Framing
Ridge Board
The horizontal board at the peak of a roof against which the tops of opposing rafters are nailed, providing a nailing surface but not serving as a structural beam.
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In the Field
A ridge board is NOT a structural ridge beam — it simply provides a nailing surface. If you remove supporting walls below a ridge board, you need to replace it with a structural ridge beam sized by an engineer.
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Rule of Thumb
The ridge board must be at least as deep as the cut end of the rafter (the plumb cut) to provide full bearing for nailing. Typically one size deeper than the rafter: 2x10 ridge for 2x8 rafters.