Bespoke Oak Trusses: Decorative & Structural Roof Designs

For oak frame structures with an open ceiling design, decorative roof trusses are an eye catching and elegant finishing touch.

With the many benefits of oak including the interesting texture and warm colouration, a feature truss made of oak enhances any exposed ceiling design. All oak roof truss designs derive their strength from the inherent rigidity of triangular structures. Even the most complex roof trusses are formed from a series of interconnected triangles.

However, the ways in which these are combined can lead to some amazing and inventive results.

King Post Trusses

King post trusses are by far the most common British style and one of the most recognisable roof truss designs. In their simplest form, they consist of two principal rafters and a tie beam, connected with pegged mortice-and-tenon joints. A central king post then links the apex of the triangle to the centre of the tie beam. The design often includes two straight or curved diagonal braces for additional support.

Further posts and braces can be added symmetrically to create variations such as the Howe and Double Howe trusses.

Queen Post Trusses

Queen post trusses are similar but replace the central king post with two smaller posts running from the tie beam to the sloping rafters. Their overall strength is increased by a collar beam connecting the tops of the posts, creating an additional triangle within the structure. A top post and diagonal braces can also be added to further reinforce the truss and enhance its appearance.

Queen post trusses are particularly useful in attic spaces where access along the full length is required. The open rectangular space in the centre creates a clear passage from one end to the other.

Raised Tie Trusses

Raised Tie Trusses, sometimes known as Collar Trusses, do not have the traditional long tie beam connecting the base of the upper chord rafters. Instead, a shorter beam, known as a collar, is positioned further up the rafters. To help prevent the truss from spreading, the collar should generally be raised no more than one third of the way up the principal rafters. The king post and diagonal braces are then arranged in the same way as a King Post truss but are much shorter. However, Raised Tie Trusses are less structurally strong than traditional King Post trusses because they do not have a full tie beam at the base.

For particularly low-ceilinged rooms, an exposed ceiling and Collar Truss can significantly increase the sense of height and light.

Fink Trusses

Fink Trusses are a truss style that is more commonly associated with modern roof construction than traditional British oak-framed buildings and usually made in softwoods such as pine or spruce. Their defining feature is a series of internal diagonal members that usually form a distinctive ‘W’ shape within the truss, helping to distribute roof loads efficiently while using relatively little material. In oak framing, simpler or more decorative versions may be used, typically consisting of a tie beam, principal rafters and diagonal braces arranged from the apex down towards the beam.

Additional members can be introduced to create a more complex or decorative effect. Inverted Fink-style arrangements are also sometimes used in mono-pitch roof structures, where their triangulated form can provide strong support for a one-sided roof.

Scissor Trusses

The basic Scissor Truss design is named after its resemblance to an open pair of scissors, with two crossed diagonal beams. Some scissor trusses also have a king post. The space above can incorporate various combinations of posts and braces, to give styles such as the Howe Scissors or Modified Queen scissors. For a design such as an open ceiling in a living room this provides all the necessary strength with a more novel design.

Decorative oak trusses are not just a design feature. When properly specified, they form an important part of the roof structure, combining strength, craftsmanship and architectural character. Whether you prefer the traditional appearance of a King Post truss, the open practicality of a Queen Post, or the more contemporary feel of a Scissor design, the right truss should be chosen to suit both the building design and the structural requirements of the roof.

At Vestra Oak, every oak truss is made bespoke to your project. We can manufacture trusses to suit new builds, extensions, barns, garages, garden rooms and open-plan living spaces, working from your architect’s drawings or structural engineer’s specification. This ensures the finished truss is not only visually impressive, but also appropriate for the span, roof load and overall building design.

For structural roof trusses, it is important that the design is specified by a qualified architect or structural engineer. Oak is a natural material, so section sizes, jointing details and loads all need to be considered before manufacture. UK timber guidance also highlights the importance of strength grading and appropriate specification for structural timber, with TRADA providing technical information on timber strength grading and strength classes.

Most structural oak trusses are made from green oak, which is freshly sawn oak that has not yet fully dried. Green oak is widely used in traditional oak framing because it is easier to work with, suitable for large structural sections and develops natural character as it dries. Over time, it will shrink slightly, move and develop surface splits known as shakes. These are normal characteristics of green oak and are part of the appearance of traditional oak-framed buildings.

Seasoned oak, sometimes called air-dried oak, has been left to dry for a longer period before use. It contains less moisture than green oak, so it is generally more stable and less prone to movement after installation. However, large seasoned oak sections can be more expensive, harder to source and more difficult to machine. For this reason, green oak is often the preferred choice for bespoke structural oak trusses, especially where large beams and traditional joinery are required.

For any structural use, the oak should be suitable for the intended load-bearing application and specified to the correct grade or strength class. Your architect or structural engineer should confirm the required section sizes and structural performance before the trusses are manufactured.

Vestra Oak can supply bespoke oak trusses in kit form, making installation on site simpler and more efficient. Each truss is manufactured to suit the exact dimensions and design requirements of your project, with the main components prepared for assembly before delivery.

Supplying trusses in kit form offers several practical benefits. It can reduce transport costs, as the truss components are easier to handle than a fully assembled frame. It can also reduce site labour time, as the cutting of the joints and shaping of any curves has already been completed. For builders, architects and self-builders, this provides the advantage of a fully bespoke oak truss with a more straightforward installation process.

If you are planning an exposed oak roof structure, Vestra Oak can help turn your drawings or design ideas into a made-to-measure oak truss package. Contact Vestra Oak to discuss your project, confirm the right truss style for your space and request a bespoke quotation.