Rafter

A rafter (chuan zi) is a wooden component comprising the frame of a traditional piece of Chinese architecture. Set above the purlins and below the roof boards, rafters serve to support the roof and adorn the facade of the building. Depending on their installation position, rafters can be divided into eave rafters, flying rafters, intermediate rafters, ridge rafters, top rafters, and plank rafters. According to their shape, they can be grouped as round rafters or square rafters.