How to Attach a False Rafter Tail

Obtain lumber that is the same thickness and width as the current rafters or roof trusses of your building.

Multiply by two the amount of overhang you wish your false rafter tails to protrude from the building. Note that this gives you plenty of material to attach the false rafter tails onto the rafters on the building.

Cut as many rafter tails as needed with a circular saw to the length determined previously.

Make a pencil mark at the center of the length of one of the rafter tails. Hold the rafter tail to the end of one of the building’s rafters. Ensure the pencil mark on the tail lines up with the end of the rafter. Clamp the rafter tail to the rafter with C-clamps. Ensure the top edge of the tail is even with the top edge of the rafter.

Drive 16-penny common nails through the tail and into the rafter. Place nails every 8 inches along the top and bottom of the tail. Remove the C-clamps.

Place a small level vertically on the side of the rafter tail at the end. Move the level as needed until the bubble is between the two marks on the sight glass. Make a pencil mark on the end of the rafter tail using the level as a guide. Remove the level and cut along the mark with a circular saw. Note that this makes the end of the rafter tail perpendicular to the sidewalls of the building, making it easier to apply fascia boards and rain guttering later on. Skip this step if you wish the leave the ends of the tails as they are.

Repeat all steps to attach the remaining false rafter tails.