Common

• A common truss is one of the most widely used devices for framing a residential roof. This truss consists of multiple triangles arranged in a single plane; most roofs require a number of different units. The framing supports may extend through the entire truss, or the center may be left empty for use in framing a room. These room-in trusses are useful for creating attics with full-sized rooms inside, making it easy to quickly construct an attic on a home.
  
  

King Post

• The king post truss was one of the earliest truss designs, serving as a framing tool for early bridge builders. One of these trusses consists of a single beam positioned parallel to the ground, with two more beams forming a triangle above the base beam. Queen post trusses feature a similar design but offer a flattened top instead of a peak. Both truss designs can be used only in limited applications, because the base must be built from a single beam.
  
  

Gambrel

• Gambrel trusses feature a complex design made of many different triangles. Builders use these trusses to construct gambrel-style roofs, such as might be found on a barn. Hip trusses are similar but feature a flatter top that can be used to construct a hip roof.
  
  

Vaulted

• Vaulted trusses allow builders to create vaulted or cathedral ceilings within a home. A vaulted truss shares many characteristics with the common truss but features an inverted "V" along the support beam. The V may be positioned in the center of the truss or along one side, depending on the desired ceiling design. Some of these trusses may feature an inverted rectangle or square in place of a V, which allows the builder to quickly and easily erect a tray or coffered ceiling.
  
  

Flat

• Flat trusses consist of two parallel beams, which frame a series of structural triangles. These trusses can be used to build bridges, flat roofs or even floors. They come in many different designs to suit the aesthetic and structural needs of different types of applications. Residential models are typically made from wood; those used outdoors or in a commercial building often consist of steel or aluminum.