How To Make Common Rafters [Measure, Mark & Cut]

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Shannon from www.house-improvements.com shows you how to use a speed square to measure & mark lumber / timber in order to make common rafters. Also shown here is cutting using a circular saw and includes information on how to determine slope / rise, etc.
If you have questions about your home improvement projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.
Website: www.house-improvements.com
Facebook: / 180657245288627
Twitter: / house_improve
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Video © 2020 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@guidoitaliano7722]

If you ever decide to teach carpentry in school, I would be very interested. This guy should be teaching our young high schoolers. We need more trades people like Shannon.

[@jacquelinegutierrez4712]

Yes I like the way he explained everything

[@TheRicardo7500]

He is amazing!

[@oliviergagnon2592]

True. Love this channel

[@johnryder8464]

Yep he's awesome.

[@jarrodholt3278]

After watching 2,176 videos on rafter assembly, this video was by far the most helpful.

[@brianschuele7437]

Where did he get the 400 to add to the total?

[@calvinwilhite228]

Lol

[@orlensblanc4597]

Yes me too this the most clearly

[@James-eo5xt]

@@jarrodholt3278 do yourself a favour. Anytime you’re looking for diy home Reno stuff, type “house improvements” - then what ever you’re looking to do!

[@James-eo5xt]

Helped me build my garage 3 years ago, now utilizing this video to build a garden shed. Shannon is gods gift to diy'ers!

[@yummytummy88]

This is the most simplest method to cut a common rafter. A big Thank YOU.

[@cliffhillquist2377]

I appreciate your video. I just used your info for building a 30 ft chicken coop. My wife is very happy.

[@karenmccoy4077]

I appreciate the way you explain every step. I am using your info to build my 14 year old granddaughter a 4ft by 4ft shed for her and her cats to stay comfy and warm in the winter. She is so excited. Thank you!

[@EireFirst2024]

A good teacher is the main ingredient of teaching 👌

[@HouseImprovements]

Wow, thanks

[@lesliejane50]

Building a storage shed with my husband. Neither one of us are exactly mathematically inclined. This helps so much. Love your videos! Thank you! Subscribed!

[@1671bryan]

Also another step is to always crown your lumber before you start laying out and cutting your rafters, keep all the lumber bowing in the same direction and lay it out with the natural bow facing up its much more consistent finish!!! Great video like always very informative 👍 👏 👌

[@eddyflo2978]

Fantastic tip, the crown of a 2x lumber is essential

[@raycapella498]

You explain things sooo much clearer than all these other carpenters

[@matteversole5980]

Hi, I used this method today on our deck project. Thank you for the help. Your videos are great and very helpful! As owner of a home improvement company, I have learned much from you.

[@jrbjrb7425]

This video has been the easiest to understand out of all others. Thank you!

[@ceciliaescobedo5624]

Hi Shannon, I just love watching your videos. You explain everything so expertly yet what you teach is no way intimidating for a DIY novice. This particular rafter is what I'll need for my little house. Thank you for patiently explaining this process. Your the best.👍

[@valenntinoo]

Thank you very much sir, from us who are just starting out on the DIY journey. It is quite fun leaning to woodwork and get the calculation of correct cuts. Kudos to keeping your videos simplified. GOD Bless.

[@mrbillyd83]

Thank you

[@gregr1672]

Great video! I love watching them .I spent many years as a labor monkey for a self employed carpenter. He started showing me the trade as I enquired to know Why we did things a certain way. He was a great teacher ,you remind me a lot of him.He learned in high school vocational school using textbook from the 1950's probably .The big Orange Carpentry Bible I called it.Basic Carpentry principals do not go out of style or grow old . We built some huge custom homes with no blue prints only our drawings we worked on with home owners ,and could adapt if changes were desired. Using only framing squares, string lines , plumb bobs and levels ,circular saw. Thanks for your videos ! Being an old guy now ,I don't build things very often but when I do ,I like to make them strong and square . Your videos give good reminders of things I know but need refreshed on. Cheers ,and thanks !

[@mikelitoris7001]

Omg you are amazing at teaching , wasn't boring at all , fire your cameramen for yawning 😂😂😂 no seriously keep posting . You make this world a better place already

[@micha6887]

People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. Thanks, very informative 🙏

[@HouseImprovements]

So nice of you

[@monkeyman41333]

I have watched numerous videos on this subject, and this was by far the best one for my feeble brain to understand. Plus, you did it old school, like my father was, No fancy calculators. He though never use a speed square, just the big framing square. Thanks so much. New subscriber,

[@outofhatred]

This was excellent. I suddenly have the urge to go build a shed! Also, kudos on your production. Lowering the volume when your crank up your tools is very much appreciated!

