Typical Roof Rafter Spacing

Plasterboard on the underside of the rafter.

Typical roof rafter spacing.

But they do tend to space rafters in one of several industry standard increments typically either 12 16 or 24 inches apart. Typical rafter spacing codes will specify a minimum spacing of 16 inches 19 2 inches or 24 inches. 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.

The closer the rafters are to each other the stronger the roof will be. In california 16 is by far the most common for residential construction. Builders aren t bound by standard rafter spacing measurements. There is no standard spacing it depends on what size of rafters you want to use and the span of your shed.

The above spans are based on american softwood lumber standard sizes. For instance 2 grade 2x4s at 16 on center will span just over 9. If your project had a rafter length of 8 or less a safe and strong method is to use 2x8 framed 16 on center. 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.

It is always better to have a large rafter rather than be concerned with a sagging roof. Since most sheets are 4 x8 typical rafter spacing are 12 16 24. This is the distance between rafter centres. It will support roof loads for most situations and is the standard for most roof applications.

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. Stockbyte stockbyte getty images when placing rafters for a tin roof also frequently referred to as corrugated metal or steel it is common to set the distance between rafters based on the size of the roofing panels.