Roof Truss Cost

How Much Does a Roof Truss Cost?

The average roof truss cost for supply and installation on a standard 3-bedroom home in the UK is around £5,500, though the total price varies depending on the type of truss, roof size, timber grade, and whether you need a standard or custom design.

Supply-only costs average around £85 per m², while labour typically adds £400 per day for a 2-person team. Additional costs such as scaffolding, delivery, and roof covering materials will also affect your overall budget.

Example Project Costs

The table below shows indicative total costs for different project types, including supply, labour, and delivery but excluding roof covering materials and scaffolding.

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Roof Truss Supply Costs

The cost of your truss roof will depend on a number of factors such as design, use of tiles, and battens. The average supply cost is around £85 per m² of roof area, which works out at around £4,700 for a 55m² build, not including labour and additional costs. Below is a table to help you determine suitable quotes for your project.

The cost of your roof trusses will depend mainly on the size and type you select. Generally, custom designs and engineered trusses come with higher price tags compared to standard options.

Timber Quality

Timber grade will have an impact on the cost of any roof truss. Higher-grade timber is more expensive to source and supply.

C16-graded timber is the most commonly used wood for domestic timber roof trusses and usually costs between £2.50 and £4.00 per metre. It's a reliable, budget-friendly choice suitable for a variety of building projects.

C24-graded timber typically costs between £4.50 and £6.00 per metre. It contains fewer knots, which gives it greater overall strength. Because of this, C24 timber is often the preferred option for more complex or demanding roofing designs.

Span

As with most structures, larger timber roof trusses typically result in higher material costs. Larger trusses require thicker timber sections and extra bracing to maintain stability. When working on a larger design, you can expect the price to increase accordingly.

Treatment

There is a range of roof truss treatments available that work to maximise the life of your new roofing structure.

• Preservative Treatment — Preservative treatments are applied to wood in a roof truss to protect the material from rot, wood-borne insect infestations, and fungal decay.
• Moisture Treatment — A moisture treatment is applied to a roof truss to prevent moisture from warping the wood. In humid climates, excess moisture in the atmosphere can cause serious issues, necessitating the repair of trusses.
• Fire-Retardant Treatment — For attic conversions, multi-storey properties, and other buildings, fire-retardant treatments can be specified for roof trusses. In the case of a fire, the treatment is designed to prevent the fire from spreading.

Roof Truss Labour Costs

Labour typically costs around £400 per day for a 2-person team, which is the minimum required for safe installation. For a standard fink truss job completed in 1 to 2 days, you can therefore expect to pay around £400 to £800 in labour. For larger or more complex roofs taking up to a week, labour costs could reach £2,800.

Rates vary depending on your location and the complexity of the project. In London, labour costs are notably higher. Homeowners can pay up to £600 per day for a 2-person team.

Roof Truss Delivery Costs

It's wise to consider delivery costs when comparing roof truss quotes in the UK. Based on averages, you should expect to pay between £100 and £600 for the delivery of a roof truss.

Of course, there are a few factors that will impact delivery costs, including:

• If there are any restrictions on accessing your property.
• The size of the trusses and the scope of your property.
• Whether crane offload is required.
• Urgent delivery, which always costs more.
• The distance between the truss manufacturing site and your property.

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Additional Roof Truss Costs

In addition to the costs listed in the above section, there are specific scenarios where additional roof truss costs will be incurred. This can include everything from site delivery to roofing materials and consultations with a roofing engineer.

Roof Covering Materials and Battens

Depending on your property type and size, roof covering materials such as clay plain tiles can cost around £13,000 for a 55m² roof, with counter battens adding approximately £1,600. See our guide to replacing roof tiles for a full breakdown.

Insulated Ceilings and Roof Features

If you require an insulated ceiling fixed to trusses, expect an additional £3,600.

Additional roof features such as closed eaves (fascias, soffits, guttering, wall plates) and gable features (rafters and bargeboards) can add £1,800 and £1,150 respectively.

Design Consultations and Site Waste Management

Expert advice for custom roof trusses typically costs between £250 and £750, while skip hire for waste removal is generally around £250 per skip.

