A truss is a structure consisting of various members that have been organized into triangles that are connected in such a way that the assembly behaves as a single structure. Trusses can be mostly found in towers, roofs, and bridges.
Just like there are different types of roofs and roof parts, there are various types of roof trusses. Here we look at an extensive list of types of trusses with diagrams to help you differentiate between each configuration. If you want to build a solid truss, you better get acknowledged with all the options, configurations, and designs.
Diagram Representation Of Roof Trusses
We have begun our extensive guide with a picture representation of each type of truss which is an overview of what each truss looks like.
- Typical Triangular Trusses
- Studio – 2bearing points
- Studio – 3 bearing points
- Coffer or tray
- Barrel vault
- Clear story
- Double cantilever
- Tri-bearing
- Double DUBL (Double pitch)
- Modified queen scissors
- Howe scissors
- Hip girder
- Step Down hip
- room-In-Attic
- Gambrel
- Polynesian (Duo-pitch)
- Mono Trusses
- Mono
- Mono scissors
- Common Trusses With Their Span
- King post (span – 16’)
- Queen post (span – 10’ to 22’)
- Fink (W) (span – 30 to 36’)
- Howe (K) Truss (span – 24′ to 36′)
- Fan (Double Fan) Truss (span – 30′ to 36′)
- Modified queen (Multi-panel) (span – 32’ to 44’)
- Double fink (WW) (span – 40’ to 60’)
- Double howe (KK) (span – 40’ to 60’)
- Modified Fan (span – 44′ to 60′)
- Triple Fink (WW) Truss (span – 54′ to 80′)
- Triple howe (KKK) (span – 54’ to 80’)
- 3 piece long span (field connected) (span – 60’ to 80’)
- 3 piece raised center bay (span – 50’ to 200’)
Types Of Truss: Triangular Trusses
Let’s dive more into how each type of truss mentioned above is different from the other. Certain trusses are way easier to understand than others if you refer to its diagram.
Studio – 3 Bearing Points Truss
Studio 3 bearing point trusses are used for creating a pitched roof. It is also used to create extra vertical space on larger trusses.
Coffer Or Tray
A tray truss or coffer truss is a pitched truss that is used with a sloping or a non-sloping vertical interior ceiling detail. It has different forms and is mostly to get an aesthetically pleasing look as it adds focal interest and height to the ceiling. This truss is the perfect choice for the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
Barrel Vault
The barrel vault gives a characteristic barrel shape to the ceiling. It needs a number of small pieces of wood that are framed together to generate a semi-cylindrical appearance on the ceiling. This truss will add a decorative tinge, add volume to the room, and keep the room airy. Barrel vault trusses also have relatively low maintenance drywall and are usually found in hallways and cellar ceilings.
Clear Story
A clear story truss is basically a high wall located between two sloping sides that features a band of narrow windows. This truss allows fresh air and light to enter the room. In modern times, it is commonly used in energy-efficient houses and buildings.
Double Cantilever
A double cantilever truss is a structure made of 2 beams that lie horizontally and extends beyond the load that is attached to it. They are however fixed at one end and add height to the room. It also brings in enough light and grace to the structure which is why it is often found in high-rise buildings such as grandstands and exposition buildings.
Double DUBL (Double Pitch)
A double pitch truss has two sets of sides with different slopes. They are often set down against each other with the front pitch acting as the steeper. Double pitch trusses are used for gable roofs.
Modified Queen Scissors
This truss is a combination of the Queen post truss and the Scissors truss. It has a web-like configuration that is similar to Queen post trusses whereas the overall appearance resembles the Scissors truss.
Howe Scissors
The name Howe scissors comes from its resemblance to an open pair of scissors. It has bottom chords that are stuck together at an apex and creates a vaulted or pitched ceiling. This truss is used to create a pitched roof in buildings.
Hip Girder
A hip girder is a pitched truss with a flat or truncated apex enabling it to support a heavy load. Hip roofs are more stable when compared to gable roofs such that they can withstand hurricanes and strong winds.
Step Down hip
Step Down hip truss is a variation of hip girder truss and has a versatile application. It has the same slope as a standard truss but with its apex flattened.
Room-In-The-Attic
This is one of the most common types of trusses with its interior transformed into a room. Now isn’t that genius? This popular truss is a type of pitch truss that is very versatile and adds value to the property. It’s most often found in drive sheds or garages.
Gambrel
Gambrel roof trusses have a barn-like appearance and are similar to Room-in-the-attic trusses. The similarity is the built-in floor system that comes in handy when you are making use of spaces.
Polynesian (Duo-pitch)
Polynesian trusses are also known by their other name, duo-pitch which is so named because of its double symmetrical pitch tip chord. Its slope is also pretty inclined.
Types Of Truss: Mono Trusses
Mono Truss
A mono truss has one slope forming a right-angled triangle and allows a bright amount of sunlight to enter the room. It also increases the visual space and ensures proper drainage to the room it’s fit in. They are relatively less expensive than other trusses and can be found in garages, sheds, or in an extension of the roof.
Mono Scissors
Mono scissors truss is a variation of the scissors truss. It can be found commonly in commercial and residential buildings as well as industrial settings.
Types Of Truss: Common Trusses
King post (span – 16’)
King post truss is the simplest of all trusses with just one vertical post at its center, a tie beam, and two rafters. These are commonly found in garages, sheds, and porches.
Queen post (span – 10’ to 22’)
The Queen post trusses have two central vertical posts, one tie beam, and two rafters. It is extremely lightweight compared to the King post truss and thus can be used to cover large areas.
Fink (W) (span – 30 to 36’)
Fink has a double V configuration that is mostly found in pedestrian bridges and also in some homes.
Howe (K) Truss (span – 24′ to 36′)
Howe (K) trusses were designed by William Howe in the year of 1840. It is a commonly found truss with an M configuration and finds popular use in modern railroad bridge construction.
Fan (Double Fan) Truss (span – 30′ to 36′)
Fan trusses are similar to the Queen post web configuration with dual sets. It also finds a resemblance to the Fink truss double V web configuration.
Modified queen (Multi-panel) (span – 32’ to 44’)
Modified Queen trusses are basically the same as the Queen trusses but with extra side panels in multiple numbers on both sides.
Double fink (WW) (span – 40’ to 60’)
Double Fink trusses are Fink trusses with the patterns repeated on either side making it look like a W rather than a V. Thus, double funk trusses have a W configuration.
Double howe (KK) (span – 40’ to 60’)
Double Howe is a Howe truss with an extra pair of vertical posts and a diagonal post on either side.
Modified Fan (Triple Fan) (span – 44′ to 60′)
It is basically a double fan truss with a vertical post at its center and an extra pair of diagonal and upright.
Triple Fink (WW) Truss (span – 54′ to 80′)
Triple fink trusses are the same as Fink trusses but with the patterns repeated thrice on either side. Thus, the web configuration looks like a combination of three Vs.
Triple howe (KKK) (span – 54’ to 80’)
It’s a Howe truss with two extra pairs of diagonal and vertical posts. This web configuration exists on both its sides.
Closing Thoughts
The trusses mentioned above are quite similar in their construction to the layman’s eyes. But here there are images provided for your better understanding. It will be simpler to grasp better at the configuration of each type of truss by referring to the diagrams provided.
