07/30/2026
A well-planned rafter layout helps create a roof that is both accurate to build and structurally consistent.
This illustration walks through the key elements of a simple single-slope roof frame, including:
* How the rafters are positioned to form a continuous roof plane.
* The purpose of the support cuts where each rafter bears on the framing.
* How the end cuts and overhangs are shaped to create clean roof edges while maintaining proper support.
* Why using the same cut pattern on every rafter improves alignment, speeds up installation, and reduces material waste.
Understanding these framing details makes it easier to build straighter, stronger roof structures and helps ensure every rafter fits consistently from one end of the roof to the other.