2. Step 1: Mark the rafter locations on the shed wall
plates
The first step to installing the roof rafters is to mark the rafter locations
on the top plates. Start the layout on the end of the shed shown on the
plans.
3. Step 1 ( Cont’d)
Mark the rafter locations at 24 inches on center using the same layout
technique used to layout the wall studs shown video five of this video
series.
4. Step 1 (Cont’d)
Locating them on the ground is done by setting the rails in their
approximate location and checking them for square.
Layout the second wall making sure to start at the same
end of the shed as you laid out the first wall.
5. Step 2: set the end rafters on the shed wall plates
The second step is to prepare the rail beds. This is done by making them
level with each other and themselves
Set the end rafters on the ends of the shed. Make sure to use
the two rafters that have a gusset on only one side and that
the side of the rafter with no gusset is facing outwards
6. Step 2 (C0nt’d)
Set a rafter on the top plates and align the gable face of the rafter with the
top plate on the gable end of the shed. Make sure that the overhang of the
rafter birdsmouth is the same on both ends of the rafter.
7. Step 2 (C0nt’d)
Attach the rafter to the top plates using 3 8d nails at each
rafter seat to top plate connection.
9. Step 2 (C0nt’d)
The rafters may be temporarily supported from falling over by
nailing a 2x4 board to the gable end or on some sheds the siding
will extend up above the top plates. This shed shows both
techniques.
10. Step 3: Set a string between the two end rafters
The third step is very simple but it is important to help you align all
the other rafters. Install a string line between the peaks of the two
end rafters. Make the string tight enough so it does not sag but not
so tight that it pulls the end rafters down.
11. Step 3: Cont’d
You can tie a knot in the string and hook it in the gap between the
rafter ends or simply put a nail where the two rafters meet at the
peak and tie the string to it.
12. NEXT STEP: How To Install Trim On
The Storage Shed
Continue learning about shed building
through other presentations.