Scissor Truss Designs

Beautiful, interesting and often requested by our clients, the scissor truss is a complex and dynamic truss design. While definitely evoking a specific look and style, from an engineering standpoint, the Scissor Truss is not the most efficient truss style, unlike the most efficient King Post truss. So the Scissor Truss tends to be one of the more expensive trusses we work with at VTW. But if the look of the Scissor Truss is what you’re after, you can’t beat the dramatic aesthetic appeal and the height that the scissor truss adds to a space.

However, designing a Scissor Truss goes beyond the aesthetics, we also have to consider the structural engineering. This means the size of the beams based on the woods species, the span, roof pitch, and the job site location.

Scissor Truss Design with Purlins

Many times, as the design process evolves, we provide isometric drawings for the client to review. These drawings show the overall truss design and also show proportion and spacing.  Joinery can be detailed in the isometric drawing as well. The drawings often provide answers to client questions.

Scissor Truss

The Scissor Truss above was designed to be traditionally assembled with pegs that are cut flush. The decorative finials are an elegant touch to the design.

Sometimes, a Scissor Truss made of timber needs to be reinforced with steel. If that’s the case, and the client doesn’t like the look of steel, we can often hide the steel inside the timber. That way the aesthetics don’t get compromised and the building doesn’t fall down!

Scissor Truss Concept Isometric

If you do like steel, another cool idea for Scissor Trusses is steel bottom chords, which are shown in the isometric drawing above. Their appearance is lighter than timber, so opting for steel chords can make a space feel more open.

It’s good to have options for consideration.  Then you know the choice you make is suited best for you and your project.

Fort Harrison Pavilion

Above, is a rustic open pavilion frame that has Scissor Trusses reinforced with steel joinery plates (for people who do like the look of steel).

Below, is a Scissor Truss engineered for a great room.  The steel plate isn’t needed; it’s only added as a design detail.  

Scissor Truss in Red Oak

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If you like the truss designs above or have a timber frame question, you can contact a sales rep at [email protected] or submit a question on our Ask the Experts page. Interested in signing up for our newsletter? You can sign up here.

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