How to Cut Rafters for Pole Buildings

Pole buildings are typically used as barns for farm work and animals. Take on this do-it-yourself project and build your very own pole building with perfectly cut rafters. The rafters are the most important part of your pole building that will make up the internal framework of the roof.

Items Needed:

• Tape Measure


• Saw


• Framing Square


• Pencil

1. Choose whether you will be using the inside numbers or the outside numbers that are on your framing square. You will only want to use one set of these numbers to cut the rafters.


2. Take your board that will become your pole barn rafter and line up the tongue of the framing square on the inside edge of the board. Line up the smallest number in this spot.


3. Tilt the framing square on an angle so that the largest number on the frame lines up with the outside edge of your board.


4. Draw a line with your pencil or pen that intersects the large and small number. This will be used for your plumb cut.


5. Repeat the above steps to make the heel cut for your rafter. Instead of cutting the short side of the framing square, make the cut on the long side of the framing square.


6. Continue cutting additional rafters by using your first rafter as the pattern for all others. Getting the rafter cut perfectly may take some time, so simply keep practicing on smaller boards until you can easily cut the correct rafter that your pole barn needs.