Premium architectural carvings and decorative ornaments
Custom Rafter Tails & Knee Braces
A perfectly finished facade without excessive structural load.
Ultralight EPS Core
Polyurea Hard Coat
Class A Fire-Rated
Bespoke CNC Carving
Zero-Chip Impact Armor
20-Year Factory Warranty
Who do we help
An attractive appearance combined with structural reliability — that’s what our architectural elements offer. And most importantly, we always tailor our solutions to the client’s needs.
Developers, owners, and HOA boardsDeliver a premium-class project while maintaining a low TCO — our protective-coated expanded polystyrene structures make this possible. Our rafter tails withstand a wide range of weather conditions, from humidity to intense sunlight. They have a long service life and require minimal maintenance — a feature that increases the property’s resale value.
Architects, engineers, and contractorsWith us, you can complete your project faster and more easily while complying with ASTM standards. We provide an instant check of the installation diagram for compatibility with the building’s structure.
Residents and communitiesA prestigious-looking home that inspires joy, pride, and a desire to return — our decorative elements play a significant role in creating this atmosphere. They provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, require no maintenance, and convey a sense of reliability.
From Design Concept to Finished Architecture
Built to spec, installed in hours.
Product Range
Custom Rafter Tails & Knee Braces
RTKB_024
Sizes
Size Guide
| Length (L), foot | Width (W), in | Height (H), in |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 48 |
| 4 | 6 | 60 |
| 8 | 8 | 48 |
| 8 | 8 | 60 |
| 12 | 10 | 48 |
| 12 | 10 | 60 |
| 16 | 12 | 60 |
| 16 | 12 | 72 |
| 20 | 14 | 60 |
| 20 | 14 | 72 |
| 24 | 16 | 60 |
| 24 | 16 | 72 |
Finishes
Textures & Colors
All textures and colors are fully customizable for each individual project, ensuring complete flexibility in design and appearance.
Each of our decorative architectural foam products is unique. We don’t “print” identical beams — we craft them as individual architectural pieces.
SandblastFine, uniform aggregate. Replicates the clean, etched look of sandblasted masonry. Fully paintable.
FreestyleHand-troweled, organic movement. Perfect for Old World, Mediterranean, or custom rustic facades. Fully paintable.
QuarzputzClassic rilled stucco texture. Engineered to seamlessly match standard EIFS exterior systems. Fully paintable.
SandpebbleMedium-to-heavy aggregate. Delivers a robust, traditional stucco profile that hides surface imperfections. Fully paintable.
Sandpebble fineTight, subtle aggregate. A versatile, low-profile texture that balances masonry realism with a refined finish. Fully paintable.
MojaveDeep, rugged relief. Creates strong shadow lines for a bold, heavy-masonry aesthetic. Fully paintable.
FinesseSophisticated, micro-stipple texture. Provides a premium, understated finish for high-end residential or commercial designs. Fully paintable.
CoralDeep, heavily pitted texture. Recreates the dramatic, organic look of natural volcanic rock or weathered marine coral reefs. Fully paintable.
Coral LightSubtle, moderately pitted texture. Offers a softer, more refined version of the classic coral finish with a balanced, natural depth. Fully paintable.
Our material vs Competitors
Why choose us
Let’s bring your vision to life
How to Order Custom Rafter Tails & Knee Braces
From eave line specs to jobsite delivery—our engineering workflow guarantees exact timber-look profiles, zero roof dead-load issues, and rapid framing attachment.
It all begins with a deep dive into your project. We work as your technical partner to transform creative intent into a solid, actionable plan.
- Analyze your inputs: We review your architectural plans, CAD files, sketches, and inspirational images to understand your design from every angle.
- Define the scope: In a collaborative consultation, we discuss the project’s aesthetic goals, site conditions, and technical requirements to ensure a perfect fit.
- Establish a technical blueprint: We finalize all specifications, from dimensions to finish textures, creating a clear roadmap for fabrication that aligns perfectly with your vision.
We bridge the gap between concept and cost, providing you with the clarity and confidence to move forward.
- Receive a detailed 3D visualization: We create and send you a precise 3D model, allowing you to see exactly how your custom architectural elements will look before production begins.
- Get a transparent, itemized proposal: You receive a clear, comprehensive quote with no hidden fees. We believe in total transparency, so you know exactly what you’re investing in.
