Things You'll Need:
- 2-by-6 rafter boards Saw horses Circular saw Tape measure Chalk 16-penny nails Hammer Gloves Goggles
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Step 1
Lay out your 2-by-6 rafter boards across two saw horses. Measure and cut a pitch angle on one end and a birds mouth on the other. The pitch cut must lie flush with the ridgebeam and the birds mouth will sit wedged on the wall plate.
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Step 2
Use a circular saw set at the maximum depth and make all the end cuts the same on each end of each rafter board.
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Step 3
Place a mark on the top wall plate 1 1/2-inches from the end. Continue to make marks every 16-inches on center, leaving 1 1/2-inches from the other end. Make your marks on the opposite wall plate as well. This is your rafter layout.
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Step 4
Bring the rafter boards up onto the roof. Measure and mark on the ridgebeam 1 1/2-inches from the end and every 16-inches on center. End nail one rafter to the ridgebeam at the first mark using three 16-penny nails. Nail the opposite rafter to the other side of the ridgebeam using four 16-penny nails at angles.
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Step 5
Nail the bottom of each rafter board at the bird's mouth onto the wall plate. Use 16-penny nails, two on each side.
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Step 6
Continue to nail the rafter boards to the ridgebeam and the wall plate every 16-inches on center. Make sure to check occasionally as you work to make sure the rafters are plumb and level.














