Roof Truss Cost

How Much Does a Roof Truss Cost?

Are you searching for an idea of how much a roof truss will cost?

The average cost, including supply and installation, for a fink roof truss, based on a standard 3-bedroom house in the UK, is between £3,000 and £7,000.

Roof trusses offer an excellent way to support a roof structure. They are usually more cost-effective than traditional cut roofs. However, they are still a significant investment, so it’s essential to understand precisely what you're paying for and why.

The most significant factor influencing roof truss costs is the size and shape of your roof. The triangular structures of a roof truss offers support, helping to maintain the integrity of a roof and ultimately leading to a longer lifespan, making the investment worthwhile.

However, other factors also influence the price, such as whether you require a standard or custom-built truss. Additionally, costs vary depending on whether you opt for supply-only or supply-and-fit services, so be sure to consider this when comparing quotes.

The size and location of your property will impact the final cost of a trussed roof. Fink trusses are the most budget-friendly option, although they may not be suitable for every home, so it’s important to do your research first.

If you're looking for an attic truss, expect higher costs, as they're larger and require more materials. You'll also need to factor in additional costs associated with a roof truss, such as crane hire, installation, insulation, and roof coverings.

These key expenses will all impact your overall roofing budget. That said, a roof truss can add significant value to your home, even though it's difficult to generalise an average cost. For this reason, consulting with a roofing specialist is a smart move; they can help you explore the best options for your property.

By gathering as much information as possible upfront, you'll feel confident choosing a quote that fits your budget without compromising on quality.

To summarise, factors that influence the cost of a truss roof include:

• Truss design type
• Span in mm
• Pitch in degrees
• The quantity of trusses required

Roof Truss Supply Costs

The cost of your trussed roof will depend on a number of factors such as design, use of tiles, battens, and so on. The average supply cost is around £85 per m² of roof area, which will work out at around £4,680 for a 55m² build - not including labour and additional costs. Below, we’ve created 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 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 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 are applied to the roof truss. In the case of a fire, the treatment is designed to prevent the fire from spreading.

Roof Truss Labour Costs

The cost of labour will also need to be accounted for, which averages around £400 per day. So, if a roof truss takes a week to install, you can expect to pay £2,800 in addition to the cost of your truss.

The average daily rate for a roof truss labourer in the UK varies. You can expect to pay between £200 and £400 per day, depending on your location and the project's complexity.

There are also a number of factors that will dictate the final cost you’ll pay, including the type of trussed roof you choose, timber grades, site conditions, and so on.

For a fink truss, which is a prefabricated design, the work can typically be completed in two days. This means that you can expect to pay:

• £150 - £250 per day for labour (two workers will be required for a small house). Note that prices in London will be higher; homeowners can pay up to £600 per day for labour costs. Some labourers will charge by the hour; on average, this is £40 per hour for areas outside London.

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.
• If you have urgent delivery needs, it always costs more.
• How far away is the manufacturing site where the trusses are located from your property?

Additional Roof Truss Costs

In addition to the costs listed in the above section, there are specific scenarios where additional 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 £13,200 for a 55m² roof, with counter battens adding approximately £1,600.

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 £1,820 and £1,135 respectively.

Scaffolding and Lifting Equipment

Temporary roof supports, including scaffolding charged at about £20 per m² (approximately £1,100 for 55m²), along with lifting equipment hire for complex truss jobs costing between £200 and £600 per day, are essential for safe roof replacement.

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.

What's Involved in Installing a Roof Truss?

The work schedule would look like this:

• Day 1 - delivery of roof trusses, installation
• Day 2 - bracing work and adjustments

In cases where adverse weather affects the site of installation, the project may need to be delayed. So, timescales can and do alter in the UK.

For a more complex truss job, or one with high customisation, work can take up to a week to complete. This increases labour costs, and you can expect to pay significantly more.

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 2025, the cost of attic trusses for a standard three-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 roof trusses. The higher the grade of the timber is, the more expensive it is. Many homeowners opt for high-grade timber 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 commencing work on a roof truss, building control approval is required, as well as a sign-off from a structural engineer. Once you've got both, the work can commence.

Several regulations apply to roof trusses, as follows.

Structural Safety (Approved Document A)

Any roof truss in the UK must comply with the regulations outlined in Approved Document A, which governs the structural safety and stability of buildings. Since trussed 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 refers 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. Any roof truss within these types of properties must be protected with fire-resistant coverings or treatment. All multi-storey dwellings in the UK must also abide by this building regulation, as outlined in Approved Document B.

Bespoke Designs

When installing a bespoke roof truss design, engineering sign-off is crucial. Without it, you will be breaching building control approval regulations and may be required to reverse the alterations.

Roof Truss Planning Permission

Planning permission is not typically required for the installation of roof trusses. 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, properties located within designated areas, or if you are undertaking attic conversions.

Types of Roof Trusses

Roof trusses are available in a wide range of types, each offering a unique structure to transfer roof loads.

