For a typical 1,700-square-foot home, installing a full set of roof trusses costs between $6,460 and $8,500. How much you’ll pay mainly depends on your home size and the truss type.
Roof trusses are the backbone of your home’s roof structure, supporting the weight of decking, shingles, and even heavy snow or ice. Whether you’re building from scratch or replacing old trusses, understanding costs and installation factors is crucial.
As a builder, I’ve worked with hand-built, prefabricated, and custom trusses, and I’ll break down what you need to know about material costs, labor expenses, and key factors that influence your total price. From choosing the right truss type to ensuring a smooth installation, this guide will help you make informed decisions for your home.
If the trusses on your house are in poor shape and need to be replaced, or you’re just ready for a new roof, consider checking out my recommended roofing companies.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
What Is the Cost of a Roof Truss?
The cost of roof trusses depends on the size of your home, the truss type, and labor costs. For a typical 1,700-square-foot home, installing a full set of roof trusses costs between $6,460 and $8,500.
Individual trusses vary in price based on their span and design. Simple common trusses cost less, while more complex or custom trusses can be significantly more expensive. Keep in mind that this cost only covers the trusses themselves—roof decking, underlayment, shingles, and flashing are separate expenses.
| Range | Cost |
| Low | $6,460–$7,140 |
| Mid | $7,140–$7,480 |
| High | $7,480–$8,500 |
| *For average 1,700 sq. ft. open gable roof with 26’ span, 6/12 pitch, 24” O.C, wood Fink trusses. Costs for end trusses differ. | |
What Is the Cost of a Roof Truss by Type?
Two types of materials to make trusses are wood and galvanized metal.
| Material of Roof Truss | Average Cost |
| Wood | $45–$275 per truss |
| Galvanized metal | $240–$947 per truss |
Common Wood
Wood trusses are the standard choice for residential homes because they’re lightweight, strong, and cost-effective. Wood’s natural flexibility makes it ideal for supporting heavy loads like roofing materials, snow, and wind forces. It’s also widely available and sustainably harvested, helping keep costs down.
Galvanized Metal
Metal trusses are rare in residential construction but common in industrial and commercial buildings, where they allow for large, open spaces without interior support beams. While steel trusses are extremely strong and durable, they’re not ideal for coastal homes—salt exposure can cause corrosion over time. For most homeowners, wood remains the best choice.
What Is a Roof Truss Cost by Roof Span?
The span of your roof is the biggest factor affecting truss cost—longer spans require more material and stronger hardware, increasing the price. Below is a cost breakdown for common spans with 4/12 and 6/12 pitches, the most typical in residential construction. The price difference between these two pitches is usually minimal, and some manufacturers don’t even list them separately.
| Span | Cost |
| 10’ | $45–$50 |
| 12’ | $49–$55 |
| 14’ | $54–$67 |
| 16’ | $63–$73 |
| 18’ | $78–$85 |
| 20’ | $79–$96 |
| 22’ | $92–$104 |
| 24’ | $95–$116 |
| 26’ | $107–$137 |
| 30’ | $133–$169 |
| 36’ | $162–$203 |
| 40’ | $225–$275 |
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Which Factors Impact How Much a Roof Truss Costs?
The price of a roof truss depends on three key factors: span, truss type, and roof complexity.
- Span: Longer spans require more lumber and stronger hardware, increasing costs. While roof pitch affects material use slightly, span is the biggest cost driver. For large spans, extra board feet can add up to thousands of dollars on a full roof.
- Truss Type: Some truss designs require more material and labor to build. Simple trusses like king post trusses are cheaper, while more complex styles like Howe or Fink trusses cost more due to additional webbing and hardware.
- Roof Complexity: Basic roofs, like open gables, use identical trusses, keeping costs low. Complex or custom roofs need varied truss designs, driving up costs due to extra labor and materials.
Each of these factors plays a role in your final price, so understanding them helps you budget wisely for your roof project.
