King Truss (Timber Truss Styles)

Excerpt from: Timber Truss Styles

King Truss

The king truss is probably the most common used style of exposed timber trusses. There is an explanation for this- Timeless Geometric Beauty! It is a cross cultural gem that can really be adapted to fit any style.

You can use the arched bottom timbers and curved webs increase the elegance factor. The Timber King Truss works best with Rustic, Traditional, Classic, and Euro Timber styles. Although I’ve had the opportunity to work with an old style timber king trusses on a restoration project which used an iron rod as the king post. While this project was very rustic, this king truss variation could easily compliment a modern style well.

A common mistake you’ll want to avoid if you choose a king truss style, is positioning the angle of the webs 90 degrees or perpendicular to the sloped/top beams. This is a mistake we see repeated often, probably because it seems easy and natural to align the webs at right angles to the top cords, but it really kills the balance- the center of the truss will appear pinched or cramped, especially so with the lower pitched trusses.

Note: If the webs are eliminated, it is still a king truss, as it utilizes a center king post.

I believe it is better to align the webs by eye to achieve the best balance- the same principal applies when you are deciding how much arch to apply or how much to raise the bottom horizontal truss member if your criteria so dictates- you will be working with factors such as wall height, room volume, truss spacing and roof slope to arrive at the best decision for your timber truss.

Read full article: Timber Truss Styles

I am confused by this part of the statement
" is positioning the angle of the webs 90 degrees or perpendicular to the sloped/top beams."
Can you explain it differently or have an image, Thanks

John C Daley wrote:I am confused by this part of the statement
" is positioning the angle of the webs 90 degrees or perpendicular to the sloped/top beams."
Can you explain it differently or have an image, Thanks

Hey John,

Here is an example of 90 degree webs. Which is not recommended.

I have seen and made many of that style of truss.
Why are they not recommended

John C Daley wrote:I have seen and made many of that style of truss.
Why are they not recommended

It's not a structural issue but design tip. Going with a different angle is more pleasing to the eye and provides more visual balance. If you position the webs higher than 90 degrees it will give a European/victorian style look, while less than 90 brings more of a Craftsman style look.

Straight 90 degree comes across as basic and bland.