximum beam rafter spans.

What is the standard spacing of a roof rafter. They vary in size depending on length and spacing.