When you’re putting up a pole barn, that roof over your head is what keeps everything safe and dry. And the very backbone of that roof? Well, that’s your trusses. Here at DIY Pole Barns, we know that every pole barn project is unique, reflecting the individuality of its creator. That’s why we like to walk you through every step of the process, and that includes one of the most important decisions: choosing the right truss type.
Whether you’re building a workshop, garage, or storage space, understanding your truss options will help you create a structure that’s functional, durable, and perfectly suited to your needs. So, let’s take a look at four common types of trusses we work with – common trusses, scissor trusses, mono trusses, and those room-in-attic trusses – and see how they can enhance your DIY pole barn.
Common Trusses: The Tried-and-True Workhorse
Your common trusses are pretty much the standard for pole barn construction. They’ve got that classic triangular shape with a flat bottom chord, and that flat bottom chord is what gives you a nice, flat ceiling inside your barn. That’s what creates the classic peaked roof profile you see on so many buildings. These are generally a budget-friendly choice, and they’re usually pretty straightforward to install, which makes them a good pick if this is your first time building.
They’re versatile too – they work well for most standard applications, from agricultural barns where you’re storing hay or equipment, to everyday garages. That triangular shape gives them excellent structural integrity, making sure your barn stays durable for years to come. And you can bet that all the common trusses we provide here at DIY Pole Barns are engineered to meet all the code requirements and come ready to install with your pole barn kit.
Why folks like Common Trusses:
- They’re often the most affordable option.
- Their straightforward design makes the installation process simpler.
- They’re versatile enough for a whole range of different barn uses.
- And they’re durable, giving you good, long-term structural reliability.
Scissor Trusses: When You Need More Headroom Inside
Now, scissor trusses are a real smart solution if you need some extra height on the inside of your pole barn, but maybe you’re limited by building height limitations due to local codes – or perhaps you just prefer a lower exterior profile. These trusses have bottom chords that slope upwards, so you end up with what folks call a vaulted or sloped ceiling inside. This makes them just perfect if you’re planning to put in taller equipment like a car lift or other machinery, all while keeping the outside appearance of your barn a bit more modest.
There’s a general rule of thumb for the ceiling pitch with these: it’s usually about half of whatever your main roof pitch is. So, if your roof is a 6/12 pitch, your ceiling inside might be around a 3/12. But keep in mind, that can vary a bit depending on things like how wide your truss is, how far apart you space them, and what kind of snow load your area gets.
Scissor trusses are ideal for workshops that need to fit a car lift or tall machinery, or for recreational spaces requiring vertical clearance. They also give you that lower exterior profile, which some folks really like if they want their pole barn to look shorter from the outside while still achieving high ceilings inside. Another neat thing is that scissor trusses are mezzanine-friendly, providing the extra headroom needed to add a mezzanine without increasing wall height. Plus, that vaulted interior just looks nice, adds a bit of architectural interest, and you still get a clear span inside with no posts or beams in the way, leaving a clear span for uninterrupted use of space.
Here at DIY Pole Barns, we specialize in helping you design scissor trusses that meet all the code requirements while giving you the interior clearance you need for your taller equipment or whatever special use you have in mind.
Best times to use Scissor Trusses:
- Workshops where you’ve got car lifts or other tall equipment
- Recreational buildings
- Event spaces
- If you like the look of a lower-profile barn from the outside
- Pole barns where you’re planning to put in mezzanines or loft areas
Mono Trusses: Simple Slope for Add-Ons and Lean-Tos
Mono trusses are what you use when you want a roof that slopes in just one direction. They’re perfect for building lean-tos that attach to an existing building, or for any kind of addition where you need that single slope. Their simple design often means they use less material and take less labor to put up, which can make them a real cost-effective choice. And you can customize the slope to whatever you need – whether it’s for storing equipment out of the weather, giving your livestock some shelter, or creating a nice covered outdoor area.
When you order a DIY Pole Barn kit that uses mono trusses, you’ll get everything you need for an easy installation, including our detailed plans and good, premium materials.
Good things about Mono Trusses:
- They’re cost-effective, often reducing material and labor costs.
- You’ve got flexible pitch options, so you can customize the slope to fit just what you need.
- They’re perfect for additions, making it easy to extend an existing structure.
Room-in-Attic (RIA) Trusses: Making Usable Space Up Top
Now, if you’re looking to really make the most of your space, room-in-attic trusses (we call them RIA trusses) are the way to go. These clever trusses are designed to create usable space right up there within your roof structure. So, whether you need extra storage space or even a bit of livable space like an office or a guest room, RIA trusses can make it happen.
These trusses are typically set at 2 feet on center to give them the best support. The actual size of the attic room you can get depends on a few things, like how wide your trusses are, what kind of snow load your area gets, and the floor loading requirements for what you plan to put up there.
What’s great about RIA trusses is that they maximize your space efficiency by adding valuable square footage without you having to make your building’s footprint any bigger. They offer multi-purpose use, allowing you to convert that attic into storage, an office, or, like I said, even a guest room if you finish it out right. Here at DIY Pole Barns, we’ll help you design RIA trusses that meet your specific needs while making sure everything is structurally sound and safe.
Benefits of Room-in-Attic Trusses:
- They maximize your space efficiency by adding usable square footage without making the building itself bigger on the ground.
- They offer multi-purpose use – great for storage, home offices, or even extra guest rooms.
- They have a durable design, engineered to handle both the roof loads and the live loads from people or storage safely.
Why Go With DIY Pole Barns?
At DIY Pole Barns, we’re really all about making your building project as simple and enjoyable as we can. We provide terrific materials, and that includes good, sturdy wood trusses, to make sure your pole barn stands strong for many years to come. Our kits always include detailed blueprints that make putting it all together straightforward, even if this is your first time tackling a big build like this. And with our easy-to-use online tools, like the Color Selector and our Instant Quote Tool, designing your pole barn has never been easier – or more fun, I reckon!
Ready to get started on that barn? Let’s build something amazing together!
Happy day,
Albert Barnwright
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