[@HouseImprovements]

Awesome, thank you!

[@osfw0lf674]

HouseImprovemen0)4##@. >] yeah 8* 5

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Great tutorial! I’m going to be making footage in the near future putting my roof on. Your video is definitely helpful. OK I got to get back to laboring thanks!

[@kennydemartini2169]

Perfect! No complicated formulas or jargon. This was just what I needed! Thank you.

[@michaelballinger6419]

Built a partition wall thanks to your videos and now I'm gonna build a simple little firewood area off the back of my workshop. This is perfect, I can't thank you enough!

[@camcordernonsense5264]

sounds cool

[@thebeardedskateboarder]

Love your channel, Shannon! I'm always learning something when I watch you.

[@danielfreeman8634]

Best explanation on KZbin. Thoroughly explained in a clear and concise manner.

[@joeydidomenico1941]

Stumbled on this video and after 20 others and still not having my "lightbulb" go off- This one saved the day. Super amazing thank you!!

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome!

[@azremodeling8392]

Please do not worry about your camera man getting bored, You have done a fantastic job explaining this

[@anneklaasjousma4125]

Thank you. Perfect explanation. Just one thing. A^2+B^2=C^2 and not the square root of C^2.

[@HsingSun]

Agree!

[@messygreasyhand5465]

Thank you very much for this tutorial. Just about to start on my shed project I already have everything drawn out on SketchUp now I am going to use your Technique and do a practice on my rafter cuts before I start, thanks again

[@poilevale2173]

It's been 2 years ago since you posted this but I want you to know that really help me as I'm trying to built myself a shed. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom bro.

[@donhill1825]

As usual, an outstanding, thoroughly explained tutorial. Thank you. I used your 3 way switch tutorial & nailed it the 1st time.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@BEAdventurePartners]

Great job showing how to make common rafters! Appreciate you're concise way of showing how this works!

[@afk41001]

You are a really good teacher and helped me understand maths in a way I did not understand before. The way you explain and teach is excellent. Keep up the good work !!!

[@MD-ot3nl]

Perfect timing! This will come in handy on my gazebo project I'm about to start. Thanks for yet another top notch video!

[@Scotman7Up]

I've watched many how to videos but yours is the best for anyone without experience. Your calm simple instructions make it easy to follow. Most KZbinrs are don't realize what they aren't showing. Your videos are such that the least experienced novice can understand. A super thank you.

[@ronchalmers5439]

This video is beyond excellent!!!! 1 thing to note though....you must account for the ridge board and subtract 3/4 inches on each side of the rafter run.

[@HouseImprovements]

If you have a ridge board , yes. Actually the deduction is also measured on the slope of the roof through the ridge board not just half the thickness of the ridge. On steeper roofs this becomes more of an issue

[@jacobcathcart1473]

Wish I saw this yesterday lol still learning. I made it work through a series of complicated tracings.

[@ThePowerWithinOnline]

This is so cool! I had figured out the lengths using the Pythagorean theorem, but I didn't know how to get the angles for my slope. I'm excited to use my speed square in a new way! Thank you Shannon! ❤️ - Marisa

[@austincookies]

This has been my headache for a long time now. I love how you explained this easily. Thank you. Subscribed 🤝

[@camcordernonsense5264]

"i know right." (valley girl voice) my dad wanted a fence. then it became id like a roof. i said okay dad but its not built to support a roof. filled it in got walls going and then...intimidation! ive seen some weird approaches that my inexperienced self thought, what but how is that strong? i asked somewhat experienced people about notches. they acted like they hadnt considered notches. ive been questioning this project and myself for several months. this makes so much more sense to me. i believe ive grown a pair and will have to watch a few more times, but i will be using this for my dads fence/ building whatever it is.

[@gth042]

Hey Shannon, it might be good to clarify the top equations around 4:20 (the extra radical above c^2). I'm sure folks will figure it out or leave it to the pros though. More importantly, thank you for your videos! I learn so much that I didn't get from math class ;)

[@CaptainOaktree]

I worked for a knowledgeable carpenter for a couple of years. Every time I'd inquire how and why something was done, he'd literally " flip out" and chastise me. I hated working for him but needed the money. I basically took it upon myself to learn everything I needed to learn about carpentry to find a decent employer. Watching your videos is amazing!! You're a natural teacher. I wish back in the day I could've watched this, but there was no internet at that time. Thanks for your videos. They are truly helpful.

