Truss Customizations That Save Time, Impress Clients, and Make You Look Good

When you order a truss package, it doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. There are numerous ways to customize your trusses, depending on how you want your building to look and function. At Truss Components of Washington, we work with contractors every day to tailor packages that match the build, not just structurally, but visually and practically too.

Roof Pitch: One of the Most Noticeable Features

The most basic place to start with customization is the roof pitch. The pitch changes the entire look of your building and influences how well your roof handles water and snow. Shallow slopes are common in drier climates, such as Arizona, California, or Texas, where tile roofs are popular. In areas with more snow or rain, a steeper pitch helps shed moisture and adds volume to the inside of the building. Sometimes this extra space can even be used as livable attic space.

Pitch customization is usually only limited by shipping and manufacturing, but even then, we have ways to work around it.

Interior Options: Vaulted, Tray, and Single-Slope Ceilings

Inside the building, one of the most requested features is a vaulted ceiling. Instead of a flat bottom chord, you can create volume and visual interest with a vault. The simplest version is a scissor truss, which has a centered peak. A common rule of thumb is that the vault pitch is half the roof pitch, but we can adjust that depending on the design.

You can also add a flat center to the ceiling, which works great if you plan to install lighting like chandeliers or ceiling fans. Tray ceilings are another popular choice. These begin flat, rise slightly, then flatten again near the center of the room. They can be built into the truss itself, but more often, they’re framed down from the trusses for a cost-effective way to achieve the look.

Sometimes, the vault is offset. This might be for a dramatic effect or to fit the room’s layout. Another option is a single-slope vault, where the ceiling slopes in one direction and stops at a vertical wall. When extended past an interior wall, this creates what’s called a plant ledge (a small, angled transition that adds architectural interest).

Exterior Features: Overhangs and Soffits

Overhangs are another area where customization can change both the look and performance of your roof. Most trusses have a rafter tail that extends beyond the exterior wall. That tail can be made longer or shorter depending on your design needs. A longer tail gives a broader overhang, while a shorter tail offers a tighter profile.

Another option is to cantilever the truss to create a flat soffit. This is a clean and modern look that many builders go for. The length of the cantilever can also be adjusted.

Choosing a Roof Style

The overall shape of your roof, also called the roof profile, has a major impact on curb appeal. A gable roof is the most common option, with two sloping sides and vertical ends. A hip roof slopes down on all four sides, creating a clean, symmetrical look. You’ll often see this on commercial buildings.

For something more rustic, a gambrel roof (barn style) gives your building a distinct profile. And for a modern, minimalist aesthetic, a low-slope “flat” roof can be used. These often extend beyond the walls and, in some cases, are used as a deck or outdoor living space.

Planning for Skylights and Tubes

Another customization to consider is adding openings in your roof, not to let water in, but to let light in. Skylights and Solatubes are popular additions, and the good news is they don’t require major changes to your trusses.

However, they do need to be planned ahead of time. We want to make sure there’s not a truss member directly under your skylight. As long as you let us know in advance, we can design around those openings so your truss layout supports your features without extra hassle on-site.

Final Thoughts

Customizing your truss package is one of the most satisfying ways to make your build feel intentional. Whether it’s the slope of the roof, the ceiling style inside, or small touches like skylight openings, each adjustment makes your structure more aligned with your vision.

If you’ve tried out any customizations we didn’t mention here, I’d love to hear about it. Drop your ideas or experiences in the comments.