Structural Engineer Fees

For most roof truss projects, a structural engineer will need to verify adequate support for the trusses before building control approval can be granted. Structural engineer costs typically range from £300 to £1,000 depending on the complexity of the design and the engineer's rate. This cost is sometimes included in the truss manufacturer's package. Always confirm this when requesting quotes.

Scaffolding Costs

Scaffolding is required for safe working at height and is often one of the larger hidden costs in a roof project. Expect to pay around £20 per m², or approximately £1,100 for a 55m² roof. For more detail, see our guide to scaffolding costs.

Crane Hire

Larger trusses, particularly attic trusses, may require a crane for offloading and positioning. Crane hire typically costs between £200 and £600 per day and is not always included in the installation quote, so it's worth confirming responsibility for this upfront.

What's Involved in Installing a Roof Truss?

Installing roof trusses is not a DIY job. Trusses are heavy, require specialist lifting equipment, and must be installed in line with building regulations. You should always hire a roofer or carpenter to carry out the work. Find a local roofer on MyJobQuote to get free, no-obligation quotes for your project.

Before the Job

• Truss Design Drawings — The truss manufacturer designs your trusses and provides the drawings required for building control approval, and the structural engineer verifies the available support.
• Off-Site Manufacture — Trusses are manufactured off-site to the specified dimensions, then scheduled for delivery — typically on a lorry with crane offload.
• Scaffolding Erection — Scaffolding is erected around the property before installation begins to ensure safe working at height.

During the Job

• Delivery and Positioning — Day 1 typically involves delivery of the trusses and the start of installation, with the structural framework lifted and positioned into place.
• Bracing and Fixing — Day 2 covers bracing, fixing, and any adjustments needed to ensure the roof structure is secure and level.
• Complex or Larger Roofs — More complex roofs — such as those using attic trusses or custom designs — can take up to a week. Adverse weather can also cause delays.

After the Job

• Building Control Inspection — A building control inspection is carried out to confirm the installation meets the relevant building regulations.
• Roof Covering Installation — Roof covering materials such as battens, felt, and tiles are then installed by a roofer once the truss structure has been signed off.
• Clear Up — Scaffolding is taken down, waste materials are removed via skip, and the site is cleared ready for the next stage of work.

Factors That Impact Roof Truss Prices

Many factors can influence the total price you will pay for roof trusses. For this reason, it's sensible to set aside extra money during the planning stage.

Roof Size and Complexity

For larger, more complex jobs, such as those with steep roof pitches and designs using special materials, you will pay more. As of 2026, the cost of attic trusses for a standard 3-bedroom new-build home is approximately £7,000 to £12,000, depending on the span, complexity, and supplier.

Type of Trusses Used

The types of roof trusses to be installed impact price the most. Attic trusses are on the higher end of the scale, whereas fink trusses are more affordable.

Custom vs Off-the-Shelf Design

If your project involves installing custom-made trusses, expect to pay a much higher fee than you would for off-the-shelf trusses. This is because more complex engineering is required alongside labour time.

Timber Grade and Treatment

Material choice plays a huge part in the price of timber roof trusses. The higher the grade of the timber is, the more expensive it is. Many homeowners opt for high-grade timber roof trusses to ensure durability and longevity.

Installation Complexity and Site Conditions

If your home is positioned in a remote area where the terrain is difficult, this could mean that you pay more for your roof truss project. Where access is limited, expect labourers to charge a higher daily rate.

Regional Labour and Delivery Rates

As with everything, where you're located matters. The regional cost of roof trusses in the UK varies to reflect the diverse economy and cost of living differences in urban vs rural areas.

Roof Truss Building Regulations

If your home is a listed building, there are strict limitations on how you can alter it, and you will need to obtain Listed Building Consent before making changes. You may be able to add or replace a roof truss provided that your design complements the existing historic character of the property. It is also essential to use materials similar to the original construction and respect the unique character of the building.

As with any construction work in the UK, complying with Building Regulations isn't just an option. It's a legal requirement. Regardless of whether you're constructing a new roof or repairing one that has reached the end of its life, compliance is key.

In most cases, roof trusses on new builds or like-for-like replacements don't need planning permission, but alterations to roof height or shape may require it.

