How To Make Decorative Roof Brackets

Decorative roof brackets are more than just ornaments for your house’s facade. They support roof overhangs and protect your roof’s edge from water damage. Learn how to make your own decorative roof brackets that match your existing brackets in our step-by-step guide below, and watch the video above for tips from This Old House host Kevin O’Connor.

Planning Your Bracket Project

You need to carefully plan your roof bracket project before you fire up the jigsaw. This includes determining the number of brackets you need and gathering the right materials and tools for the job.

Determining Quantity and Size

The variables below will determine how many brackets you need, and what size they should be. 

• The architectural style of your home
• The length of your roof’s eaves
• The size of existing brackets, if you plan to match them 
• The spacing between brackets, which is typically 24 to 48 inches

Selecting Materials

Charlie Silva chose 2-by-12 Western Red Cedar, a durable and lightweight wood, for his project. Below are some reasons cedar is an excellent choice:

• Easy to work with 
• Lightweight, yet strong
• Naturally resistant to decay and insects
• Paint adheres successfully

Red cedar isn’t the only wood option, though, so consider different types of wood before you start tracing your bracket templates.

Gathering Tools and Supplies for Your Roof Bracket

Gather the tools and materials below before you start making your decorative roof brackets: 

• Wood glue
• 2×12 Western Red Cedar boards
• Chop saw
• Drum sander
• Dust mask
• Ear protection
• Jigsaw
• Pencil
• Safety glasses

Tools and Materials for a Decorative Roof Bracket

Creating the Roof Bracket Template

The first step in making decorative roof brackets is to create an accurate template. You can do this by tracing an existing bracket as a guide.

Preparing the Wood

Follow the steps below to prepare the wood, which will keep your brackets uniform.

1. Glue together 2-by-12 Western Red Cedar boards so that they match the thickness of the original brackets.
2. Sand and square up the edges of the boards you’ve glued.
3. Mark the boards at 15-inch intervals and cut them into manageable pieces using a chop saw.

Tracing the Design

Follow the steps below to create the template:

1. Place the sample bracket on the wood you’ve prepared, and align the square edges.
2. Trace around the bracket with a pencil, and make sure the line is dark and visible.
3. Flip the bracket over and trace it on the opposite side of the same piece of wood.

This method allows you to create two brackets from each 15-inch section of wood.

Cutting and Shaping the Roof Brackets

Once you’ve traced your template, you can cut and shape your brackets. Be patient and pay attention to details. Accurate cuts will lead to proper fits and an aesthetically pleasing result.  

Initial Cuts

Start with the initial cuts below.

1. Use a jigsaw to separate the brackets you’ve traced. 
2. Square up two of the cuts on each bracket using a chop saw for precision.

Detailed Cutting

1. Carefully follow the pencil lines with a jigsaw. Cut just outside the lines to leave room for sanding.
2. Take your time with intricate curves and details.

Sanding and Finishing

1. Gradually work your way to the pencil lines so that you achieve a smooth and precise shape.
2. Sand all surfaces of the bracket for a professional finish.
3. Use a drum sander to smooth the edges and remove excess material.

Safety Precautions When Making Decorative Roof Brackets

Creating a safe work environment will help you to trace and cut your roof brackets efficiently. Follow the tips below.  

• Always wear eye protection to block sawdust and debris.
• Make sure your work area is ventilated, especially when you sand cedar.
• Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue and mistakes.
• Wear a mask so that you don’t inhale sawdust.

For more information on woodworking safety, read the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s guide for protecting workers from woodworking hazards.

Installation Tips for Decorative Roof Brackets

Take your time to install your roof brackets safely and correctly. Consider the installation tips below, which might help to streamline the process:

Installation Tips

Follow the tips below to properly install your roof brackets:

• Apply a high-quality exterior caulk or sealant around the attachment points to prevent water infiltration.
• Make sure you secure the brackets to the structure, not just the fascia board.
• Use corrosion-resistant fasteners that are appropriate for exterior use.

Finishing and Maintenance

Follow the tips below to protect your handcrafted brackets and keep them in good shape for years to come.

• Apply a high-quality exterior primer and paint or stain.
• Clean brackets annually to remove dirt and debris.
• Regularly inspect brackets for signs of wear or damage.