Rafter tails can also be used as a decorative feature beneath a beam run vertically on a wall and replicate a corbel. These components support the soffit system, cantilever deck, or gable end all of which consist of tongue and groove roof decking and the fascia or exterior trim board. Depending on where it is used on a home, it can also be used as an Outlooker, Outrigger, Lookout, or Tailpiece. In coastal architecture used under a bay window or small balcony.Ī rafter tail can be used typically in the overhang or soffit system of a home replicating the look of a traditional roof decking support. These units are usually applied to the structure, S-shaped typically ornately carved and the top is larger than the lower. A Corbel is an architectural component that is embedded into a wall to help support like a type of bracket that carries weight.An Outlook or a Lookout is a rafter that projects out at the gable end that supports the roof decking as well as the fly rafter, facia, or barge board.An Outrigger is a beam extending outward from the main structure to support the projection of a floor or roof rafter, fly rafter or barge board.We call them Rafter tails because they are the tail end or exposed end of a rafter.Ī rafter tail is also called, depending on where it is used on a home, as an Outlooker, Outrigger, Lookout, or Tailpiece.

The Rafter tail is typically scrolled and detailed and is a major component of the soffit system in timber frame construction. This structural element is secured to the top of the wall or tie beam and then projects to support the soffit overhang. Rafter tails are the exposed exterior portion of a building’s wood structural truss that projects beyond the perimeter wall of the structure.

Designs for pergola rafter tails