How to Install Rafters to a House Wall

Position the rafter on the wall plate so that the rafter’s top ends rest on the center of the horizontal ridge plate. Attach temporary braces to the rafter anchored to either a separate section of the building or to the ground to support the rafter.

Nail the rafter at a 45-degree angle to the ridge beam of the wall plate with a nail gun and wood nails. Remove the braces. Mark the rafter’s position on the wall plate above the wall studs with a pencil.

Position one end of the second rafter on the wall plate parallel to the first rafter. Position the other end of the second rafter so that it rests on the opposite wall. The rafter should be positioned upside down. Then swing the rafter so that it settles upright.

Adjust the rafter so that the ends settle over the marks you made above the studs. Nail the rafter to the wall plate at a 45-degree angle with a nail gun after securing it into position with braces. Remove the braces. Repeat this technique to mount additional anchors to the wall plate.