[@Mandbec]

Thank you! I’ve been wrecking my brain on how to build a roof with all those angles, but I think you made it a lot easier now. The algebra came in handy😅

[@buckparrish3392]

Thank you sir...for making this so simple to understand...i started building my own shed and wasn't sure about pitch...birdsmouth...ect... Thank you again for helping me complete this...

[@RaysLaughsAndLyrics]

"When will I ever use this in real life?" said the student to the Math Teacher. This vid should be shown in every Math class / Home school math lesson. Thanks for sharing... best to you and yours Shannon.

[@joelpele100]

I was that kid

[@rocketdogticker]

Finally a good video. This one is best

[@coreysmith2774]

I'm currently in the process of building a 16x20 cabin. Plan is to have a short knee wall upstairs with a 12/12 open roof for plenty of headroom, sorta like an A-frame. Using your tutorial I was able to figure out over a cup of coffee what I need to make this happen. Big thanks!!

[@HouseImprovements]

Sounds great!

[@flyfishing1776]

Thank you,I was stumbling on cuts for chicken coop.NEEDED THIS VID 👍👍👍💪😎

[@davidwoollard8472]

This was a great video,i have watched so many of these and yours was by far the easiest one to follow without getting a headache.Thank you very much.,

[@trdtuner7]

Great video! Have been attempting to repair some rafters on a old shed. This has been extremely helpful!

[@coloradokydex6765]

Very well made video. Thank you for delivering informative and straight to the point instruction. Liked and subscribed 🤙

[@mwa1252]

I must have watched a hundred videos on how to mark and cut common rafters. This is the first one that, when I finished watching, I was able to understand what is going on! I've referenced many of your other videos as well and they are all great learning tools. Thanks for all you do! Maybe you could do another quick tutorial on how to calculate the height of the ridgeboard placement prior to putting up the rafters?

[@samel-amad7548]

Thank you for the thorough explanation. I have a good understanding now how to do the calculation for the rafters. Thank you for all the videos you put out as well

[@Spook3910]

Great video and clear explanations. I’ve watched a lot of related videos, also with good content, but I learned a lot more about the speed square. Thanks!

[@thomascloyd868]

Looked at a lot of these videos. This is the best one by far. Very well done.

[@EnEiKo]

Thank you sir... I'm building a small shed(with no previous carpentry experience) and i have learn alot from your videos.. A little intimidating at first but is coming along... just bought material to start my roof... wish i could share pics... Thanks again

[@HouseImprovements]

You are most welcome

[@farmermarshall]

I working on a greenhouse and this is my last major step. This is just what I needed! I actually enjoyed the bit of math too (yes I have some nerd in me). Nice simple instructions!

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brianwassmann5904]

Very well explained and demonstrated. I loved the sketch you presented to help explain. Not boring at all, very interesting.

[@alexischavez7953]

The most informative one I’ve seen yet, thank you!!

[@hakandikmen6193]

I M NOT A CARPENTER OR KIND A WOOD TECHNICIAN BUT THIS MAN GAVE ME SO MUCH INSPIRATION TO BUILD SOME WOODEN HOUSE IN MY CONCRETEHEAD COUNTRY

[@gregorcykf]

This is the most informative video I've ever seen

[@victorlozano2486]

I know it's been a While since you did this Video...But, just wanted to thank you. You Sir, have taught me something new. That will save me time and Money. I've grown tired of waiting on sub-cotractors.

[@HouseImprovements]

You are very welcome

[@Billsunderoly]

This is Awesome, I always tried to figure this part, finally I know how to do it, thank you Shannon .

[@ksoriano9766]

From the bottom of my heart thank you! After watching dozens of videos finally found yours with easy explanation and teaching how to do it. I have a quite large gazebo I am building and this is going to help me a lot!!

[@HouseImprovements]

You're very welcome!

[@dannyflanery7466]

The only thing you didn't take in to consideration was the thickness of your ridge material.

[@teluvv66]

Thank you so much brother. your instructions. Bring back all that I learned while in school for the military. I appreciate your pace of instruction and the detail of what you share. This is going to be the video that I used On the roof job for my garage. Thank you sir.

[@macmund]

Wow Thank you so much. Your video is the best tutorial on rafters I got. Simple and easy to understand. Stay safe.

[@richardperron1135]

Thank you once again for yet another great and informative video! Merci!

[@bobcroley9616]

Nice video.👍. You did a great job explaining all the cuts. Very informative.

[@vincentosullivan4090]

I have learned so much in a sort video. A massive help to me anyone constructing a pitched roof.

