About the steel roof truss
Steel trusses use light gauge or structural steel members instead of wood. They are straight, do not warp, resist rot and insects and can span farther for a given depth.
When to choose it
Choose steel for commercial buildings, workshops, long-span sheds and regions where termites or humidity are a concern. The cost is higher per unit, but you may need fewer trusses.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the building span and the length along the ridge.
- Pick the pitch (or switch to an exact angle) and set the eave overhang.
- Choose spacing, material, snow and wind loads. Results update as you type.
Select Steel Truss in the Material list to switch the lumber estimate to steel length.
Practical tips
The Material selector is preset to Steel here so the estimate uses a price per linear foot instead of board feet. Replace it with a supplier quote using the Your Price per Truss field.
Preliminary numbers only. Final truss design must be engineered and stamped for your local loads. See the engineering disclaimer.
Need a different figure? Try the span calculator, the cost calculator or compare options on the all truss types page.