Machine Stress Rated Lumber Producers Council

(888) 848-5339

Truss Configurations


Two Basic Types of Trusses

The pitched or common truss is characterized by its triangular shape. It is most often used for roof construction. Some trusses are named according to their web configuration, such as the King Post, Fan, Fink or Howe truss. The chord size and web configuration are determined by span, load and spacing. All truss designs are optimized to provide the most economical configuration for the specific application.

The parallel chord or flat truss gets its name from having parallel top and bottom chords. This type is often used for floor construction, but can also be used in roof applications.

Interior structure of a building showing the trusses.

Standard Roof Truss Configurations

Double Fink

Double Fink Illustration.

Double Howe

Double Howe Illustration.

Modified Fan

Modified Fan Illustration.

Multi-Panel

Multi-Panel Illustration.

Parallel Chord

4x2 Floor Truss with Chase

4x2 Floor Truss with Chase Illustration.

2x4 Floor or Roof Truss*

2x4 Floor or Roof Truss.

* Can design with a chase as well.

Truss Configurations

The following examples represent some of the possible variations on the basic types of trusses. The only limit to the design is your imagination!


Configs

Return to MSR Education
Top of Page
0%

2024 MSR Lumber Producers Council.

Site design and hosting by Pushing7.