8 Types of Roof Trusses Every Woodworker and Builder Needs to Know

8 Types of Roof Trusses Every Woodworker and Builder Needs to Know

Roof trusses are one of the most important structural components in construction. Whether you are building a shed, workshop, barn, cabin, garage, or full-size house, choosing the right truss design affects the strength, roof shape, interior space, and overall cost of the build. Trusses are engineered frameworks made from interconnected wooden members that distribute roof loads evenly across the walls of a structure. Access over 16,000 woodworking plans 

Understanding the different truss styles helps woodworkers and builders choose the best option for each project. Some trusses are designed for maximum strength, while others create extra attic space or allow for vaulted ceilings. Each design has its own layout of top chords, bottom chords, vertical webs, diagonal webs, and bearing points.

Below are the 8 main roof truss types every builder should know.

1. Howe Truss

The Howe truss is one of the oldest and most commonly used roof truss designs. It features diagonal web members sloping toward the centre and vertical posts connecting the top and bottom chords.

Main Features

  • Strong load distribution
  • Excellent for medium to large spans
  • Simple and reliable design
  • Common in barns, sheds, and workshops

Structure

The top chords form the roof slope while the bottom chord acts as the ceiling tie. Vertical members handle tension while diagonal members handle compression.

Best Used For

  • Barn roofs
  • Garage roofs
  • Workshops
  • Agricultural buildings

2. Gambrel Truss

The Gambrel truss is famous for its barn-style appearance. It uses two roof slopes on each side, creating much more usable attic or loft space.

Main Features

  • Creates large upper storage area
  • Classic barn-style shape
  • Efficient for loft conversions
  • Attractive traditional appearance

Structure

The upper roof section has a shallow slope while the lower section is steeper. Internal webs support the extra roof height and distribute weight to the bearing points.

Best Used For

  • Barns
  • Cabins
  • Tiny homes
  • Storage buildings

3. Double Fan Truss

The Double Fan truss uses multiple diagonal web members spreading outward in a fan pattern from the centre.

Main Features

  • Excellent weight distribution
  • Strong for wide spans
  • Increased structural stability
  • Handles heavy roofing loads

Structure

The web arrangement forms several triangular sections that transfer loads evenly throughout the truss.

Best Used For

  • Industrial buildings
  • Large workshops
  • Commercial structures
  • Wide-span roofs

4. Double Fink Truss

The Double Fink truss is an upgraded version of the standard Fink truss and is designed for larger spans.

Main Features

  • Strong and lightweight
  • Uses repeating W-shaped web pattern
  • Cost-effective construction
  • Efficient material usage

Structure

The diagonal web members create multiple triangular sections that improve strength while reducing lumber requirements.

Best Used For

  • Residential homes
  • Garages
  • Large sheds
  • Medium-span roofing systems

5. Sloping Flat Truss

The Sloping Flat truss combines a mostly flat roof profile with a slight pitch for drainage.

Main Features

  • Modern roof appearance
  • Allows water runoff
  • Suitable for low-slope roofing
  • Simple construction design

Structure

One top chord slopes slightly while internal webbing supports the roof load and prevents sagging.

Best Used For

  • Modern homes
  • Commercial buildings
  • Patio covers
  • Contemporary workshops

6. Inverted Truss

The Inverted truss flips the traditional triangular shape upside down, creating a raised centre section below the roof.

Main Features

  • Creates higher interior ceiling
  • Unique architectural appearance
  • Improves interior airflow
  • Adds visual interest

Structure

The bottom chord rises upward toward the centre while diagonal webs stabilize the structure.

Best Used For

  • Churches
  • Halls
  • Modern homes
  • Decorative roof systems

7. Queen Post Truss

The Queen Post truss is similar to a King Post truss but uses two vertical posts instead of one central post.

Main Features

  • Strong for moderate spans
  • Classic timber-frame appearance
  • Provides additional stability
  • Simple traditional design

Structure

Two vertical queen posts connect the top and bottom chords while diagonal braces support the roof load.

Best Used For

  • Timber-frame buildings
  • Cabins
  • Porches
  • Traditional homes

8. Scissor Truss

The Scissor truss is designed to create vaulted or cathedral ceilings inside a building.

Main Features

  • Creates open interior ceilings
  • Modern and spacious appearance
  • Eliminates flat ceiling look
  • Strong structural design

Structure

The bottom chords cross upward like scissors while the top chords follow the roof pitch. Internal webbing stabilizes the structure.

Best Used For

  • Living rooms
  • Churches
  • Cabins
  • Great rooms

Main Parts of a Roof Truss

Every roof truss contains several important structural components:

Top Chord

The outer upper members that form the roof slope.

Bottom Chord

The horizontal lower member that supports the ceiling structure.

Vertical Webs

Straight vertical supports connecting the top and bottom chords.

Diagonal Webs

Angled members that distribute loads through triangular sections.

Bearing Points

The ends of the truss where the load transfers onto the walls.

Span

The total distance covered by the truss from one bearing point to the other.

Choosing the Right Roof Truss

Selecting the correct truss depends on several factors:

  • Building size
  • Roof shape
  • Snow and wind loads
  • Interior ceiling design
  • Storage requirements
  • Construction budget

Simple sheds may only need a standard Howe or Fink truss, while cabins and homes often benefit from Gambrel or Scissor trusses for added space and style.

Final Thoughts

Roof trusses are far more than simple wooden frames. Each truss type is engineered to solve a specific structural challenge while shaping the appearance and functionality of the building beneath it. From the storage-friendly Gambrel truss to the vaulted-ceiling Scissor truss, understanding these 8 roof truss designs gives builders and woodworkers the knowledge needed to plan stronger, safer, and more efficient projects.

Whether you are constructing a backyard shed or designing a full timber-frame cabin, learning how these trusses work is an essential part of becoming a better builder.

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