By understanding as much as possible about the different trusses, you can make an informed decision about which is best for your property. Whether you're converting an attic or planning a new build, here's what you should know about each roof truss design.

Fink Trusses

A fink roof truss is the most popular type of truss for standard, domestic pitched roofs. The 'w' shaped structures are durable, offering impressive strength.

You can expect to pay £35 - £55 per truss.

A fink truss is the most cost-effective truss design as it uses only a few materials to create a reliable structure. For anyone seeking an affordable truss, a fink truss is at the top of the list.

Since fink trusses are relatively quick to make and install, they're ideal for non-complex jobs. However, they're unsuitable for attic conversions.

Attic Trusses

Attic roof trusses provide support to the roof while allowing for the use of space. They're used a lot in contemporary design, especially for homes with an open living aesthetic.

You can expect to pay between £100 and £170 per attic truss for supply only, depending on the size, timber grade, and complexity of the design.

Attic roof trusses generally include wider spacing between posts to provide adequate space, as well as a bottom chord to support live loads. For any homeowner seeking to enhance the use of their upper floor, attic trusses are a wise choice.

Mono Trusses

Mono trusses, also known as mono-pitch trusses, slope in a single direction. They're ideal for any home with an extension, garage, or lean-to roof.

The price for mono trusses costs between £70 and £250. However, this price naturally varies depending on the type of timber you select, pitch, and size.

A mono truss is also a significant architectural feature, as it offers a contemporary design that can complement older properties nicely. One factor to be made aware of is that mono-roof trusses may require extra support on the higher wall.

Scissor Trusses

If you love the look of cathedral-style ceilings, a scissor truss is the perfect roof truss design for your home. Used to create vaulted ceilings, scissor trusses utilise internal chords which cross, forming a scissor-like shape. These trusses provide ample internal height and visual interest.

You can expect to pay between £180 and £500 for a batch of 5 scissor trusses, as they're a more complex type of truss.

With that said, the investment is undoubtedly worth it if you're seeking to create extra ceiling height while also achieving an attractive aesthetic.

Raised Tie Trusses

A raised tie roof truss is a variation of a standard truss that incorporates additional design elements. These trusses provide ample internal headroom as they lift the bottom tie beam higher.

Costing between £120 and £350 per truss, raised tie trusses are an excellent option for any property that wants to maximise ceiling height or create a vaulted ceiling design.

Alternative Types of Roof Structures

Although many people opt for a roof truss in modern roofing designs, there are alternatives to consider that can be more cost-effective and better suited to your property.

For example, cut roofs and structural insulated panels can be used in many bespoke roof designs to achieve similar finishes to those of the roof trusses listed above.

Structural Insulated Panels

Structural insulated panels offer an energy-efficient option for roof structures and are suited to eco-conscious self-builds. However, they're also used across a range of contemporary homes due to their ease of installation.

As the panels are manufactured in factories, consisting of insulating foam between two boards, they arrive on-site ready for installation. Homeowners who opt for structural insulated panels benefit from requiring less labour and a quicker turnaround in terms of job completion.

With all of this said, they are primarily considered less flexible when it comes to modifications.

Cut Roofs

Historically, cut roofs were the primary way of constructing a roof. In recent years, however, trussed roofing has become a popular alternative. With this said, cut roofs still serve as an option for many homeowners, and there are multiple benefits of a cut roof that you may not have considered before.

Cut roofs are manually cut, as the name suggests, and then shaped on-site directly. Cut roofs are suitable for a range of properties due to their customisation, durability, and overall appearance.

Since this type of roofing structure is cut to the exact size required, it also helps to reduce construction waste.

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.

Check Qualifications and Trade Memberships (e.g. TRADA, STA)

Every reputable roofing contractor should possess the necessary qualifications to undertake your roof truss job. As a basic requirement, ensure that they are a member of recognised industry bodies, including TRADA (Timber Research and Development Association) and/or STA (Structural Timber Association).

Ask for an Engineering Certification for Designs

A sign of a good contractor is a certification for designs. Your roof truss design should be calculated appropriately and accompanied by an engineering certificate.

Confirm Experience with your Roof Type

Experience is everything, especially in the construction industry. Be clear to discuss previous roof truss projects that the contractor has successfully delivered. You should also ensure that the contractor has experience working with the type of roofing structure you plan to install. Whether it's an attic truss or a new build, ask the essential questions as early on as possible.

Request Costs and Timescale details

The more information you have to hand, the better. Any trusted roof installer or contractor will confidently discuss costs with clarity and state a timeline they will follow. If you're uncertain, be sure to ask the questions early on to avoid any hidden fees or disruption.

Check Insurance and Warranty Coverage

The next essential step to take before choosing a contractor for your trussed roof job is to verify their 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.

Clarify Responsibilities for Delivery, Lifting Equipment, and Installation.

Lastly, it's helpful to clarify who is responsible for the various aspects of the project. For instance, lifting equipment, logistics for material delivery, and other related services.

Removing Old Roof Structures

In order 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 commence 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 commence.

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