Truss or rafter?
| Truss | Rafter | |
|---|---|---|
| Made | Factory, engineered | Cut on site |
| Span | Long, no interior walls needed | Limited without ties and beams |
| Speed | Fast with a crane | Slower, skilled labor |
| Attic space | Limited by webs (except attic trusses) | Open and flexible |
| Cost | Often lower overall | Often lower for small roofs |
Which should you choose?
For most new homes and larger buildings, trusses win on speed and span. For small roofs, complex shapes or a vaulted ceiling, rafters can be better. Run the numbers with the rafter calculator and the gable truss calculator and compare.