How to Frame a Cupola
Historic outbuildings and certain architectural styles commonly featured them -- louvered rooftop boxes, called cupolas. These structures provided ventilation, but modern examples primarily serve decorative functions. Prefabricated units are available, but constructing a cupola from scratch can cost less and express the creative builder's vision. There are a variety of styles and forms for cupolas, but even the basic box form requires efficient framing techniques to prevent leaks and ensure a quality result. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Table saw
- Jigsaw
- Circular saw
- Galvanized screws
- Framing square
- Nails
- Three cedar posts, 2-by-6 inches, 10 feet long
- Two cedar posts, 3/4-by-4 inches, 8 feet long
- Drill
- Wood glue
Instructions
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Framing Instructions
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1
Cut the 2-by-6s into sections of 30 inches. Set the table saw blade at 45 degrees and position the fence at 4 1/4 inches from the blade to create eight beveled sill and soffit pieces. Miter the ends of the sections at 45 degrees.
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2
Form the louver frames by inserting an index stick between the 2-by-2 and the miter gauge on the table saw, which should be set at a 45-degree angle. Select a dado blade that is the thickness of the louver slats, and cut the succeeding slots at a predetermined distance. Cut opposing slots.
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3
Form louvers from 3/4-by-4-inch cedar posts. Set the miter gauge on the table saw at a 45-degree angle. The length and width of the louver ends should match the size of the slots in the corner posts. Glue and nail the louvers to the posts.
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4
Countersinking and predrilling holes can prevent mistakes. Construct the sill and soffits by gluing and nailing the mitered ends together. Use a framing square to ensure that the frame is square.
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5
Secure the sill to the corner posts with four screws. Two screws should be applied to each side of the miter seams. Apply the soffit in the same manner as the sill.
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6
Affix the frame to the saddle resting on the roof ridge. Using galvanized screws, drill the sill onto rails within the saddle.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The appropriate width of a cupola can be determined by measuring 1 inch of width for every foot of roof ridge.
The vertical height of a cupola should be set at 1 or 1.5 times its width.
Cedar is a good wood type for an exposed element like a cupola because it can withstand wet and dry conditions.
Setting a cupola on rafters can prevent leaking.
Attach screens on the inside of a cupola to keep out birds and bugs.
If you are working alone, scaffolding is probably a better choice than a ladder for hauling cupola pieces to the roof.
If the roof is steep, use a safety harness.
Pay attention to proximity to electric wires.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
