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Technical Information

Trusses come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit the needs of your project. If you’re looking for inspiration, technical terms, or more knowledge, you’ve come to the right place!

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Parts & Terms

Despite their different shapes, the industry constructs trusses with the same basic components. When we discuss the trusses for your project, you may hear us mix these terms into the conversation.

Diagram of a roof truss showing labeled parts such as peak, heel, butt cut, wedge, web, panel point, bearing, span, overhang, cantilever, rise, top chord, bottom chord, and truss plate.
Diagram of a triangular roof truss with multiple diagonal and vertical supports, showing the geometric structure commonly used in construction. The truss has a flat base and peaked top, resembling a triangle.
Diagram of a metal roof truss with triangular supports and diagonal braces, showing a symmetrical peaked structure for supporting a building roof.
A diagram of a triangular roof truss with multiple supporting beams and nodes, showing internal diagonal and vertical braces connecting the top and bottom chords.
Diagram of a roof truss with a triangular shape, showing multiple interconnected beams and braces forming a symmetrical pattern for structural support.

Standard trusses…

Floor trusses…

A horizontal metal truss structure supported at both ends, with triangular bracing and a labeled section at the top marked "chase." The frame appears to be a part of a stage or architectural design.

Parallel Chord

4×2 Floor Truss with Chase

Illustration of a wooden truss bridge with diagonal and vertical support beams, rectangular joints, and stair-like braces on each section, shown from a side view.

Parallel Chord

2×4 Floor or Roof Truss (can be designed with a chase as well)

Half trusses

A diagram of a right triangle roof truss with wooden beams, metal connectors at the joints, and additional diagonal and vertical supports inside the truss structure.

Mono

A triangular wooden truss structure with internal diagonal and vertical braces, supported at both ends with dark triangular footings.

Half Scissors

Diagram of a wooden staircase frame with diagonal and vertical supports, shown from the side, highlighting the structural beams and stair outline.

Half Hip

A simple truss bridge structure with a rectangular frame and diagonal and vertical support beams, shown at an angle. The frame is beige, with gray joints and black bases at each end.

Sloping Flat

Vault trusses…

Diagram of an asymmetrical roof truss with wooden beams and black connectors, showing a central vertical support and multiple diagonal braces, designed for uneven rooflines.

Vault

A diagram of a wooden roof truss with multiple triangular supports, showing the structure and arrangement of beams used in roof construction. The truss has a peaked center and symmetrical design.

Flat Vault

A digital diagram of a wooden roof truss with triangular and rectangular supports, showing an angled side extension for extra roof space, all components outlined in black.

Studio Vault

Diagram of a wooden roof truss with multiple triangular supports and horizontal beams, illustrating the structural framework used in building construction.

Tray or Coffer

Diagram of a wooden roof truss with a triangular shape, showing various beams and supports connected at joints, illustrating the structural framework used in building construction.

Scissors

A diagram of a triangular wooden roof truss with multiple internal supports and joints, showing a symmetrical structure designed for stability and strength.

Vaulted Parallel Chord

A detailed illustration of a wooden roof truss with an arched bottom chord and multiple vertical and diagonal supports forming triangular patterns, set against a plain white background.

Barrel Vault

The sky’s the limit when it comes to designing the perfect truss for your building. Below is a small selection of what we can create for your project. If you’re interested in a specific type of truss or want to know about more options, reach out to us online or over the phone today!

Illustration of a wooden roof truss with a steep central peak and multiple triangular supports, shown in a side view with all structural beams visible against a white background.

Polynesian

A diagram of a wooden truss bridge structure with triangular supports and vertical beams, showing the framework and connections used for stability and load distribution.

Gambrel

A diagram of a wooden roof truss with triangular and rectangular sections, showing horizontal, vertical, and diagonal beams connected at joints, forming a symmetrical structure.

Room-In-Attic

Diagram of an arched truss bridge with a curved top chord and vertical and diagonal supports connecting to a horizontal base. The structure has a symmetrical, triangular pattern throughout.

Bowstring

Illustration of a wooden roof truss with triangular framework, showing multiple diagonal and vertical supports connecting the base to the peak.

Double Cantilever

Diagram of a wooden roof truss with a triangular shape, showing horizontal, vertical, and diagonal beams connected to support the structure.

Tri-Bearing

Diagram of a triangular roof truss with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal support beams, showing the structure and connections of the truss components.

Clerestory

A technical drawing of a metal and wood staircase frame with triangular supports on each end and diagonal cross-bracing along its length. The structure is shown from a side view on a white background.

Cantilevered Mansard

With Parapets

A diagram of a wooden truss structure with triangular supports and horizontal beams, shown from the side. The base is supported at both ends, forming a symmetric, peaked roof design.

Hip

A structural diagram of a right triangle-shaped roof truss with multiple diagonal and vertical supports, shown in yellow with joints at each connection point on a white background.

Dual Pitch

A diagram of a wooden roof truss with a triangular shape, showing multiple supporting beams, joints, and bracing in a symmetrical arrangement used in building construction.

Double Inverted

Diagram of a triangular wooden roof truss with multiple internal supports and cross-bracing, showing the structural framework used in building construction.

Multi-Piece/Piggyback

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