How to Build Roof Rafters Using a Framing Square

The procedure for marking and cutting a typical 2-by-6 rafter can be adapted to rafters of any size or length by revising the materials described to your specific application.

Local and national building codes define specific requirements for rafter sizes based on the length, slope and various loads such as snow and roofing types. It is recommended that you consult your local building department to ensure compliance before undertaking this project.

1. Determine the slope, or “pitch,” of the roof by referring to your building plans. The pitch is defined as the vertical distance a roof rises in each horizontal foot. Example: If the slope rises 6 inches in each horizontal foot, the pitch is referred to as “6-in-12” or a 6-12 pitch.

2. Place a 2-by-6 board on sawhorses to lay out the first full-length, or “common,” rafter. Check the board for “crown”--any slight curve in the length--and designate the outside of the crown as the top side of the rafter. Rafters should always be cut and installed with the crown up.

3. Choose an end of the 2-by-6 to be the top end of the rafter. Use a rafter calculator to determine the rafter length and mark the length on the face of the rafter at the top edge.

4. Place the framing square against the bottom edge of the rafter, aligning the pitch measurement on the outside edge of the shorter, narrower arm of the square, called the “tongue,” with the edge of the board. Align the 12-inch mark on the outside edge of the wider, longer arm of the square, called the “blade,” with the same board edge. Make a pencil line down the square’s tongue edge. This angle is called the “plumb cut.”

5. Position the framing square aligned in Step 4 with the rafter length marked in Step 3. Mark a plumb cut line from the rafter length mark across the face of the rafter board. This mark will align with the outside of the exterior wall.

6. Measure from the bottom end of the plumb cut line marked in Step 5 and make a mark at 2 inches. From this measurement, mark a line square to the plumb cut line to the bottom edge of the rafter. This marks the notch, or “bird’s mouth,” cut of the rafter, which rests on top of the exterior wall.

7. Measure from the plumb cut line marked in Step 5 to the overhang length and make a pencil mark on the face of the rafter at the bottom edge. Align the framing square as in Step 4 at this mark, and mark another plumb cut line parallel to the plumb cut line marked in Step 5.

8. Set a bevel square to the plumb cut angle marked in Step 5. Align the bevel square at the top end of the rafter, with the handle against the bottom edge of the rafter. Mark a line from the end of the top edge and parallel to the plumb cut line marked in Step 5. This will be the cut line for the top of the rafter, which attaches to the face of the ridge board.

9. Use a circular saw to cut the top and overhang plumb cuts marked in Step 6 and 8. Cut the bird’s mouth to where the two lines meet, then use a handsaw to complete removal of the wood notch.

10. Position the rafter in place to verify the accuracy of the cuts, then use the completed rafter as a template for marking the cut lines on the remaining rafters needed.