Common Truss Types
- Fink (W-Shape): The most common residential truss. Web members form a W pattern. Efficient for spans up to 40 feet.
- King Post: Simplest truss design with a single vertical post from the peak to the bottom chord. Best for small spans (up to 20 ft).
- Queen Post: Two vertical posts with a horizontal tie between them. Good for medium spans (20-30 ft).
- Howe: Vertical web members with diagonal compression members. Good for longer spans and heavier loads.
- Attic Truss: Modified to create usable attic space. The center section of the bottom chord is raised to create room height.
Truss Height = (Span ÷ 2) × (Pitch ÷ 12)
Upper Chord = (Span ÷ 2) ÷ cos(pitch angle)
Lower Chord = Span