Typical Roof Rafter Spacing

It will support roof loads for most situations and is the standard for most roof applications.

Typical roof rafter spacing.

There is no standard spacing it depends on what size of rafters you want to use and the span of your shed. In the us they are typically spaced at fractions of the roof sheathing size. It is always better to have a large rafter rather than be concerned with a sagging roof. Builders aren t bound by standard rafter spacing measurements.

Plasterboard on the underside of the rafter. Since most sheets are 4 x8 typical rafter spacing are 12 16 24. Use these two tables for roof rafters with a slope greater than 3 in 12. For standard shed roof rafter spacing see rafter span chart.

Usually 400 450 or 600mm but any value can be used up to 610mm max are there any brittle finishes e g. Rafter span tables use these two tables for roof rafters with a slope of 3 in 12 or less. If your project had a rafter length of 8 or less a safe and strong method is to use 2x8 framed 16 on center. Typical rafter spacing codes will specify a minimum spacing of 16 inches 19 2 inches or 24 inches.

The above spans are based on american softwood lumber standard sizes. But they do tend to space rafters in one of several industry standard increments typically either 12 16 or 24 inches apart. This is the distance between rafter centres. Rafter spacing depends on the roofing panel size.

Spans for joists greater than 20 feet that are parallel to the rafters require a 12 inch joist spacing when using 2 inch by 10 inch 2 douglas and hemlock fir or southern pine or 16 inch spacing when using 2 inch by 10 inch 2 douglas fir or southern pine. The most common rafter spacing is 24 inches and 5 8 inch plywood is recommended for that. In california 16 is by far the most common for residential construction.