Timber Truss Design Styles

From the classic King Post to the dramatic Hammerbeam, timber trusses add timeless elegance and architectural intrigue to any space. Explore our guide to popular truss styles and discover how they can transform your home into a breathtaking masterpiece.

Timber Truss Gallery

Here are simple forms of the most common timber trusses. Click to see more detail.

Simple Truss

The workhorse of trusses. Triangular in shape, it's strong, easy to build, and ideal for shorter spans.

Cable Truss

Truss with steel cables for tension instead of solid timbers in the webbing, creating a lightweight and open look.

Arched Truss

Perfect for creating vaulted ceilings reminiscent of grand cathedrals, adding elegant spaciousness to any room.

Box Truss

Closed rectangular or box-shaped truss offering exceptional strength and stability for heavy loads or long spans.

King Truss

A classic and economical choice featuring a central king post for added vertical support for larger spaces.

Scissor Truss

Visually appealing truss with interlocking diagonal beams that resemble scissors. Offers a spacious and open feel.

Queen Truss

Similar to a king post truss but with two "queen" posts that offer additional support for wider spans.

Hammer Truss

Historically significant truss with horizontal beams (hammers) corbelled into the wall. Decorative and functional.

Designing Timber Trusses That Actually Fit Your Project

For some, timber trusses might seem like oversized versions of standard manufactured roof trusses. But there’s a lot more going on.

These trusses are statement pieces. They’re more costly, structurally significant, and visually dominant, so design decisions matter. Getting a quick quote often misses the mark without upfront collaboration.

What Makes Timber Trusses Unique

We help you navigate the key choices that shape how trusses look, feel, and function in a space:

Style and Shape: King post, Queen post, Hammerbeam, Scissor truss—as you can see above, each has different structural needs and a distinct visual presence.
Size and Spacing: How many trusses? How far apart? What’s the roof pitch and ceiling height? These details shape both cost and appearance.
Fit and Finish: Trusses should match the tone of your home, whether rustic, modern, or somewhere in between.

Why a Simple Quote Isn’t So Simple

There’s no universal approach to building timber trusses. Joinery style, engineering needs, and fabrication methods all vary. A quick quote doesn’t always cut it. With a little input up front, we can create a design that looks right, holds up well, and won’t break the bank.

More Than Just a Truss Quote

Here’s the truth: most timber truss drawings we receive aren’t actually buildable. They often include awkward connections, overlook timber joinery realities, or simply don’t make sense structurally.

Instead of forcing a flawed design, it’s usually worth stepping back. A well-designed truss should support your space and enhance the architecture. With a little collaboration up front, we can help you create something that fits your style, works structurally, and feels personal.

Quoting Existing Designs:

If you have a specific truss design called out on your plan, we can provide a quote based on those specifications. However, it's important to note that these trusses may not have been designed with your unique space or overall timber frame aesthetic in mind.

Here is an example that a client wanted us to quote. This design has some difficult connections for fabrication and isn't optimized for traditional joinery and wood shrinkage.

After meeting with the clients, we discovered they didn't even like how it looked! Here's a redesign that they loved, and as a bonus, it cost less than the original!

The Difference Thoughtful Design Makes:

Fabrication-Ready:
We adjust or redesign trusses to allow for proper joinery, material movement, and long-term durability.
Architectural Fit:
Your trusses should reflect the style and proportions of your home.
Smarter Layouts:
We'll reduce complexity and even lower costs by improving the design instead of replicating a cliché truss.
Designed With You:
Bringing your ideas into focus and crafting a solution that is truly personalized.

Investing in a Holistic Approach:

While a quote based on existing plans might seem straightforward, a custom-designed truss offers a significant value proposition. It ensures a living space that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and integrates with your overall timber frame vision.