All You Need To Know About King Post Roof Trusses

Roof trusses come in several shapes and sizes. But none of them quite match the popularity of king post trusses. It speaks for itself. This ages-old truss design has been the primary pick for residential, agricultural, and heritage style buildings. Its aesthetic and structural benefits are the reason why it refuses to go out of style.

 

That said, there’s a lot more to know about king post trusses than merely the fact that they are well-loved. So, whether you’re an architect designing a modern-heritage style building or a builder executing said project, you need to know a few basic things about king post trusses so you can feel confident about your choice. 

 

Defining A King Post Roof Truss

 

Let’s kick things off with the basics of a king post truss. It might sound fancy or exquisite, but the king post truss is the simplest roof truss design out there. It follows the exact shape of an isosceles triangle, which makes it inherently robust and elegant. 

 

This type of truss typically consists of:

 

• Two rafters that form the sides of this triangle
• A horizontal tie beam at the bottom to keep it all together 
• A single central vertical post, which is known as the ‘king’ post 

Each of these elements in its correct place helps in the equal distribution of weight, which in turn helps in supporting the roof’s overall load without the need for extra material. 

 

Applications Of King Post Roof Truss

 

These types of roof trusses are used for spaces that require shorter spans. Think about 5 to 8 meters or between 16 and 26 feet. Due to their shorter length, they are most commonly found in:

 

• Vaulted ceilings of residential homes
• Small commercial buildings
• Sheds and garages 
• Agricultural structures such as barns
• Renovation projects that require timber framing
• Restoration projects 

King post trusses are also commonly found in projects that require an open ceiling aesthetic. Their clean lines and exposed timber create an attractive and rustic vibe that adds a warm character to any space. 

 

Major Advantages Of King Post Roof Trusses

 

If you get king post trusses from a good lumber yard, you can expect to reap the following benefits:

 

• Simplicity and cost-effectiveness: As we mentioned before, king post truss is one of the simplest truss systems you will find. Their simplicity not only makes them easy to fabricate, assemble and install, but it also keeps costs to a minimum. This makes them the perfect choice for small-scale projects or those with limited budgets. 
• Everlasting appeal: Rustic aesthetics seldom go out of style, and that is exactly what king post trusses add to any space they are a part of. Their timeless, traditional charm - especially when paired with exposed timber or decorative finishes - can instantly elevate the interiors of any space. 
• Strong build: Possibly the strongest option for small spans (not so much for longer spans, though), king post trusses are structurally sound. You can safely use them for small to mid-sized roofs without worrying about their longevity and strength.

Customizable with engineered wood: This is possible if you choose a lumber yard like Fonthill Lumber Inc. We can design king post trusses using engineered wood so you get a structure that is actively moisture-resistant, strong and highly durable. 

 

Things To Consider Before Getting King Post Roof Trusses

 

Before resorting to king post roof trusses for your next project, keep the following points in mind - 

• Span limitations: If your project requires longer spans, it’s best to choose complex truss designs such as queen post or fink instead of king post trusses.
• Load requirements: Your king post truss configuration should meet local building codes for load capacity. Check with your truss designer for the same. Consulting with a structural engineer is also an option.
• Design intent: King post trusses can be both exposed or hidden, so take your design considerations into account before selecting materials and finishes. 

 

Conclusion

 

King post trusses are simple, sure, but they are not basic. Their simplicity enhances their aesthetic appeal and lends them structural stability that makes them the ideal choice for small-span projects. All you need to do is ensure you get your king post trusses from a lumber yard you can trust, like Fonthill Lumber Inc. Our trusses are known for their load-bearing ability and structural efficiency. Contact us to get aesthetically appealing king post trusses that offer excellent strength.