Different Types of Trusses
1. Studio-Two Bearing Points Truss
2. Studio-Three Bearing Points
Used on larger trusses and for creating a pitched ceiling or an extra vertical space.
3. Coffer/Tray Truss
A pitch truss with a sloping (or non-sloping) vertical interior ceiling detail. It can take various forms
and often used for aesthetic purposes, adding height and focal interest to the ceiling. This type of
truss is perfect for the dining room, living room, great room and kitchen.
4. Barrel Vault Truss
This has a characteristic barrel-shaped ceiling. In order to create the semi-cylindrical appearance for
the ceiling, this truss would need many small pieces of wood framed together. This decorative type
of truss adds volume, keeps the room cool, and has relatively low maintenance drywall. It’s often
used for cellars and long hallways.
5. Clear Story Truss
A high wall between two sloping sides featuring a band of narrow windows. This structure allows
light and fresh air into a room. Nowadays, it’s also used in energy-efficient buildings.
6. Double Cantilever
Two horizontal beams that extend beyond the load they’re bearing and are fixed at one end. The
double cantilever truss adds height to the structure and contributes to a light and graceful
appearance. It’s often used in high-rise buildings such as exposition buildings and grandstands.
7. Tri-Bearing
8. Double Pitch
A pitch truss with two sets of different sloping sides. They’re often placed at the front and back of
each other, with the front pitch usually steeper. This is used for gable roofs.
9. Modified Queen Scissors
As the name implies, this pitched truss has the combined appearance of the Queen Post truss and
Scissors truss. Its web configuration resembles that of the Queen Post truss, while its appearance
resembles that of the Scissors truss.
10. Howe Scissors
A Howe Scissors truss is so-called because its appearance resembles that of an opened pair of
scissors. Its bottom chords join at the apex, creating a pitched or vaulted ceiling. Naturally, this truss
is used in buildings for creating a pitched roof.
11. Hip Girder Truss
A pitch truss with a truncated or flat apex so that it can support more load. Hip roofs are more stable
than gable roofs and more resistant to strong winds and hurricanes.
12. Stepdown Hip
A variant of the hip truss and the most versatile of the types. It has the same slope as the standard
trusses but with a flat apex.
13. Room-in-the-attic
It’s a common truss with its interior space converted into a room. This popular type of pitch truss can
be versatile and add value to a property. It’s often used in a garage or drive shed.
14. Gambrel Roof Truss
It has a barn-like appearance and is similar to the Room-in-the-attic for its usage with a built-in floor
system.
15. Polynesian Truss
Has an increased slope with a double symmetrical pitch top chord.
Types of Mono Trusses
1. Mono Truss Design
A mono truss is a one-sloped truss that forms a right-angle triangle. A mono truss roof allows for
more sunlight and visual space, and proper drainage and is relatively cheaper. It’s often used for
sheds, garages, or extensions of an existing roof.
2. Mono Scissors
It’s a variation of the Scissors Truss and is used in residential as well as commercial and industrial
buildings.
Common Truss Types and Spans
1. King Post
The simplest truss with only one central vertical post, two rafters, and a tie beam. It is often used in
the shed, porch, and garage.
2. Queen Post
Unlike a King Post, the Queen Post truss has two central vertical posts, two rafters, and a beam. It is
more lightweight than the King Post and can be used to cover larger areas.
3. Fink
Has a double V web configuration and is the most widely used in homes and pedestrian bridges.
4. Howe
Designed by William Howe in 1840, this common truss with an M web configuration used to be very
popular for the construction of modern railroad bridges.
5. Fan
Has dual sets of the Queen Post web configuration or like the Fink truss’ double V web configuration.
6. Modified Queen
It’s essentially the same Queen Post truss but with multiple panels on both sides.
7. Double Fink
It’s the Fink truss with the same pattern repeated on both sides so that the web configuration looks
like W instead of double V.
8. Double Howe
It’s the Howe truss web configuration with an extra pair of the vertical posts and diagonal on both
sides.
9. Modified Fan
It’s the Double Fan truss with a central vertical post and an extra pair of the upright and diagonal.
10. Triple Fink
It’s the Fink truss with the same pattern repeated three times on both sides so that the web
configuration looks like three Vs.
11. Triple Howe Truss
It’s the Howe truss web configuration with two extra pairs of the vertical posts and diagonal on both
sides.
12. Three-Piece Long Span
13. Room-in-the-attic
It’s a common truss with its interior space converted into a room. This popular type of pitch truss can
be versatile and add value to a property. It’s often used in a garage or drive shed.
