Building a Wood Truss

A wooden truss basically comprises of wooden triangles connected by metal plates. They can be used to construct various types of building components. The wooden types are mostly used for residential properties and the steel ones for commercial projects. Building trusses for a shed or small structure can be done at home by dong the following. 

1. Follow the rules

Before starting the project ensures that you are aware of the building codes for snow and wind loads. 

2. Make a design

Design a basic truss for your structure keeping all elements in mind. 

 3. Selection of wood

Always select high density timber like southern yellow pine or fir instead of spruce, white pine or pole pine. 

4. Set up a flat work place or saw horses

Use saw horses to start assembly and always keep the bottom board on first. 

5. Always keep the crown up of the bottom chord board

Now place the top chords and mark where the cuts need to be made. The overlapping place should be marked. 

6. Mark the cuts on top

Make a common rafter pitch cut on top chords and mark the center. 

7. Determine the overhang

Cut the top chord after calculating the slope inward. 

8. Mark the diagonal bracing

Locate and mark the position for diagonals. 

 

9. Make a pattern with top and bottom chords

Keep the crowns up while building and be precise. 

10. Decide on toe nailing

Decide between using nails or gussets or plates for the truss. 

11. Start nailing the trusses together

Assemble by keeping them flat and use clamps while nailing. 

12. Stack the trusses flat

Keep them fully flat to prevent warping.