Related: Complete Guide to Setting Up Roof Trusses
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Related: Rafters vs Trusses: Everything You Need to Know
What Are the Benefits of Investing in a New Roof Truss?
Roof trusses aren’t an upgrade—they’re a necessity. If a truss is failing, it must be replaced immediately to prevent serious structural issues. Whether you’re remodeling or repairing your home, a damaged truss isn’t something you can ignore.
That said, replacing roof trusses is a major project. It requires tearing off the entire roof—shingles, underlayment, and decking—which makes it an expensive and disruptive process. Unless there’s visible damage or a structural concern, replacing trusses just to upgrade usually isn’t worth the cost.
In rare cases, a truss can be repaired or reinforced without removing the entire roof, but this depends on the severity of the issue and the recommendation of a structural engineer or roofer.
Read also: DIY Roof Inspection for Replacement
Professional Vs. DIY Roof Truss Cost
Roof trusses are not a DIY-friendly project. Installing manufactured trusses often requires a crane, while building them from scratch demands advanced carpentry skills and structural knowledge. A mistake here isn’t just costly—it’s dangerous. Poorly installed trusses can lead to structural failure, roof collapse, and serious safety risks.
Installing a Roof Truss Yourself
While setting pre-made trusses in place is straightforward with the right equipment, the process involves more than just lifting and securing them. Proper bracing, alignment, and fastening are critical to ensure the structure remains stable. The decking must also be installed quickly to prevent shifting, and underlayment should go down immediately to protect against weather exposure.
Why Hire a Professional?
Professional roofers and carpenters follow strict industry standards to ensure structural integrity and long-term durability. They also have the right tools, safety gear, and expertise to handle the job efficiently. Given the risks and complexity, this is one project best left to the pros.
Be sure to look at any paperwork that comes with your trusses. Most importantly, look for the nailing schedule, which explains the nailing requirements for the truss.
Hiring a Professional for a New Roof Truss
Two types of professionals can install roof trusses: roofers and carpenters. Since roof framing falls under both trades, either one can handle the job. However, it’s essential to hire a licensed and insured contractor who understands your local building codes to ensure the work is up to standard.
- Find local experts near you: Look for roofers or carpenters with experience in truss installation.
- Get multiple quotes: Comparing bids from a few contractors helps ensure a fair price and a clear understanding of your project’s cost.
- Ask questions: A good contractor should explain their plan, timeline, and recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask about materials, costs, and building codes.
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So, Is a Roof Truss Worth the Cost?
If your roof trusses are failing, replacement isn’t optional—it’s essential. Trusses are a fundamental structural component, and a compromised truss puts your entire home and safety at risk.
That said, you should still ensure you’re getting a fair price. If you need a full replacement, it’s worth taking a few days to compare quotes from multiple contractors. But if a truss is damaged, don’t delay repairs—even one failing truss can lead to serious structural issues over time.
FAQs About Roof Trusses
The number of roof trusses in your home depends on its size, design, and complexity. In most modern homes, trusses are spaced 24 inches apart, though some roofs use 12-inch spacing for added support. To estimate how many trusses you have, measure the total length of your roof and divide by 2 feet. If your home has multiple roof sections, you’ll need to calculate each one separately.
There isn’t a single “best” roof truss—the right choice depends on your home’s size, design, and structural needs. Smaller homes with minimal vertical or lateral load often use king post or queen post trusses, while larger homes typically rely on stronger designs like the Fink truss, which is the most common in residential construction. In cases where additional strength or attic space is needed, more complex trusses like the Howe or attic truss may be used.
Ultimately, the best truss for your home depends on your specific roof design and load requirements, so consulting a contractor or structural engineer is the best way to ensure the right choice.
In most cases, buying pre-made trusses is more cost-effective. Standard trusses are mass-produced, making them cheaper and readily available at construction suppliers and even some big-box stores.
However, for custom or highly complex roofs, building trusses on-site may be the better option. While it won’t always save money, it can help avoid delays if pre-made trusses aren’t available or don’t fit the project’s needs.
