Roof Rafter Spacing

2 4 rafters can span up to 7.

Roof rafter spacing.

In california 16 is by far the most common for residential construction. A metal roof must also allow for some overlap on each side of the panels which will reduce the effective width of the panel. For heavy loads 2x4s can span up to 5. The same concept holds true for roof trusses.

Use these two tables for roof rafters with a slope greater than 3 in 12. For light load roofs 24 o c. Most roof framing is 24 on center and you can still build sheds up to 14 with 2 4 rafters at 24 on center. It is always better to have a large rafter rather than be concerned with a sagging roof.

Spacing your 2 4 shed rafters at 24 on center limits the width of your roof. Rafter spacing is based on the width of the metal roofing panels. If your project had a rafter length of 8 or less a safe and strong method is to use 2x8 framed 16 on center. 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.

For standard shed roof rafter spacing see rafter span chart. The above spans are based on american softwood lumber standard sizes. In the us they are typically spaced at fractions of the roof sheathing size. If you get premium kiln dried lumber then you could span 10 5 with the same size of lumber and rafter spacing.

There is no standard spacing it depends on what size of rafters you want to use and the span of your shed. Rafter span tables use these two tables for roof rafters with a slope of 3 in 12 or less. For instance 2 grade 2x4s at 16 on center will span just over 9. Wider panels allow for greater spacing between rafters.

Structures such as sheds or barns can be frames with rafters every 24 again make sure to consult local codes. Common spacing for trusses on this type of building is often between 2 and 4 feet but trusses built with advanced designs may allow spacing as great as 8 or 12 feet. So the space between rafters can be greater without reducing the maximum span. Maximum rafter spans for a patio roof in areas with mild climates patio roofs are generally designed for loads of 30 psf pounds per square foot.

Since most sheets are 4 x8 typical rafter spacing are 12 16 24.