About Us

Since 1978, The Bow Rafter Factory has been manufacturing standard and custom bow rafters. We have pioneered and designed our unique fabrication process. Our bow rafters can be found in homes up and down the U.S. east coast from Virginia to Maine.

The History of the Bow Roof

The colonial bow roof Cape Cod style home dates back to the 1600's. The earliest existing bow roof home was built in West Falmouth, MA in 1678. The term 'bow house' got it's name because the roof is shaped to match the inverted bow of a ship supposedly to make sea faring men more comfortable at home on land. In fact, many believe that the bow rafters of the early homes were salvaged from the bow of the ships that were wrecked on Cape Cod.

Features of Construction

We feature quality craftsmanship:

glue laminated construction
stable and will not warp
mechanically fastened so they are not totally dependent upon the glue bond
longer length laminates
one piece to accent the continuity of the bowed design
clear grade Southern yellow pine
cedar rake trim boards are sanded and ready to be painted or stained

We offer both standard and custom bow rafters.

Our standard bow rafters are on a 40 foot radius, 24 foot length. This maximizes second floor space and maintains a classic design.

Custom radius and lengths are available.
Shorter lengths are also available at reduced prices.

Our bow rafters are the perfect choice for your new home. Consider these advantages:

design flexibility
facilitates open floor plan on the second floor
no knee wall or bearing wall required
unlike two-piece sawn bow rafters
compares favorably for space with full dormer capes and gambrels but has a unique design
possible third floor loft space

Our bow rafters have many uses.

Use our rafters and your ideas to build a contemporary design or reproduce an authentic colonial bow roof Cape Cod style house.

Use them inverted for dormers, ells, or porches.

Use them as bridges over brooks, streams, or as a garden walkway.

Photo Gallery of Bow Homes

Click on the images for a
closer look.

A bow house with a traditional design.

A bow house designed with a more contemporary flair.

A bow house designed with an inverted bow shaped porch roof.

Rafter Prices

2"x6"x24' Rafter - $190
2"x8"x24' Rafter - $220
2"x10"x24' Rafter - $250
Cedar Rakeboards - $250

Ordering and Contacting Us

For more information and to order our bow rafters, call us at
(401)635-8328 or e-mail bowrafter@aol.com

Or write to us at:

The Bow Rafter Factory
PO Box 477
Adamsville, RI 02801

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