[@giseltorres2699]

You explained so so well that I managed to understand every single thing. I´m subscribing to this channel right now. Thank you very much, indeed.

[@juniorpatrick407]

Thanks for the great videos! I just used this new found knowledge to build the rafters for my shed!

[@elysolis813]

I

[@hannah1033]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I am about to build my first roof and could not get my head around this. All other videos I have seen were way too fast and assumed some understanding/prior knowledge. Great video, simple explanation and a good pace. I have confidence m roof will go up with ease!

[@mattdarbyshire4962]

This guy is the best at explaining simply. My go to. SUBSCRIBED

[@oliverpickstock4018]

Really good video bud! Great pace and explanations 👌🏻

[@ebrahimamin8275]

Like all of your other videos, this demonstration was very helpful. Thank you very much for teaching us.

[@brianlaporte7499]

Very well explained you took the time to lay out the rafter including the calculations and drawing . Your a well spoken teacher and helped me with my own home project ! Thank you awesome video

[@grahamr4295]

Exactly what I was looking for! I started doing carpentry 2 weeks ago. Was trying to figure out how one of the other guys made the cuts last week.

[@braddersf1]

Hope it's going well for you dude

[@langstonrowe8243]

Thanks, I was measuring the rise to the top of the rafter, now I know to measure the rise at the bottom of the rafter👍

[@matthewfossen8942]

Absolutely a natural at explaining things! Thank you

[@caseyb7493]

I wasn't bored by the math at all! Most videos won't even go that in depth. So glad I found this channel

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad to hear it!

[@elotro00]

Man!!! You made it to look so easy and , so now I understand this basic common rafter length, cut and the degree angle ! Thank you so much !

[@HouseImprovements]

You bet!

[@johnryder8464]

Excellent video. You're a naturally gifted teacher. Appreciate the effort you put in to your videos. I'm a total novice and maths and angles has always been my weak spot, thanks for explaining it so clearly.

[@CharlieM1219]

If they don't get it, they need to hire it out! Love your show!

[@suzmaca650]

Thank you so much. I appreciate that you speak slowly. Your videos are the best!

[@ms-zd3eg]

That was actually very clearly explained and easy to understand for a non carpenter DIYer.

[@mikeleclair5928]

This video was incredibly helpful. Thank you

[@nicolescott1617]

Thank you for explaining it so patiently and detailed!

[@bobg1982]

Thanks Shannon for your informative videos ! I was never interested in construction until i began watching your videos. The way that you describe and explain processes allow me to fully understand in a clear manner what needs to happen. I am now building a shed for my backyard and it is looking great! You are awesome! Thanks again!!

[@HouseImprovements]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@garykintzler4273]

This was great and thank you for taking the time.

[@stephencambron7943]

Must have looked at dozens of websites and videos trying to understand rafters/birdsmouth etc and was so frustrated as most were ridiculously and unnecessarily complicated. YOURS did the trick. We’ll done!

[@allanf9554]

should tell you that this was one of the best explained videos about cutting common rafters that i came across, the math made it easy to understand. thanks.

[@BIKEMAN21]

its great but hes right, its a yawn fest. i hate math, i wonder it there is a way to make shed rafters a easier way

[@patrickjay6434]

Really enjoyed this video, great explanation, very simply laid out. Thanks for sharing! 👍🏿

[@jesusortiz6842]

Always a pleasure watching your videos. Learning a lot from one of the best

[@HouseImprovements]

I appreciate that!

[@stoneyj1a1]

Great explanation. I need to do this on my shed next week.

[@nasarazam]

The theory was not boring at all. That was extremely useful information. Thanks. I think we can also use speed square to measure first angle and then just slide it to end to mark the angle for facia ( 6:20). Note my experience in this is zero 😁

[@Jirehshalom0712]

I had to come back to his page amazing teachings I learn alot every time I watch his video Thank you

[@Lost-mv6tg]

Always great information!

[@BRTowe]

Extremely educational. I feel much better about the roof I have to build tomorrow!

[@littleelvisiscombatready9310]

Me too

[@coppcar]

Excuse me Jaden. Amazing explanation, Best on KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@psgamer2]

Very well explained! I knew nothing about this subject and it is all very easy now. Thanks for everything (including the math).

[@char_B]

I watched the shed build series, and the speed square tutorial. Just by watching those, I'm able to watch this and totally understand what you're doing... including the math. You're an awesome teacher! Thank you! I think fans really should consider becoming HouseImprovements Patreons.

[@HouseImprovements]

Awesome, thank you Char!

[@thomas8230]

Best common rafter DIY video I've come across. Thanks!