Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    Quadrunner's Avatar
    Quadrunner Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    May 16, 2011, 06:51 AM
    What size rafters should I use?
    I recently started to build a 14'x18' rectangle Gazebo, and I have a question after my wife descided on changing the roof from asphalt shingles to aluminum. For my 4 outside corner posts I used 6x6 cedar, and for my center post I used 6x8's. I used 2x10 for the beams and notch cut all of the posts to inset the beams. The roof will be a hip with an 8/12 pitch with a 4 1/2 ft. ridge beam length. Now that I've switched from asphalt to aluminum can I use 2x4's for the rafters, or should I stick with 2x6's as I origanlly planned for? The roof sheathing will be 1/2 cdx or osb with 30lb. Felt paper followed bye the aluminum panels.

    The reason that I went with cedar posts is I plan on wrapping all exposed wood with aluminum coil trim, and I didn't want to have a chemical reaction using pressure treated lumber wrapped with aluminum trim.

    Regards,

    Quadrunner
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    May 16, 2011, 03:31 PM
    By the time you cut a birdsmouth in a 2X4 you don't have any web thickness left and 2X4 rafters look bad. Stay with the 2X6. Also realize you have a dead weight of the OSB and felt paper and, although we don't know where you live, a snow load could easily collapse the roof. Assuming 16" centers and 18 ft. long, your looking at $50+/- more for the 2X6 cost. If you are doing 24"centers it's even less.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #3

    May 16, 2011, 06:46 PM

    Are you building in an area where you will need to building permit?

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Rafters [ 2 Answers ]

How do you determine the notch on top of a 2x4 shed plate, making a 3 or 4 pitch

Cutting rafters [ 1 Answers ]

HOW DO I FIGURE THE CUT AT THE END OF A ROOF RAFTER WHERE IT SITS ON THE SILL ON A 2/12 PITCH ROOF?c How do I figure the cut at the end of a roof rafter where it sits on the sill of a 2/12 pitch roof?

Cutting rafters [ 1 Answers ]

How do I cut the dovetail at the correct angle

Rafters [ 1 Answers ]

Tell me how to cut a rafter.

Cutting rafters [ 5 Answers ]

How do I figure out the length and seat cut of rafters if my building is 8ft. Wide with a 6/12 pitch


View more questions Search