China manufacturer of authentic Dougong (斗拱) bracket set systems for traditional Chinese architecture. Each set is handcrafted using mortise-tenon joinery per classical designs from Song and Qing dynasty building standards (营造法式/清式营造则例). For heritage building restoration, new traditional-style construction, museum exhibits, and educational models. Custom designs available.
| Warranty | Structural: 20 years | Decorative: 10 years |
| Delivery | Small sets (2-5 pieces): 15-30 days | Large bracket sets: 30-90 days |
| MOQ | 1 set (custom welcome) |
| Applications | Traditional pavilion construction, heritage building restoration, museum exhibits, architectural education, Chinese garden projects, temple restoration, hotel lobby features, scale architectural models |
Traditional pavilion construction, heritage building restoration, museum exhibits, architectural education, Chinese garden projects, temple restoration, hotel lobby features, scale architectural models
We make all traditional styles: (1) Mangong (曼拱) — the simplest, horizontal bracket arm; (2) Hua Gong (华拱) — the angled bracket arm that cantilevers outward; (3) Totomoe (蚂蚱形) — T-shaped bracket for intermediate support; (4) PAN (盘) — a set of multiple brackets forming a structural layer. We reference the specific historical period (Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing) based on the project requirements.
Both. We manufacture: (1) Full structural dougong — engineered to carry roof loads, using dense hardwood with steel pin reinforcement at critical joints; (2) Simplified decorative dougong — for appearance in modern buildings where the actual roof loads are carried by hidden steel frames; (3) Scale models — for museum exhibits and education, fully assembled but not structural.
For structural dougong: Phoebe zhennan (樟木), cypress (柏木), or Douglas fir — strong, stable, and traditional. For decorative dougong: cedar or pine — lighter and more workable. For scale models: basswood or jelutong — fine-grained and easy to carve.
Yes. For structural dougong in new construction, we provide engineering calculations showing the load capacity per bracket set, the deflection under load, and the seismic performance. Calculations follow Chinese GB 50005 or international timber codes (Eurocode 5, US NDS) as required.
Dougong works as a layered cantilevering system: each layer of brackets (一攒) adds a small cantilever, and multiple layers combined create a significant cantilever at the eave. The number of bracket sets (攒数) equals the number of bays in the building width. Each bracket set is numbered for its position in the sequence.
First, install the column top bracket (柱头科) — this receives the full column load. Then install the corner bracket set (角科) at the column corners. Finally, install the intermediate bracket sets (平身科) between columns. Each set interlocks via mortise-tenon joints — no nails or screws in the traditional system.
Work from the column top upward: install each successive arm (拱) and block (斗) layer. Each unit should drop into place without forcing. The cantilevered length increases at each tier. Traditional buildings used wooden wedges (木销) to fine-tune the fit at each joint.
Once the bracket layers reach the desired height, the main beam (梁) is seated into the top brackets. The beam end is typically carved with a traditional profile (卷杀). Cross-beams are installed to form the roof-supporting frame.
Before roof installation, the bracket system should be tested: hang a weight equal to the roof dead load from the eave bracket and measure deflection. A properly made traditional bracket system will deflect less than 1/500 of the cantilever span under full load.
Install the purlins (桴) or cantilever brackets (昂) to carry the roof rafters. Complete the roof structure and covering. The bracket system should be visually inspected annually: check for any cracking at the joint shoulders and re-grease any moving components.
Contact us with your project requirements — we respond within 2 hours during business hours.
Email: 858069858@qq.com | Tel: +86-138-8336-6528