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

[@cliffhillquist2377]

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

[@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!

[@mongychops68]

​@@brianschuele7437 The rise is 20"....20squared i.e 20x20 is 400, so 400"

[@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

[@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

[@jrbjrb7425]

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

[@EireFirst2024]

A good teacher is the main ingredient of teaching 👌

[@HouseImprovements]

Wow, thanks

[@micha6887]

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

[@HouseImprovements]

So nice of you

[@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!

[@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 !

[@detailedautodiagnostics]

There are hundreds of more videos about the birdmouths On KZbin and I am so glad I found yours !!!

[@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.

[@justicehansen8670]

That was extremely helpful. I had been cutting for hours, shaving off little bits to try to get it perfect, just for the first one, only to watch this video and find out this can be done in a matter of seconds.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@RotaryAlkymist]

Great videos man. Straight and to the point with on-site humour. By far one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the kind words.

[@raycapella498]

You explain things sooo much clearer than all these other carpenters

[@mikewaters6980]

An excellent teacher. The visuals followed with the actions- very clear. Thank you.

[@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

[@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.

[@kiheidude]

Your video was much easier to understand, particular on how to cut the birds mouth. None of the other videos explained to leave 2/3 of the width of the rafters. I am using 2x4 rafters for my chicken coop and using the traditional method of cutting the birds mouth left the cut too deep. Thank you.

[@MrEfortney]

Dude.... thank you. This 15 min video taught me SOO much

[@kennydemartini2169]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.👍

[@thomascloyd868]

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

[@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!

[@suzmaca650]

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

[@azremodeling8392]

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

[@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

[@rocketdogticker]

Finally a good video. This one is best

[@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.

[@gregorcykf]

This is the most informative video I've ever seen

[@Jirehshalom0712]

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

[@Isaiah42.21]

After watching loads of videos struggling to understand how the math of rafters works. This brilliant gentleman solved my problem. A big thank you for an easy and well explained detailed illustration. Just liked the video and subscribed to this nice channel.👍

[@d_no_allyn_86]

Awesome to hear that.Even the ones that said simple easy Gable room for whatever.I was like.This is so much to learn lol. So many terms and math and I'm not super good at math.Just basic math, I'm very good at lol. I want to make like a simple gazebo for my sister's place. Hoping that I understand it as well as you did by the end of this lmao.

[@allydog3452]

Your videos are the BEST. I am building a shed, got the walls up (thank you for your videos), now getting to the dreaded rafters. NOTE TO ALL: Do Shannon's math BEFORE you get the lumber. I learned the hard way and had to reload them all in the van, lug back to the store, exchange them all (30) and lug back home and unload them again in 100-degree heat. I got 8 ft instead of 10 ft. Duh. If I manage to screw up measurements after this video, that is all on me. Thank goodness no snow-load to worry about in California. Keep making the videos! You are helping many of us out here!

[@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,

[@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!

[@tedsmith7579]

Thank you. I have been trying to figure out how to cut rafters for a deck roof. Tomorrow is the day. Thank you for your help.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@macmund]

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

[@ms-zd3eg]

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

[@BigSarnt]

That's so funny I did not notice the bird's mouth line on the speed square until Shan brought it up. Learn something new everyday

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@thomas8230]

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

[@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!

[@BEAdventurePartners]

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

[@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!

[@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😅

[@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!

[@driveman6490]

This video has given me the knowledge, confidence and motivation to hire someone to do this for me.

[@jesseelizondo9957]

This guy is amazing he has helped me with framing and tile

[@jamesbeath312]

Your videos are The Best. You are gifted. This one on rafters, showing actual math, Really was instrumental for my project. Thanks! - tlb

[@ryans9664]

I have watched so many of these videos yours is miles better thank you so much!

[@ebrahimamin8275]

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

[@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!

[@vincentosullivan4090]

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

[@diggybean2705]

Every time I think I've seen all your videos I'm always surprised with a hidden gem .You are my hero bro thank you

[@lonnieclemens8028]

I appreciate this video. But I am having a hard time with the mathematics etc... I live in an old farming community in rural Illinois. Most of the houses, garages, and sheds in my community were built by farmers and coal miners in the 1920's. I know they weren't educated enough to use formulas etc... There has to be hope for me to build my own small garage. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I will keep watching and learning. Thank you.

[@HouseImprovements]

You can do it!

[@ja4476]

This summer I'm building my garage, 24x34. I'll probably go this way... going to be a little high to work. My wall are 10 feet high and I'll go with a pitch 6:12... I've use your video to calculate my rafters.... thanks for the videos...

[@HouseImprovements]

Personally I would purchase factory made trusses for a building that size.

[@ja4476]

@@HouseImprovements My idea is to put ceilling joists to secure my walls , with rafters... in my area is hard to get made trusses. It would cost alot more.... Can I ask you what negative things you see? thanks

[@HouseImprovements]

Many places with a building permit require engineered trusses on larger buildings. It can be difficult to build theses strong enough on large buildings when considering snow and wind loads.

[@danielfreeman8634]

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

[@jacobcathcart1473]

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

[@accountnumber3276]

This is the best rafter video I found so far

[@Phil-i4k]

Thank you , very straight forward ,your calm and informative instruction was right on , cheers ,

[@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!

[@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

[@safaafreeman564]

Thanks a lot, easy to understand really helped me after I got so confused with all math videos 🙂

[@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 !!!

[@eddieallen9847]

One of the best straightforward explanations...thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@trdtuner7]

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

[@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

[@juangamez6201]

Thanks for the tips , I really liked the way you explained what you was showing us .. Thank you

[@YourRelaxMind]

Your explanation is really easy to understand. ❤ Thanks.

[@gurqhan]

by far the most succesful tutorial on how to cut a bird mouth and edge cut.

[@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 😁

[@BRTowe]

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

[@littleelvisiscombatready9310]

Me too

[@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...

[@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

[@likhound]

The best explanation that I've seen Thank you very much sir.

[@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 ;)

[@psgamer2]

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

[@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

[@brianbraynen4178]

Great tutorial you make it pretty simple to work out, but one question how you determine the 2.5 rise measurement at the suffix end??

[@bluzman99]

My question exactly. Everything is so easily understood with his tutorial. However, I do not see the explanation for the 2.5' rise in the birdsmouth. Please explain Shannon.

[@bluzman99]

Found answer twice in a question posted about 9 months ago. Thanks

[@bobadams1696]

I can always count on you to provide the info I need. Thanks.

[@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!

[@alexischavez7953]

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

[@mattdarbyshire4962]

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