With this said, strict standards are in place to ensure structural safety, stability, and load-bearing capacity, among other factors, when installing roof trusses.

Before starting work on a roof truss, building control approval is required for the planned work, with the structural engineer's calculations submitted as part of the application. Once approval from the building control body is received, the work can start.

Several regulations apply to roof trusses, as follows.

Structural Safety (Approved Document A)

Any roof truss in England must comply with the regulations outlined in Approved Document A, which governs the structural safety and stability of buildings. Wales has its own version, Scotland has the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004's technical handbooks, and Northern Ireland has Technical Booklets.

Since truss roofs bear loads, they must be able to support the weight of the roof covering itself, any insulation, and imposed loads.

When a defective roof truss is installed, there is a significant risk of instability, not only for the roof area but also for the entire building. In the long term, a building can even collapse due to a poorly designed roof truss.

Load-Bearing

It is essential that a roof truss can bear structural loads such as dead loads, which refer to the weight of the roof and truss, and additional weight. For instance, the weight of snow during adverse weather can be an extra 'load' that the trusses must support.

Fire Resistance

For attic conversions and apartments, it's crucial to ensure fire resistance. Roof-only trusses fall outside fire-resistance regulations, but all multi-storey dwellings in England must meet the required fire-resistance regulations to provide for adequate fire protection for the floor and escape route, as outlined in Approved Document B. Check with the building control body if you are unsure what's required.

Bespoke Designs

When installing a bespoke roof truss design, you need accurate structural engineer calculations submitted with your application, which has to be signed off by the building control body. Without the proper approval, any work completed will be non-compliant, and may need to be put right.

Roof Truss Planning Permission

Planning permission is not typically required for the installation of roof trusses, which means most loft conversions in England can be completed under permitted development.

However, there are certain circumstances where planning approval may be necessary. This includes cases where you plan to significantly alter the shape of the roof or for properties located within designated areas. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.

Types of Roof Trusses

There are several main types of roof truss, each suited to different roof designs and property requirements. The type of truss you need will depend on factors such as your roof shape, whether you want to use the loft space, and your budget. A structural engineer or truss manufacturer can advise on which option is best suited to your project.

Fink Trusses

• Typical Cost — £35 to £55 per truss (supply only).

The fink roof truss is the most common truss used in domestic new-build properties across the UK. Its 'W'-shaped internal structure makes it highly efficient with materials while still providing excellent load-bearing strength.

Pros

• ✔ Cheapest type of standard roof truss
• ✔ Uses small timber sections
• ✔ Quick to manufacture and install
• ✔ Widely available

Cons

• ✖ Not suitable for attic conversions or properties where loft storage or living space is needed.

Attic Trusses

• Typical Cost — £80 to £130 per truss (supply only), or £100 to £170 for larger or more complex designs.

Attic trusses are designed to support the roof while creating a clear, habitable space within the truss zone. They're a popular choice for new-build homes where a room in the roof is part of the original design, or as part of a loft conversion.

Pros

• ✔ Creates usable living or storage space within the roof.
• ✔ Wider post spacing allows for habitable room-in-roof layouts.

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than standard trusses due to larger timber sections and additional engineering required.

Mono Trusses

• Typical Cost — £30 to £50 per truss (supply only). Larger or custom mono trusses can reach £70 to £250.

Also known as mono-pitch trusses, these trussed rafters slope in a single direction. They're one of the more versatile options and are commonly used for single-storey extensions and garage roof replacements.

Pros

• ✔ Ideal for extensions, garages, and lean-to roofs.
• ✔ Offers a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Cons

• ✖ The higher wall may need extra structural support to handle the load transfer.

Scissor Trusses

• Typical Cost — £60 to £90 per truss (supply only). Expect £180 to £500 for a batch of 5.

Scissor trusses use internal chords that cross in a scissor-like formation, allowing for a raised ceiling line without increasing the external roof height. They're well suited to open-plan living spaces.

Pros

• ✔ Creates vaulted or cathedral-style ceilings with increased internal height
• ✔ Visually striking

Cons

• ✖ More complex to engineer and install than standard trusses, resulting in higher costs.

