structural
Roof Framing: The Structural Trade-off between Trusses and Stick Framing
Building a roof? We compare pre-engineered Trusses (fast, cheap, no attic) vs. Traditional Stick Framing (rafters, usable attic, labor intensive). Learn about span tables, birdsmouth cuts, and ridge beams.
The roof protects everything underneath it. There are two ways to build it: Stick Frame (cut on site) or Trusses (built in a factory).
Engineered Trusses
Triangles made of 2x4s connected by metal plates. They rely on engineering geometry, not wood bulk.
- Pros: Cheapest option. Installs in a day with a crane. Can span huge distances (40ft+) without internal load-bearing walls.
- Cons: Zero attic space (the web of wood fills it). Impossible to alter later.
Stick Framing (Rafters)
The traditional method. Rafters lean against a ridge board.
- Pros: Creates usable attic space or vaulted ceilings. Easy to frame around complex dormers.
- Cons: Requires skilled carpenters. Heavy lumber (2x8, 2x10, 2x12). More expensive.
Try it yourself
Calculate rafter lengths and cuts:
Try it yourself
Estimate truss geometry:
If you want storage or cathedral ceilings, stick frame. If you want a cheap, flat ceiling, use trusses.