- Maintain complete control for final approval: We don’t proceed until you are 100% satisfied. You have the final say on the design and budget before we move to the next stage.
This is where your approved design becomes a physical reality, crafted with an obsessive focus on quality in our 45,000 sq. ft. workshop.
- Execute with robotic accuracy: Our state-of-the-art CNC hot-wire machines carve your architectural elements with flawless precision, matching your approved 3D models to the exact specification.
- Armor for a century of performance: Our skilled artisans apply our signature Polyurea hard coat, creating a seamless, impact-resistant, and weatherproof shell designed for decades of durability.
- Verify through rigorous quality control: Every single piece undergoes a multi-point inspection to ensure it meets our exact standards for shape, finish, and structural integrity.
Our commitment extends all the way to your job site, ensuring a smooth and successful installation.
- Protect with secure, custom crating: We build specialized shipping crates for every project, guaranteeing your elements arrive in pristine, ready-to-install condition.
- Streamline your installation: Your pieces are delivered pre-assembled and lightweight, designed to slash on-site labor time and eliminate the need for heavy machinery.
- Support your crew to the finish line: We provide detailed installation guides and offer live Zoom support to answer your team’s questions, guaranteeing a perfect final fit.
It all begins with a deep dive into your project. We work as your technical partner to translate creative intent into a solid, actionable plan.
- Analyze your inputs: We review your architectural plans, CAD files, sketches, and inspirational images to understand your design from every angle.
- Define the scope: In a collaborative consultation, we discuss the project’s aesthetic goals, site conditions, and technical requirements to ensure a perfect fit.
- Establish a technical blueprint: We finalize all specifications, from dimensions to finish textures, creating a clear roadmap for fabrication that aligns perfectly with your vision.
We bridge the gap between concept and cost, providing you with the clarity and confidence to move forward.
- Receive a detailed 3d visualization: We create and send you a precise 3D model, allowing you to see exactly how your custom architectural elements will look before production begins.
- Get a transparent, itemized proposal: You receive a clear, comprehensive quote with no hidden fees. We believe in total transparency, so you know exactly what you’re investing in.
- Maintain complete control for final approval: We don’t proceed until you are 100% satisfied. You have the final say on the design and budget before we move to the next stage.
This is where your approved design becomes a physical reality, crafted with an obsessive focus on quality in our 45,000 sq. ft. workshop.
- Execute with robotic accuracy: Our state-of-the-art CNC hot-wire machines carve your architectural elements with flawless precision, matching your approved 3D models to the exact specification.
- Armor for a century of performance: Our skilled artisans apply our signature Polyurea hard coat, creating a seamless, impact-resistant, and weatherproof shell designed for decades of durability.
- Verify through rigorous quality control: Every single piece undergoes a multi-point inspection to ensure it meets our exact standards for shape, finish, and structural integrity.
Our commitment extends all the way to your job site, ensuring a smooth and successful installation.
- Protect with secure, custom crating: We build custom shipping crates for your elements, ensuring they arrive on-site in perfect, ready-to-install condition.
- Streamline your installation: Your pieces are delivered pre-assembled, designed to slash on-site labor time and eliminate the need for heavy machinery.
- Support your crew to the finish line: We provide detailed installation guides and offer live Zoom support to answer your team’s questions, guaranteeing a perfect final fit.
Client testimonials
From your first idea to the final installation — our process is clear, fast, and designed to make every detail simple.
Let’s bring your vision to life
FAQ
What are rafter tails?
Rafter tails are decorative finishes for rafters that extend beyond the building’s walls. These additions give the facade a more finished, “handcrafted” look.
How are your knee braces better than wooden ones?
Thanks to the material’s closed-cell structure, our knee braces are resistant to rot and mold growth. They also don’t attract termites or other wood-eating insects, don’t crack, and don’t require repainting every 2–3 years.
Is special equipment needed to install decorative EPS elements?
No. The products are very lightweight and can be installed by two people without the use of lifting equipment.
Are foam rafter tails suitable for highly humid climates?
Yes, the polyurea coating makes this decor resistant to moisture penetration.
Will the seams be visible when installing EPS products?
No, when using our sealants and finish paint, the joints blend smoothly into the overall surface.
Can I order a custom profile to match the architectural style of my project?
Yes, we specialize in creating custom designs. You can order decorative elements in the shapes and sizes you need. We’ll even take the facade’s base texture into account and apply an appropriate finish.
