Traditional King Post Roof Truss

Simple to make and require a small amount of lumber king post trusses are ideal for small structures.

Traditional king post roof truss.

In a nutshell it s made up of a central vertical post called the king post two rafters meeting at the apex and a tie beam or the horizontal base. It is used in aircraft construction. In traditional timber framing a crown post looks similar to a king post but it is very different structurally. A king post truss utilizes two top chords a bottom chord and a piece that connects the bottom and top chords vertically called a king post.

The crown post rises to a crown plate immediately below and supporting collar beams it does not rise to the apex like a king post. They are only good up to 16 as larger structures require a greater weight distribution. Whereas the king post is in tension usually supporting the tie beam as a truss the crown post is supported by the tie beam and is in compression. King post roof trusses are the most cost effective truss and they look great when curved braces and webs are used.

In aeroplanes the king post supports the top cables and helps to support the weight of the plane s wings. The top two diagonal pieces that serve as rafters are known as the upper cords. The bottom horizontal which serves as ceiling and upper floor joist is known as the lower cord. This truss is very adaptable with regard to desired span and roof pitch.

The king post truss is also called a latin truss. This style can be embellished with radius cuts on the struts and a through tenon at the base of the king post as pictured above. The king post truss consists following components. The truss has four main parts.

A king post truss is a simple triangular gable truss with a center brace known as the king truss. Tie beam two inclined principal rafter two struts king post. King post an upright post in the centre of a roof truss extending from the tie beam to the apex of the truss. What are king post trusses.

It is often used in simple roof trusses such as in the shed porch and garage. They have one bottom chord two top chords a king post a vertical central member and optional webs that can be straight or curved. The king post truss with struts is popular timeless very strong and an elegantly simple truss design.