Raised Tie Trusses

• Typical Cost — £45 to £70 per truss (supply only). Raised tie trusses with larger spans can cost £120 to £350 per truss.

A raised tie truss lifts the bottom chord higher than a standard design, increasing the internal ceiling height. It's a popular option for rooms directly below the roofline where additional headroom is desirable.

Pros

• ✔ Provides more headroom than a standard fink truss.
• ✔ Cost-effective way to achieve a vaulted ceiling effect.

Cons

• ✖ Not suitable where full attic living space is required.
• ✖ Raised tie reduces some structural redundancy compared to a standard truss.

King Post Trusses

• Typical Cost — £150 to £300 per truss (supply only).

King post trusses use a single central vertical post connecting the apex to the base chord. They're often specified for their visual character in oak or hardwood as an architectural feature.

Pros

• ✔ Traditional appearance
• ✔ Suitable for exposed timber feature trusses in barns, garages, and open-plan spaces

Cons

• ✖ Higher cost than modern engineered trusses.
• ✖ Generally used for aesthetic or bespoke applications rather than standard domestic builds.

Alternative Types of Roof Structures

If a standard truss roof isn't right for your project, there are alternatives worth considering.

Traditional Cut Roofs

• Built on-site from individual timber rafters rather than prefabricated off-site, giving greater flexibility for complex or irregular roof shapes.
• Labour costs tend to be higher than for truss roofs, as each component is cut and fitted by hand — though material costs can be similar.
• A good option for older or listed properties where a bespoke design is required and the roof space needs to remain accessible.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

• Factory-made panels consisting of insulating foam sandwiched between 2 boards, which arrive on-site ready to install.
• Installation is faster than traditional cut roofs and requires less on-site labour, which can offset the higher material costs.
• Popular with eco-conscious self-builders due to high thermal performance, though they offer less flexibility for future structural modifications.

Checklist: Hiring Contractors for Roof Truss Installation

When planning to install a roof truss, choose your contractor carefully. To help, we've put together a handy checklist that you can follow below.

• Who is making your trusses? Check that your truss manufacturer is registered with the appropriate trade body by checking their Trussed Rafter Association membership.
• Can they provide an engineering certificate for the truss design? Your roof truss design should be calculated appropriately and accompanied by an engineering certificate.
• Do they have experience with your roof type? Ensure the contractor has experience with the type of roofing structure you plan to install, for example, an attic truss or a new build.
• Have you been given an itemised quote? Ask your roof installer for a full breakdown of the timeline and costs to avoid hidden fees or disruption.
• Do they have insurance and warranty coverage? The contractor should have public liability insurance and offer warranties for their work. If they don't, that's a major red flag.
• Who is responsible for delivery, lifting equipment, and installation? Clarify who is responsible for the various aspects of the project, including lifting equipment, logistics for material delivery, and other related services.
• Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read feedback from previous customers.

Removing Old Roof Structures

To carry out work, removing the old roofing structure is the first step. This process is labour-intensive and can take several days, depending on your property. For example, historic homes generally require a more in-depth initial assessment and safety preparation.

Here are the steps for removing an old roof:

• First, a structural engineer assesses the existing roof's condition. They will identify which walls are load-bearing and highlight the structural supports. Following this assessment stage, scaffolding will be erected, ready for work to start safely. Usually, temporary internal supports are also installed to ensure the building remains stable throughout the job.
• Next, the roof's tiles or other covering is removed and sent for disposal if being replaced. Any membrane underlay will also be taken off the roof to expose the beams.
• Once the existing timbers have been exposed, the removal process will begin. This involves removing and repairing roof joists, ridgeboards, and, of course, the rafters. During this stage, work must be carried out with great care to prevent damage to walls or ceilings.
• If structural damage is present, such as to the wall plates or masonry, repairs may be necessary. At this point, if pests are present or similar, the problem will need to be dealt with before new roof trusses are installed. This can add extra labour onto the timeline and cause delays as well as additional costs.
• The materials stripped from the roof should be disposed of responsibly via a skip. Following waste material disposal, the area needs to be cleaned up before work on the new truss can start.

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