Remodeling Guides
Exposed Rafter Tails Show Heads-Up Craftsman Style
For a touch that offers decorative appeal and practical protection in bad weather, look to this classic Craftsman roof detail
I've come to realize that my kind of home is one with open eaves and exposed rafter tails. Often found on Craftsman bungalows, exposed rafter tails were originally and literally the roof rafters extending out of the house.
Now, with manufactured trusses and alternative framing options, rafter tails are typically made of boards scribed onto the rafter or the trusses for decorative purposes. They can considerably change the profile of a home while also adding extra protection from the elements. Cutting the tails in decorative shapes and angles can dramatically increase curb appeal.
Tell us: Does your home feature exposed rafter tails? Are they plain, scalloped or notched?
Now, with manufactured trusses and alternative framing options, rafter tails are typically made of boards scribed onto the rafter or the trusses for decorative purposes. They can considerably change the profile of a home while also adding extra protection from the elements. Cutting the tails in decorative shapes and angles can dramatically increase curb appeal.
Tell us: Does your home feature exposed rafter tails? Are they plain, scalloped or notched?
Bottom-notched rafters extend from this interior great room, where they're paired with tongue and groove pine ceilings.
Rafter tails with scalloped ends are repeated on the deep open eaves and this patio pergola.
White horizontal siding, railings, columns, trim and rafter tails pop against the shutters painted Duron's Historic Charleston Green DCR099.
Plain rafter tails look appropriate on this 450-square-foot Craftsman addition, especially paired with shiplap siding, 1-by-4 trim and 1-by-6 corners.
Deep overhangs, top-notched rafter tails and timber knee brackets add to this home's Craftsman charm.
Notched rafters add to the allure of this 20th-century Tudor- and Swiss-chalet-influenced house in Yarrow Point, Washington.
This new home in Buena Vista, Colorado, features a metal roof with open eaves and exposed rafter tails. The fieldstone foundation walls are a gorgeous addition as well.
Tongue and groove boards combine with rafter tails with corbel ends to create detailed open eaves and a decorative roof rake.
Architect Richard Bubnowski's design features a soffit in 1-by-6 cedar beadboard (flat side exposed), with 1-inch horizontal slot venting between each angled rafter. He also installed an insect screen from the inside.
See more guides to Craftsman design
See more guides to Craftsman design