How Much Does a Roof Truss Cost? (2023)

By Rachel Newcomb

Jun 01, 2023
Roof of newly built house against a blue sky

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The average roof truss costs $7,200 to $12,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home, including professional installation. This breaks down to $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot for materials and $20 to $75 per hour for labor.* A roof truss is the skeleton of your roof, supporting everything from the shingles to the flashing and gutters.

We’ve detailed various factors that affect this price, plus provided tips for reducing costs and finding a reputable contractor.

*Article cost data via Angi and Home Advisor. 

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What Is a Roof Truss?

Your roof is heavy. Lightweight asphalt shingles can weigh 200 pounds per square. This means there’s more than 4,000 pounds above your head on a 2,000-square-foot home. A roof truss distributes this weight evenly across the roof’s framework to prevent sagging, buckling, or roof system collapse.

Roof trusses have three main components:

The most common roof trusses are prefabricated wooden trusses with steel plates joining lengths of lumber. Steel-framed trusses are available but less common in residential homes.

 


 

Roof Truss Cost Factors

Several factors determine your total roof truss cost. Namely, the roof’s pitch, size, and complexity as well as the truss material. Learn more about roof truss cost factors below.

Cost by Roof Size and Complexity

Roofs with more than one level or several hips and valleys can make roof truss installation more challenging. Also, complex roofing systems require more boards and installation time.

Roof trusses cost between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot for materials. Here’s how that works for various roof sizes.

Roof Truss Size by Square FootCost of Materials

20

$25–$80

30

$45–$135

40

$60–$180

50

$75–$225

Cost by Roof Pitch

Roofs with steeper angles are more difficult to navigate and will likely require more labor. Steep roofs are dangerous and need more beams or boards than a flat roof. Calculate the roof’s pitch by the number of inches it rises for every 12 inches it extends horizontally.

Cost by Truss Material

Roof trusses come in various materials, all at different price points. Premium materials, such as steel, are more expensive.

Wood is the most common material and is found in most residential buildings. It costs $35 to $400 per truss. Wood is easier to install but susceptible to extreme weather conditions, mold, and pest damage.

Steel trusses cost about double the price of wood trusses—$150 to $600 each—and are typically found in commercial buildings. However, some pole barn designs may require steel trusses. Metal is more durable than wood and is not at risk of damage from insects or mold.

Labor Cost

Labor costs range from $25 to $75 per hour, depending on the job’s complexity, your location, and the contractor’s expertise. Some contractors may charge by the square foot, particularly with new construction. In this situation, the cost is $4 to $10 per square foot. If you’re removing an old roof truss and installing a new one, the removal cost is $4 to $5 per square foot and $300 to $1,800 for disposal.

Roof truss installation also requires special equipment, such as a crane. The crane and operator costs $300 to $1,000 depending on how long installation takes, but roofing contractors may get a discounted crane price.

Expect to pay more in labor if you live in an urban area. Rural areas tend to be more easily accessible, lowering the installation cost.

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Additional Factors Affecting Roof Truss Cost

The type of truss, building, and roof weight load can also affect your total roof truss cost.

Type of Truss

Roof trusses come in many types. Certain building designs and requirements, such as the span, pitch, load capacity, and architectural design, need different structures. Here are common types of roof trusses.

Type of Building

The cost of adding a roof truss to different building types varies due to materials, labor, and support considerations.

Building TypeAverage Cost

Home addition

$3,000–$12,000

Dettached garage

$3,500–$9,000

Pole barn house

$5,000–$10,000

New house

$7,200–$12,000

Required Weight Load

The structure’s necessary support level impacts cost. For example, areas with heavy snow require stronger trusses and/or more trusses to support the weight. If you live in an area with excess snow, you may need a bulkier roof truss to support it. This costs 25% more to purchase and install.

 


 

Professional vs. DIY Roof Truss Installation

Building a roof truss is difficult and dangerous, so we don’t recommend a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach.

Professional Roof Truss Installation

The average roof requires several shapes and types, but professional roofers typically use premade or prefabricated roof designs. These are cut to size when necessary, though custom trusses are an option. Pros match truss styles based on external shape and internal webbing

Trusses also require specialized equipment and expertise to install correctly, which increases the cost. Professional installation runs between $25 and $75 per hour, or $4 to $10 per square foot. Demolishing the old truss adds $4 to $5 per square foot.

DIY Roof Truss Installation

DIY roof truss installation could save you roughly $2,240 on labor, but it’s a dangerous job requiring a high skill level and special equipment. Incorrect installation can lead to injury and put your structure at risk of damage. A DIY roof truss installation involves the following costs:

Keep in mind that a DIY attempt may void your manufacturer’s warranty.

 


 

How to Reduce Roof Truss Costs

Building a roof truss isn’t cheap, but there are ways to cut down on costs.

 


 

How to Hire a Professional

Building and installing a roof truss is dangerous and complex. Don’t just go with the lowest quote. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a local roof framing contractor:

 


 

Repairing vs. Replacing a Roof Truss

Truss repairs often involve reinforcing damaged or failing lumber, or cutting out part of the truss and replacing it with a new board. Truss repairs sometimes require an engineer’s help to ensure the building’s structural integrity is maintained. If there’s extensive damage, a full replacement may be necessary.

 


 

Our Recommendation

The average roof truss cost depends on your roof’s size, complexity, and pitch, as well as the truss material. Hiring an experienced contractor to complete the installation is the only way to ensure it’s done safely and correctly. Improperly installed roof trusses can cause structural damage. We recommend getting estimates from at least three contractors before making a decision.

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Roof Truss FAQ

What is a roof truss?

A roof truss is a framework made of wood or metal that supports your roof. Trusses are usually built off-site, and a crane lifts and installs them onto the roof. Trusses are either custom-built or prefabricated. There are many types, but they all share the basic interlocking, rafter-and-joist design.

What is the strongest type of roof truss?

The strongest type of roof truss depends on its application. Trusses are strong because they use interlocking triangles. This helps distribute their weight evenly across the framework.

How do I know if I need to install a roof truss?

Most houses require a roof truss, but not all. Some flat roofs or roofs with one slope may not require roof trusses and instead use rafters. The biggest difference between roof trusses and rafters is that trusses are prefabricated structures while rafters are built on the job site.

How long does it take to install roof trusses?

It takes an average of 112 hours for a professional to install roof trusses. This depends on the roof size and the job complexity. Most roof trusses are prefabricated, so a pro will assemble trusses on-site and secure them to the roof.