Truss Terms
The terms below are typically used to describe the various parts of a metal plate connected wood truss. The truss profile, span, heel height, overall height, overhang and web configuration depend on the specific design conditions and will vary by application.

Two basic Types of Trusses
The pitched or common truss is characterized by its triangular shape. It is most often used for roof constructions. Some common trusses are named according to their web configuration such as the king post, Fan, Fink or Howe truss. The chord size and web configuration are determined by span, load, and spacing. All truss designs are optimized to provide the most economical application.

The parallel chord or flat truss gets its name from having parallel top and bottom chords. This type is often used for floor construction.

Truss Configurations
The following examples represent some of the possible variations on the basic type of trusses. The only limit to the design is your imagination.