How long does the coating last?
Both the protective and decorative coatings on our products backed by a 20-year limited warranty for multi-decade performance.
Are the materials you use fire-safe?
Our products are manufactured to comply with ASTM E84 Class A standards.
Can I paint your rafter tails the color I want?
Yes, our products are delivered primed and are suitable for any high-quality exterior paint.
Why is Decorative Architectural Shapes a reliable choice?
First and foremost, all products are manufactured in the U.S., which simplifies logistics and allows for control over all production stages. Another key strength of ours is our engineering-driven approach: we tailor the elements to your project, taking into account the climate, the building’s purpose, and the facade’s specific features.
More architectural shapes
We provide architects, builders, and homeowners with turnkey decorative elements that transform any project — fast, easy, and cost-effective.
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The art of roofing you didn’t know: rafter tails & knee braces in architecture
In the classical architectural tradition, rafter tails and knee braces are elements that complement the roof structure, making it not only functional but also visually striking. Historically, rafters extending beyond the wall line were a necessary element: they protected the masonry from rainwater. But over time, they began to be adorned with carvings, creating recognizable styles, from elegant Victorian forms to rugged timber-frame beams.
For aesthetics and more: why use decorative rafter tails?
In modern architecture, the use of decorative rafter tails and knee braces serves several purposes:
- Visual completion. Without a decorative finish, the roof looks unfinished. Brackets visually support the overhang, creating a sense of thoughtfulness and reliability.
- Style consistency. These roof elements are the quickest way to give a home a farmhouse, Craftsman, or classic cottage feel.
- Balance of proportions. Sizable rafter tails visually elongate the roof’s silhouette, making the house appear more “grounded” and harmonious. This design technique is especially important for modern, wide-span designs.
Don’t underestimate the importance of material selection
We’re used to seeing roof support elements made of wood or concrete. However, these materials pose serious engineering risks, which are particularly evident when alternatives are available.
For example, natural wood exposed to the open air is inevitably subjected to moisture. Wooden structures begin to rot and crack, become a haven for wood-boring insects, and, on top of that, require painting approximately every 2–3 years. Concrete elements are generally too heavy, requiring the design of costly concealed steel beams. Some contractors take a risk and turn to cheap foam alternatives. However, without a professional coating, such items quickly deteriorate when exposed to UV radiation and accidental impacts.
Decorative Architectural Shapes offers a smart engineering solution: premium-quality brackets and rafters made of EPS or PU with a 60–100 mil layer of industrial polyurea as a protective coating. This technology makes it possible to produce elements of a consistent length without joints, precisely tailored to the facade’s dimensions. The result is truly eye-catching for both the contractor and the customer, with a clean and aesthetically pleasing look.
The nuances of an engineering approach
Our products are the result of in-depth research into materials:
- Core. Thanks to their dense texture, the base materials offer excellent thermal insulation and optimal rigidity. We fully adapt our designs to accommodate the customer’s concealed utilities. For example, if you want to integrate lighting inside the beams, our products make this possible.
- Polyurea coating. This layer provides protection, ensuring impact- and water-resistance and waterproofing. We also offer the option to embed utility channels directly into the body of the product. Unlike EIFS systems, it doesn’t crack during roof deflection or thermal expansion.
- Hand-finishing. Each element undergoes manual calibration of complex engineering assemblies. This ensures a perfect, gap-free joint in the final product.
Our manufacturing technologies provide engineered protection against moisture, mold, and UV radiation. With this method, the building’s appearance can be preserved for over 50 years. In addition, we help architects avoid mistakes by offering an instant check of the installation plan for compatibility with the building’s structure.
Project integration
Design solutions from Decorative Architectural Shapes blend harmoniously into any facade system. Whether it’s stucco, brick, or siding — our knee braces and rafter tails are easy, quick, and secure to install. This quality will be appreciated by industry professionals who understand that in architecture, it’s not just form that matters, but also durability.
When you work with us, you’ll find a partner who is sincerely interested in the success of your project and for whom no architectural challenge is insurmountable.
& specification catalog
Get the definitive guide to our custom decorative architectural foam shapes. This free catalog is packed with hundreds of design profiles, detailed technical specifications, and real-world project applications.
Have a project in mind?
Our dedicated specialists are ready to collaborate with you, turning your concept into a detailed plan with a transparent budget. Let’s bring your vision to life!