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Timber Trusses Help Define the Space

Posted on Feb 22, 2019

Growing up, you likely heard it’s “what is on the inside” that matters most. Or maybe it was the more, colloquial version, “Never judge a book by its cover.” Regardless of which one sounds more familiar to you, timber frame home owners and craftsman alike embrace these truisms every day. This is because, (beautiful exteriors aside), each Riverbend owner and timber artisan knows that much of the astonishing beauty of these homes resides on the inside where the astonishing timber trusses stun. Timber framed interiors do more, however, than simply leave first-time visitors speechless.

Authentic timber frames support the interior of your home, and assist in defining your living spaces. Those who work in the craft of timber framing know that the interior space of these homes is first defined in terms of trusses and bents. This article details exactly what comprises trusses and bents, and what each adds to the architectural detail of a Riverbend home. It also shares examples of bents and trusses, both as individual elements of a timber frame skeleton, and as part of a timber frame home.

What is a Timber Truss? What is a Bent?

A truss is created when multiple timber members fit together. The members of a truss include rafters, king and/or queen posts, chords, collar ties, braces, and finials. This truss unit spans and supports your roof structure.

A bent is created when a truss is joined to the posts that connect the truss to the floor. Examples of standard truss styles are shown below, along with details explaining the appeal of each.

To watch a short video of how Riverbend assembles a timber frame bent, click here.

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King Post Truss

Utilizing the fewest amount of truss and bent members, a King Post truss system consists of a simple triangular shape with an intersecting piece in the middle. A King Post timber truss is Riverbend’s most beloved style. Its clean lines offer a cross-generational appeal and beautifully blend with more than one style of architecture.

king post truss with straight bottom chord in a great room
King Post Truss with a straight bottom chord in British Columbia

By arching the chord (the bottom member of the truss), our craftsmen create an entirely new feel to your home’s interior.

king post truss bowed bottom chord
King Post Truss with a bowed bottom chord in Alberta

The versatility of the King Post truss is well known. The two examples above are illustrative of the King Post’s adaptive style and ever-present beauty.

Queen Post Truss

Working from the basic elements of the King Post, the Queen Post timber truss offers more wood-to-wood connections. The combination of these connections and lovely bents creates a softer, and perhaps more refined, appearance to the vaulted ceiling of your Riverbend home. Additionally, more than one architectural style can easily incorporate Queen Posts, particularly if you prefer European or Craftsman home styles.

queen post style in a home by riverbend
Michigan residence showcasing a Queen Post Truss by Riverbend

Hammer Beam Truss

Also known as a Hammer Truss, clients who prefer a more modern feel often choose to incorporate Hammer Beam trusses. A unique feature of the Hammer Truss and Bent timber frame system is the bottom chord. This is because of its division into two separate chords. The resulting sharper more angled appearance also happens to be more architecturally inclined. A Hammer Beam truss can also incorporate braces, finials, or metal tie rods, to add intricate detail and structural strength to the structure. The intricate workmanship put into every cut and connection of a hammer beam truss is on elegant display in your home.

hammer beam timber trusses by riverbend
North Carolina residence with repeating hammer beam trusses

Scissor Truss

True to its moniker, the Scissor Truss’ composition is one of sharply steep angles. As a result, Scissor Trusses beautifully compliment vaulted ceilings on the inside of your home and deep eave overhangs on the outside. Repeating the Scissor Truss system throughout the length of your home’s interior gives the open spaces extra height. Designers and architects who are familiar with timber frames, enthuse that Scissor Trusses provide extraordinary character.

scissor style over a garage by riverbend
Iowa residence featuring a Scissor Truss over the garage

Barrel Truss

Reflecting the warm spirit that traditional timber framing exudes, the Barrel Truss uses smaller timber members. This subsequently creates a semi-circular opening. Whether used for structural purposes or added design, the Barrel Truss draws your eye upward making the open spaces of your home appear even larger. Barrel Trusses are known for bringing a graceful influence to a home’s architecture.

barrel truss by riverbend
A Barrel Truss in the master bedroom of an Idaho home

Custom Timber Truss and Bent Variations

Perhaps you’re not seeing the timber truss of your dreams. Or, maybe you’re interested in combining elements of multiple truss styles. We also do that for you. Variations of the traditional truss styles shown above can be used by your architect or our architectural designers. For example, trusses using a combination of King and Queen posts are popular. Custom trusses are not uncommon at Riverbend, and create unique interior spaces. See a Riverbend home in Missouri that features a one-of-a-kind truss.  You may also find inspiration in our Anatomy of a Timber Frame Home webinar. You can view the recording here.

A Final Note About Trusses and Bents

Timber species, depth, stain, and additional decorative carvings are also frequently paired with truss and bent systems. These fine touches add further unique characteristics to your home’s interior. Whether robust or elegant, complex or simple, a timber frame’s truss and bent sets the tone for your interior spaces. By working with your designer, or ours, you will discover the perfect truss style to reflect your distinct style. Riverbend Timber Framing, Your Style Reflected.


Need More Information?

Whether you’re looking for more information or would simply like to learn more about us and our services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please follow the link below to access our online form or call us at 888.486.2363 in the US or 888.999.4744 in Canada. We look forward to hearing from you.

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