How to Make Your Own Light Frame Trusses

Building light frame trusses is not a complicated task as long as you have a good plan to work from. The weight of light frame trusses, however, makes them difficult to work with. Most builders use factory-assembled wood trusses that are lowered into place with a crane.

For a small scale project such as a shed or garage, making your own light frame trusses is a viable option. You should start with a stamped drawing by a professional engineer to ensure that the design load has been properly calculated.

Wood lumber
Truss connector plates
Hammer or nail gun
Nails

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a stamped drawing from a professional engineer of the roof truss design. Take note of the grade and size of lumber, the angles for cutting and the grade and size of the truss plates.
- 2
  Cut lumber to size as specified in the drawings. Ensure that the ends of all wood members have the correct angled cut.
- 3
  Lay out all wood pieces on a flat surface according to the dimensions shown in the drawings.
- 4
  Use nails to attach truss plates at the center point of each joint where two pieces of lumber connect. Ensure that the truss plate is symmetrical about the joint.
- 5
  Turn the truss over and lay it flat on the other side. Attach truss plates to each joint with nails. Store the finished truss in a dry location until use.

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Architecture